For SaleSingle Family Home

$605,000

Sprawling Maxwell Park Bungalow with Large Backyard & Garage

3121 Monticello Avenue, Oakland, California 94619, United States

1925 bungalow offering hardwood floors, fireplace, and expansion potential

2

Beds

1

Baths

1,055

Sq Ft

1925

Built

0.14 acres

Lot

2-car attached

Garage

Expansive 0.14-acre backyard with French-door accessAttached 2-car garage — rare for neighborhoodOriginal hardwood floors and working fireplaceFormal dining room and indoor laundryZoned RD-1 with ADU/expansion potentialComparable sales support estimated value $580K–$630K

About This Home

This classic 1925 Maxwell Park bungalow announces itself with a welcoming façade and a surprise most buyers crave in Oakland: a deep, private backyard accessed through original French doors. Inside, 1,055 square feet unfold with hardwood floors underfoot, a formal dining room for family gatherings, and a living room anchored by a working fireplace that speaks to the home’s era and charm. The layout feels compact but comfortable — two bedrooms, one full bath, and convenient indoor laundry all on a single level.

The kitchen and service areas reflect the property’s “average” condition and offer room for thoughtful updates; with a flat roof and wall furnace heating plus a window cooling unit, this bungalow is ideal for buyers who want character now and value-add potential over time. A notable practical asset is the attached 2-car garage and driveway, rare for many Oakland parcels and valuable for storage, hobbies, or potential conversion planning.

Outside, the nearly 6,109 sq ft lot (0.14 acre) is the story’s headline: lawns, mature plantings, and sunny space that could host an expanded patio, raised beds, or an accessory dwelling unit — zoning (RD-1) allows for ADUs subject to permit. French doors frame the backyard as a natural extension of the living space, making outdoor entertaining effortless. The property’s level lot and standard residential frontage on Monticello Avenue simplify access and future improvement plans.

Located in Maxwell Park, the home sits moments from Maxwell Park itself and close to Laurel District shopping, Dimond Park, and quick access to High Street and I-580. The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets and steady appreciation have made this pocket desirable; comparable bungalows nearby have sold in the $580K–$630K range in recent months. Important due diligence items remain: verify roof and foundation condition, review electrical and plumbing for upgrades, and confirm lot lines before any expansion. For a buyer seeking a character-filled starter or an investor eyeing upside through renovation or an ADU, 3121 Monticello presents a compelling, flexible canvas.

Property Features

Interior Features

  • 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
  • Hardwood floors throughout primary living areas
  • Living room with functioning fireplace
  • Formal dining room
  • French doors opening to backyard
  • Indoor laundry
  • Window cooling unit
  • Wall furnace heating

Exterior & Lot

  • 0.14-acre lot (6,109 sq ft)
  • Expansive backyard with mature landscaping
  • Attached 2-car garage with driveway
  • Level topography, standard residential frontage
  • Flat roof (verify condition)
  • Potential space for ADU or expansion (zoned RD-1)

Location & Neighborhood

  • Maxwell Park neighborhood — tree-lined streets and community feel
  • Maxwell Park (0.3 mi)
  • Laurel District shopping (approx. 1.2 mi)
  • Dimond Park (approx. 1.5 mi)
  • Easy access to High Street and I-580 for commuting

Walkability & Recreation

  • Walkability Rating: 74/100 — Some errands can be done on foot
  • Nearby parks and green spaces: Maxwell Park, Dimond Park
  • Oakland Zoo (2.5 miles) and Chabot Space & Science Center (3 miles)
  • Local shopping and dining in the Laurel and Dimond corridors
  • Community recreation facilities and neighborhood greenways

Neighborhood

Maxwell Park is an established Oakland enclave known for mature trees, bungalow-style homes, and a strong community vibe. Residents enjoy quick trips to Maxwell Park itself, local cafes and shops in the Laurel District, and larger green spaces like Dimond Park and the Oakland Zoo. Commute options are straightforward via High Street and nearby I-580. The neighborhood blends quiet residential streets with easy access to shopping and recreation, attracting buyers who want neighborhood character plus practical conveniences.

Market Insights

Maxwell Park currently reads as a balanced market with a slight tilt toward sellers. Inventory sits at roughly 2.5 months, and the neighborhood’s average days on market is about 35 — transactions move steadily but without frenzy. Median sale price in the broader area is reported near $701,000, while recent comparable bungalow sales within a half-mile clustered between $580,000 and $630,000, supporting a fair market estimate around $605,000 for this property. One-year appreciation is modest (approximately 5%), while five-year appreciation has been strong (about 25%), reflecting ongoing demand for walkable, established Oakland neighborhoods. Single-family bungalows in Maxwell Park perform well relative to condos and multi-family units because of yard space and parking — both coveted features. Given limited inventory and steady buyer interest, now is a favorable time for sellers seeking to capture appreciation and for buyers who plan to renovate or add value through improvements or an accessory dwelling unit, but prudent buyers should account for potential update costs and obtain full inspections before purchase.

Nearby Schools

Skyline High School

High

6/10

Frick United Academy of Language

Middle

4/10

Allendale Elementary School

Elementary

5/10

Walkability & Recreation

74
Walkability
80
Recreation

Very good outdoor access: Maxwell Park is steps away, Dimond Park and the Oakland Zoo are within a few miles, and regional attractions like Chabot Space & Science Center are nearby — ample parks, trails, and recreation within a short drive.

