A good neighborhood in Oakland for rental?

Hi Sheldon! 

Where UC Berkeley is located, the Oakland and Berkeley hills kind of intertwine, but the best (and closest) areas to Cal would be Rockridge or somewhere close to College Ave. College Ave runs from Oakland all the way into Berkeley, right past campus. Elmwood is a nice area too, but a bit pricey these days but I think your best bet would be to look somewhere on or off College Ave. 

neighborhoods near campus are safe and walkable.  Also Rockridge, a district in Oakland is very safe.  

First questions: what's your budget and what do you consider safe? Rentals around UC Berkeley are around $2600 for a 1 bedroom. Highest rates of burglaries and property assaults are around Cal ( that's where the money is) look at police reports. Street smarts are the most important skill to have. Neighborhoods to consider : central and south Berkeley, around campus, even Downtown Oakland. It's a great place- your daughter will have a great experience