Montevista | Oakland Cemeteries: Options Costs and Services
Oakland Cemeteries: Options Costs and Services
Oakland offers some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful and historic cemeteries, providing local burial options for East Bay families. Unlike San Francisco (which banned burials in 1900), Oakland maintains active cemeteries with available space, rich history, and stunning grounds.
This comprehensive guide helps Oakland and East Bay families understand local cemetery options, compare costs and services, and choose the right final resting place. From the historic grandeur of Mountain View Cemetery to the architectural beauty of Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland cemeteries serve all traditions and budgets.
Oakland’s Cemetery Advantages
Oakland families enjoy benefits unavailable in nearby San Francisco.
Local Burial Options
No Need to Travel to Colma: – Oakland has active cemeteries with available space – Funeral and burial in same city – Family can visit without long drives – Procession stays local
Historic and Beautiful Grounds: – Mountain View Cemetery (est. 1863) – Chapel of the Chimes (Julia Morgan architecture) – Mature landscaping and peaceful settings – Bay views and natural beauty
Accessibility
Convenient East Bay Location: – Central to Oakland neighborhoods – Easy access from Berkeley, Alameda, Hayward – BART and freeway accessible – Walkable from some Oakland neighborhoods
Cost-Effective
Oakland Cemetery Costs: – 20-40% less than San Francisco/Peninsula – Comparable to other East Bay cities – Range of options from affordable to premium
Mountain View Cemetery
Location: 5000 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland (Oakland Hills near Montclair) Established: 1863 Type: Historic, non-sectarian cemetery Size: 226 acres Status: National Register of Historic Places
History and Significance
Mountain View Cemetery stands as one of California’s most beautiful and historically significant cemeteries.
Founded 1863: – Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (designer of NYC’s Central Park) – environment cemetery movement (natural beauty, peaceful contemplation) – Reflects Oakland’s Victorian-era growth – Serves as both cemetery and arboretum
Notable Interments: – Oakland founding families – California business and civic leaders – Architects, artists, writers – Historic Oakland community members
Architectural and Natural Features: – Victorian-era monuments and mausoleums – Elaborate headstones and sculptures – Mature trees (redwoods, oaks, pines) – Rolling hills with San Francisco Bay views – Historic Millionaires’ Row (elaborate family plots) – Beautiful chapel building
Services and Options
Mountain View Cemetery offers comprehensive burial options.
Ground Burial: – Traditional in-ground burial plots – Various sections with different character – Upright monuments allowed (unlike some modern cemeteries) – Flat markers in designated sections – Family estates and multiple plots available
Sections: – Historic Areas: Elaborate Victorian monuments, mature landscaping – Garden Sections: Flat markers, uniform appearance, peaceful – Hillside Plots: Bay views, terraced landscaping – Family Estates: Multiple plots for families, custom monuments – Various Religious Sections: Catholic, Jewish, other denominations
Mausoleum: – Community mausoleums – Private family mausoleums – Indoor crypts – Weather-protected
Cremation Options: – Cremation niches (columbarium) – In-ground cremation burial – Scattering garden – Memorial walls
Pre-Planning: – Pre-need plot purchase – Payment plans available – Lock in current prices – Choose exact location
Mountain View Cemetery Costs
Ground Burial Plots: – Flat Marker Sections: $6,000-$10,000 – Upright Monument Sections: $8,000-$15,000 – Premium Hillside/View Plots: $12,000-$20,000 – Family Estates: Custom pricing
Opening and Closing: – $1,800-$2,800 (grave excavation, lowering device, refilling) – Weekend/holiday services additional
Grave Liner/Vault: – Required by cemetery – Concrete liner: $1,200-$1,800 – Vault (reinforced): $2,000-$3,500
Monuments/Markers: – Flat bronze marker: $1,500-$3,000 – Flat granite marker: $2,000-$3,500 – Upright monument (small): $3,000-$6,000 – Upright monument (large): $6,000-$15,000+ – Custom family monuments: $15,000-$50,000+ – Installation: $400-$800
Total Ground Burial Cost: – Budget (flat marker): $9,500-$16,000 – Mid-range (upright monument): $14,000-$22,000 – Premium (view location, elaborate monument): $22,000-$40,000+
Mausoleum Crypts: – Indoor crypts: $10,000-$20,000 – Outdoor crypts: $8,000-$15,000 – Premium locations (eye-level): $15,000-$25,000 – Companion crypts (two): $18,000-$35,000
Cremation Options: – Columbarium niches: $2,500-$5,500 – In-ground cremation plot: $2,000-$4,000 – Cremation burial (with opening/closing and marker): $3,500-$7,000 – Scattering garden: $800-$2,000
Perpetual Care: – Included in all plot purchases – Ensures long-term grounds maintenance – Endowment fund protects cemetery future
Why Oakland Families Choose Mountain View
Historic Beauty: – One of California’s most beautiful cemeteries – environment architecture by Frederick Law Olmsted – Mature trees and stunning grounds – Peaceful, park-like atmosphere
Local Oakland Cemetery: – No need to travel to Colma – East Bay location convenient for visiting – Part of Oakland history and community
Comprehensive Options: – Ground burial, mausoleum, cremation – Various sections for different preferences – Upright monuments allowed (unlike some modern cemeteries) – Family estates available
Professional Management: – Well-maintained grounds – Professional staff – Perpetual care ensures future beauty
Bay Views: – Stunning views of San Francisco Bay from hillside plots – Natural beauty throughout grounds
Contact: 510-658-2588 | www.mountainviewcemetery.org
Chapel of the Chimes
Location: 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland (near Montclair border) Established: 1909 Type: Columbarium and funeral home complex Architecture: Designed by Julia Morgan (renowned California architect)
Architectural Masterpiece
Chapel of the Chimes is recognized nationally for extraordinary architecture.
