maxwell park

A leafy enclave of painted bungalows and smaller two and 3 bedroom homes, Maxwell Park enjoys a strong sense of neighborhood pride. Residents are a blended group of long-time owners to young families to professionals who love the easy commute into downtown.

First developed in the 1920s, the area is filled with residences in Tudor, Spanish and traditional styles. Yards often have mature landscaping, and the atmosphere is friendly. There are frequent block parties, the mix is diverse, and houses avoid the cookie cutter effect. John Maxwell, the original developer, actually advertised the development with: “Every one of these houses is to be a distinctive product of its creator and will make MAXWELL PARK a place of beauty which any man, woman or child will be proud to call home.”

Maxwell Park is located in the foothills above High Street, with Interstate 580 to the east, and Brookdale Avenue to the west. 

The neighborhood is also unique by virtue of its association with Mills College, which is adjacent. The historic, and highly rated women’s college hosts a number of cultural events, and operates a school and summer camp. Residents are welcome to attend either.

The location is terrific for commuters and all the other amenities are close. For shopping or dining, Grand Lake, Laurel, and Montclair are all nearby, with some local shops within walkable distance. Maxwell Park - the park, that is, is well-known for its abundance of mosaic art. As a matter of fact, Maxwell Park’s venerable Neighborhood Council started the area-wide trend of mosaic trash cans - an appealing project that has spread beautifully throughout Oakland.