Understanding the 94617 ZIP Code: Oakland, CA

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the 94617 ZIP code. Located within the vibrant city of Oakland, California, this specific postal code serves a unique purpose. Unlike standard geographical ZIP codes that cover residential streets or business districts, 94617 is designated primarily for Post Office Boxes. Understanding the specifics of this ZIP code is essential for mail delivery, location identification, and gaining insight into the services available in this part of Oakland. Join us as we delve into the details of the 94617 ZIP code area.

Location Overview: 94617 ZIP Code

The 94617 ZIP code is situated entirely within Oakland, a major city in Alameda County, California, directly across the bay from San Francisco. Oakland is known for its diverse culture, rich history, busy port, and beautiful natural surroundings, including Lake Merritt and the Redwood Regional Park. While the 94617 ZIP code itself is designated for PO Boxes, meaning it doesn’t correspond to a specific neighborhood block, it’s centrally managed within Oakland’s postal system. This means individuals and businesses using a PO Box with this ZIP code likely interact with postal facilities located conveniently within the city. The table below provides precise details associated with the 94617 ZIP code.

Nearby Areas and Landmarks in Oakland

Although the 94617 ZIP code is specific to PO Boxes, users of these boxes live, work, and play in the surrounding Oakland areas. Oakland offers a wealth of attractions and important landmarks accessible to anyone utilizing services within the city, including those associated with the 94617 ZIP code. Some notable nearby points of interest include:

• Lake Merritt: A unique tidal lagoon in the heart of Oakland, popular for walking, jogging, boating, and bird watching.
• Jack London Square: A vibrant waterfront area offering dining, entertainment, shopping, and ferry services.
• Downtown Oakland: The central business district featuring historic architecture, theaters like the Paramount and Fox Oakland, and numerous businesses.
• Oakland Museum of California (OMCA): Showcasing the art, history, and natural sciences of California.
• Redwood Regional Park: Part of the East Bay Regional Park District, offering stunning groves of coast redwoods and hiking trails.
• Uptown Oakland: Known for its lively nightlife, art galleries, and diverse culinary scene.
• Chinatown: One of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States, bustling with markets, restaurants, and cultural events.

Infrastructure Highlights Around 94617 ZIP Code

The broader Oakland area, encompassing the service region relevant to the 94617 ZIP code, boasts significant infrastructure supporting its residents and businesses.

• Transportation: Oakland is a major transportation hub. It includes the Port of Oakland (one of the busiest container ports in the US), Oakland International Airport (OAK), extensive Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and AC Transit bus services, Amtrak train services, and easy access to major freeways like I-880, I-580, and I-980.
• Education: The city hosts various educational institutions, including parts of the Peralta Community College District (Laney College, Merritt College). While not directly within Oakland, the renowned University of California, Berkeley, is located just adjacent in the neighboring city of Berkeley. Numerous public and private K-12 schools serve the wider Oakland community.
• Healthcare: Oakland offers robust healthcare services, anchored by major facilities like Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center (part of Sutter Health), and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Various clinics and specialized medical practices are spread throughout the city.
• Business and Economy: Oakland has a diverse economy with strengths in shipping, healthcare, technology, food service, and green energy. Major employers include Kaiser Permanente, the Port of Oakland, Clorox, and Southwest Airlines (operational base at OAK). The city actively fosters small businesses and startups, particularly in its downtown and uptown districts.

FAQs about 94617 ZIP Code

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the 94617 ZIP code:

• What city and county does the 94617 ZIP code belong to?
  The 94617 ZIP code is located in the city of Oakland, which is in Alameda County, California.
• Is 94617 a standard residential or business ZIP code?
  No, 94617 is designated specifically for Post Office (PO) Boxes. It does not cover geographical delivery routes for homes or businesses.
• What is the primary purpose of the 94617 ZIP code?
  Its primary purpose is to facilitate the sorting and delivery of mail addressed to PO Boxes located at specific postal facilities within Oakland.
• Can I find houses or apartments within the 94617 ZIP code?
  No, since it’s a PO Box-only ZIP code, there are no residential addresses directly associated with 94617. People or businesses using a 94617 PO Box address reside or operate in other Oakland ZIP codes or surrounding areas.

In summary, the 94617 ZIP code serves a vital function within Oakland’s postal infrastructure by providing dedicated PO Box services. While it doesn’t define a specific neighborhood, it’s an integral part of the dynamic and diverse city of Oakland, CA, offering convenient mail solutions for individuals and businesses operating in the area. Understanding its unique nature as a PO Box code clarifies its role within the broader context of Alameda County.