Living Here

All of our sub-regions are great places in which to teach and live, each with its own unique benefits:

Oakland: Listed as number five by The New York Times in "The 45 Places to Go in 2012," Oakland is known for its social justice history, economic and cultural diversity, and strong sense of community. The Lake Merritt neighborhood sits at the center of the city, offering both a bustling commercial center and the eponymous sparkling lake, which is surrounded by a 5k walking trail perfect for an after school head-clearing jog or stroll. Many corps members, including those who teach in other sub-regions, live in Oakland for its convenient location and many charms.

Richmond: Corps members living in Richmond enjoy easy access to numerous outdoor recreational spaces, including the most-developed portions of the San Francisco Bay Trail. Neighborhoods such as Point Richmond, the Iron Triangle, and the Marina anchor Richmond’s rich history with WWII’s shipbuilding efforts. Today, the city is experiencing a dramatic educational revival that makes teaching in the community exhilarating.

San Francisco: No introduction is necessary for one of the top tourist destinations in the world. San Francisco is home to 36 distinct neighborhood districts within its 47 square miles. Many corps members teach and live in The Mission, the oldest neighborhood in the city. An eclectic community, The Mission is full of family-owned taquerias, thrift shops with artistic flair, and trendy restaurants. Public transportation is plentiful in San Francisco, where residents use MUNI, BART, and CalTrain to traverse the city and much of the Bay Area.  

San Jose: San Jose earned its nickname, The Capital of Silicon Valley, for its place in the booming technology industry. Tech workers from around the world come to San Jose to further their careers—39% of the city’s residents were born abroad—which means locals can participate daily in an international cultural exchange and enjoy delicious ethnic food in neighborhoods like Little Saigon. Due to a half-century of suburban sprawl, there is an abundance of apartment complexes in San Jose for corps members to choose from.