Property Overview

3121 Monticello Avenue is a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom bungalow built in 1925 with 1,055 SF of living space on a 0.14-acre lot in Oakland's desirable Maxwell Park neighborhood. The property features hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace in the living room, French doors leading to an expansive backyard, and an attached 2-car garage. The home offers a comfortable layout with a formal dining room and indoor laundry facilities.

From a valuation perspective, comparable sales in Maxwell Park suggest a current fair market value of $580,000–$630,000, with a midpoint estimate of $605,000 ($573/SF). The property was last sold in 1996 for $12,500, indicating significant appreciation over the past three decades. The current assessed value of $149,503 appears substantially below market, which is common due to California's Proposition 13 limiting annual assessment increases.

Maxwell Park is a well-established neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and community-oriented atmosphere. The area has experienced a 25% increase in median home values since 2020, reflecting steady demand. The neighborhood offers convenient access to parks, shopping districts, and recreational facilities, including the Oakland Zoo and Dimond Park. The property's proximity to High Street and I-580 provides easy commuting options.

Overall, this property represents a solid investment opportunity in a stable neighborhood with potential for value appreciation. The expansive backyard and attached garage offer possibilities for expansion or customization. Key due diligence items include verifying the condition of the roof and foundation, assessing any needed updates to electrical and plumbing systems, and reviewing zoning regulations for potential additions or accessory dwelling units.

Investment Highlights

  • Expansive backyard offers potential for expansion or outdoor living enhancements
  • Maxwell Park neighborhood has seen 25% appreciation in home values over the past 5 years
  • Proximity to parks, shopping, and recreational facilities enhances lifestyle appeal
  • Attached 2-car garage provides secure parking and storage
  • Potential to add value through updates and renovations

Key Findings

  • Assessed value of $149,503 is significantly below estimated market value of $605,000
  • Zoned RD-1 allowing for single-family use with potential for accessory dwelling units
  • Comparable sales within 0.5 miles in the last 6 months range from $580K to $630K
  • Average days on market in Maxwell Park: 35 days
  • Property features include hardwood floors, fireplace, and French doors to backyard

Things to Consider

  • Built in 1925 — potential for aging infrastructure requiring updates
  • Schools in the area have average ratings, which may impact family buyer interest
  • Property may require cosmetic updates and maintenance
  • Limited recent sale history may affect appraisal comparisons

Opportunity Analysis

Charming bungalow in a stable Oakland neighborhood with significant appreciation potential. Expansive lot and existing features offer opportunities for value enhancement through updates and possible expansion.

Potential Use Scenarios

  • Consider cosmetic updates to enhance appeal and value
  • Explore potential for adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for rental income
  • Leverage the large backyard for outdoor living improvements
  • Monitor local market trends for optimal timing of resale or rental

Risk Factors

  • Potential for unforeseen maintenance issues due to age of property
  • Market fluctuations could impact short-term appreciation
  • School ratings may limit appeal to families with school-age children

Buyers should conduct independent due diligence before making any purchase decisions.

AI Valuation Estimate

Low

$580K

Midpoint

$605K

High

$630K

$573/SF estimated price per square foot

82% confidence

Sales comparison approach using 3 comparable sales within 0.5 miles sold in last 6 months. Adjusted for lot size, condition, and bedroom count. Assessed value of $149,503 appears significantly below market.

As of 2026-03-06

This is a computer-generated estimate for informational purposes only and is not an appraisal or professional valuation.

Market & Area Data

Market Trends

Area Median Price$701,000
Avg Days on Market35 days
Inventory2.5 months
1-Year Appreciation+5.0%

Demographics

Population (1 mi)25,000
Median Income (1 mi)$75,000

Maxwell Park median home values increased 25% from 2020-2025. Diverse community with strong local engagement. Walkability Rating estimate: 74/100.

Nearby Points of Interest

  • Maxwell Park (0.3 mi)
  • Oakland Zoo (2.5 mi)
  • Laurel District Shopping (1.2 mi)
  • Dimond Park (1.5 mi)
  • Chabot Space & Science Center (3 mi)

Close to parks, shopping districts, and recreational facilities. Easy access to High Street and I-580 for commuting.

School District

DistrictOakland Unified School District
ElementaryAllendale Elementary School (5/10)
MiddleFrick United Academy of Language (4/10)
HighSkyline High School (6/10)

Market data is based on aggregated public records and may not reflect real-time conditions.

Property Details

Building Details

Year Built1925
Constructionwood frame
Stories1
Roofflat
Heatingwall furnace
Coolingwindow unit
Basementnone
FireplaceYes
Conditionaverage

Lot & Site

Lot Size0.14 acres (6,109 SF)
Topographylevel
Parkingattached_garage
Parking Spaces2
FrontageStandard residential frontage on Monticello Avenue

Utilities

Waterpublic
Sewerpublic
ElectricPG&E
GasPG&E

Zoning & Land Use

Zoning CodeRD-1
DescriptionResidential Detached Unit
JurisdictionCity of Oakland

Allowed Uses

single familyaccessory dwelling unithome occupation
Current Useresidential
Assessor UseSingle Family Residential Homes Used as Such

Tax & Sale History

Tax Assessment

Total Assessed$149,503
Land$49,834
Improvements$99,669
Annual Tax (2025)$3,539

Sale History

1996-05-31$12,500

$12/SF

Arm's length transaction

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