Julia Morgan Design: – Renowned California architect (Hearst Castle) – Mediterranean and Byzantine influences – Stunning columned halls and courtyards – Natural light and peaceful atmosphere – Art and craftsmanship throughout
Awards and Recognition: – American Institute of Architects honors – Historic landmark status – Featured in architecture publications – Visitors come to see architecture alone
Features: – Multiple columbarium halls – Peaceful indoor and outdoor courtyards – Water features and gardens – Stained glass and artwork – Contemplative spaces
Services
Chapel of the Chimes specializes in cremation services.
Columbarium: – Indoor cremation niches – Various hall locations – Single and companion niches – Glass-front niches (urn visible) – Bronze-front niches (more private)
Scattering Garden: – Outdoor garden for ash scattering – Memorial plaques available – Peaceful landscaped area
Memorial Walls: – Commemorative plaques for those scattered elsewhere – Indoor and outdoor options
Funeral Home: – On-site mortuary services – Cremation facilities – Memorial service chapel – Reception areas – Complete funeral arrangements
Chapel of the Chimes Costs
Columbarium Niches: – Single niches: $3,000-$5,000 – Companion niches (two urns): $5,000-$8,000 – Premium locations: $6,000-$10,000 – Inurnment fee: $350-$600 – Inscription: $300-$500
Total Niche Cost: $3,500-$11,000
Scattering Garden: – Scattering rights: $1,000-$2,500 – Memorial plaque: $400-$800
Memorial Walls: – Plaque only (scattered elsewhere): $500-$1,500
Cremation Services: – Full-service funeral home on-site – Direct cremation packages available – Memorial services in chapel
Why Families Choose Chapel of the Chimes
Architectural Beauty: – Stunning Julia Morgan design – Beautiful, contemplative spaces – Art and craftsmanship
Indoor Environment: – Year-round comfortable visiting – Protection from weather – Peaceful, quiet atmosphere
Comprehensive Cremation Services: – Funeral home and columbarium in one location – Complete services from arrangements to inurnment – Beautiful setting for memorial services
Oakland Location: – Convenient East Bay access – Local to Oakland residents
Historic Significance: – Architectural landmark – Cultural and historic value
Contact: 510-654-0123 | www.chapelofthechimes.com
Other Oakland Cemetery Options
Evergreen Cemetery
Location: East Oakland Type: Historic cemetery Established: 1800s
Features: – Traditional cemetery – Serves diverse Oakland communities – Historic East Oakland location – More affordable than Mountain View
Services: – Ground burial – Various sections – Perpetual care
Pricing: – Generally more budget-friendly – Contact for current availability and rates
Saint Mary’s Cemetery (Oakland)
Location: East Oakland Denomination: Roman Catholic Services: Ground burial for baptized Catholics
Features: – Catholic symbols and traditions – Religious environment – Peaceful grounds
Requirements: – Proof of Catholic baptism typically required – Catholic funeral rites expected
Pricing: – Mid-range for Oakland – Contact: Archdiocese of Oakland or cemetery directly
For Specific Faith Communities
Jewish Families: – Typically use Colma cemeteries (Hills of Eternity, Home of Peace) – 15-20 miles from Oakland, 25-35 minutes – Jewish cemetery traditions and requirements
Muslim Families: – Some Bay Area cemeteries have Muslim sections – Contact Islamic Society of East Bay for guidance – Burial facing Mecca, within 24 hours when possible
Chinese/Asian Families: – Some choose Colma’s Chinese Cemetery – Golden Gate Funeral Home can advise – Mountain View and Chapel of the Chimes welcome all
Comparing Oakland Cemetery Costs
Understanding full costs helps budgeting.
