Help with deciding if moving to Oakland from San Francisco is the right thing for us?

My Wife and I currently live in SF (Mission District). The Mrs. Works in East Bay and drives a lot to and from for work. Myself, I work downtown SF. We currently have a 1 bedroom with an office in the Mission and are thinking about having children. We are considering to move to Oakland (20th and Market) because it is central between our work places and is twice the size of our current one and the same price. It also has gated area and a garage. This place has everything that we want in an apartment but we do not feel 100% about the area yet. Its like a really nice building surrounded by a not as nice area with warehouses and run down homes. We just need help with our thought process in determining what is important. Its not like we have to move immediately or have to move at all for that matter. It would just be nice to:

A .Not park on the street.

B. Not have to carry dirty laundry 2 blocks every week.

C. Have an actual bedroom (not modified office) for an incoming child.

D. Be closer to her work.

E Pay same price as current place or cheaper



Further East of Oakland is not an option. Did that once.

Cannot afford more than 1800/month for rent.Help with deciding if moving to Oakland from San Francisco is the right thing for us?
Think about the children's needs: Childcare, parks, schools, libraries, STREET SAFETY (crime), ability to learn and practice a second language in SF.

BART is available whichever side you decide to go.

I'm afraid to go to Oakland anymore.Help with deciding if moving to Oakland from San Francisco is the right thing for us?
The weather is better and the people are friendlier. You should check out what is happening on

Grand Avenue and Lakeshore Avenue. No need to go much East than Lake Merritt.Re; crime:

the OPD takes crimes against the "gentrifying crowd" ver seriously.Help with deciding if moving to Oakland from San Francisco is the right thing for us?
You can find plenty of apartments for less than $1800 in the E. Bay. Have you considered Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Pinole, Fremont, San Lorenzo? You can take the BART.Help with deciding if moving to Oakland from San Francisco is the right thing for us?
You could/should try to weigh your options. If you really care about safety and crime rate, you may want to possibly reconsider or at least think it over. I highly recommend thinking about SAFETY if you are considering having children eventually. Having the convenience of nearby work is nice, but sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry. If you are trying to find somewhere near East Bay, you could try Maxwell Park, Laurel, Montclair, etc. I suggest going to a real estate website for renting apartments and enter a zip code (that you think is safe) and a price range. I hope I provided some help...