Oakland still has crime issues but it has really rejuvenated in the last 10 years. The census data reflects this (we grew by 10%) but it is also getting much better in terms of amenities, restaurants and nightlife. For the first time I can remember I see younger people (mid 20s) out and about in the evening rather than trekking over the bridge to SF. It seems to have become the epicenter of dining innovation in the East Bay (taking that title from Berkeley) and is some ways competitive with SF now in terms of new restaurants. The San Francisco Chronicle reviews a large number of Oakland restaurants now (which I suspect is mostly due to the fact that their new restaurant critic likely can't afford to live in SF and lives in Oakland). Many neighborhood corridors are finally "happening" after previous false starts (the Laurel District being the most recent example).