Ground Burial Total Costs
Budget Option (Evergreen or basic Mountain View section): – Plot: $6,000-$8,000 – Opening/closing: $1,800-$2,200 – Liner: $1,200-$1,800 – Flat marker: $1,500-$3,000 – Total: $10,500-$15,000
Mid-Range (Mountain View with upright monument): – Plot: $9,000-$13,000 – Opening/closing: $2,000-$2,600 – Vault: $2,000-$2,800 – Upright monument: $4,000-$7,000 – Total: $17,000-$25,400
Premium (Mountain View hillside/Bay views): – Plot: $14,000-$20,000 – Opening/closing: $2,400-$2,800 – Premium vault: $2,800-$3,500 – Large monument: $7,000-$12,000 – Total: $26,200-$38,300
Mausoleum Costs
Chapel of the Chimes or Mountain View: – Crypt: $8,000-$25,000 – Entombment fee: $1,500-$2,500 – Marker: $500-$1,500 – Total: $10,000-$29,000
Cremation Costs
Columbarium (Chapel of the Chimes or Mountain View): – Niche: $2,500-$8,000 – Inurnment: $350-$600 – Inscription: $300-$500 – Total: $3,150-$9,100
In-Ground Cremation Burial (Mountain View): – Cremation plot: $2,000-$4,000 – Opening/closing: $500-$800 – Marker: $1,000-$2,500 – Total: $3,500-$7,300
Scattering Garden: – Rights: $800-$2,500 – Plaque (optional): $400-$800 – Total: $800-$3,300
Oakland vs. Bay Area Cemetery Costs
Oakland Ground Burial: $10,500-$25,000 (typical) San Francisco (Colma): $14,000-$35,000 (30-40% higher) Peninsula: $15,000-$30,000 (35-50% higher) South Bay: $12,000-$25,000 (15-25% higher) Livermore/Tri-Valley: $9,000-$18,000 (10-25% lower)
Oakland Advantage: Quality historic cemeteries at reasonable East Bay pricing
Cemetery Selection Factors
Location and Accessibility
Proximity: – How far will family travel for visits? – Convenient to Oakland neighborhoods? – BART or freeway accessible?
Mountain View Cemetery: – Oakland Hills location – Piedmont Avenue access – Parking available
Chapel of the Chimes: – Near Montclair border – Easy freeway access – Ample parking
Religious and Cultural Considerations
Non-sectarian (Mountain View, Chapel of the Chimes): – Welcome all faiths and traditions – No religious requirements – Flexible monument and decoration policies
Catholic (Saint Mary’s): – Catholic religious environment – Baptism proof required – Catholic symbols throughout
Jewish: – Typically choose Colma cemeteries – Proper Jewish burial practices – Rabbinical oversight
Atmosphere and Beauty
Historic Beauty (Mountain View): – Victorian architecture and monuments – Mature trees and landscaping – Park-like atmosphere – Bay views
Architectural Beauty (Chapel of the Chimes): – Julia Morgan masterpiece – Indoor contemplative spaces – Art and craftsmanship
Services and Amenities
Consider: – Chapel for services? – Restrooms and visitor facilities? – Benches and shade? – Water for flowers? – Hours and access?
Pre-Planning Advantages
Price Protection: – Oakland cemetery costs rise 3-5% annually – Pre-purchase locks in current prices – Save $2,000-$6,000+ over 10-20 years
Location Selection: – Choose exact plot while variety available – Time to compare sections – No pressure during grief
Family Relief: – Wishes clearly documented – Difficult decisions handled in advance – Payment completed before need
Alternative: Monte Vista Memorial Gardens
Location: Livermore (30 minutes from Oakland via I-580)
Oakland families choosing Monte Vista cite:
Cost Savings: – 20-30% less than some Oakland options – Transparent, fair pricing
Burial Plot Availability: – Cemetery with burial plots for in-ground and cremation burial – Our team can help coordinate funeral and cremation arrangements
Peaceful Setting: – Open grounds in the Livermore area – Accessible 30 minutes from Oakland via I-580
Cultural Inclusivity: – Serves all Oakland communities with respect – African-American, Latino, Asian, Muslim, Jewish, LGBTQ+ families welcomed – Authentic cultural competence
Services: – Ground burial: $4,500-$7,500 – Cremation burial plots: $2,000-$4,000 – Veterans coordination with honors – Green burial options
Distance: 30-35 minutes from Oakland via I-580
Contact: 510-299-1174
Making Your Cemetery Decision
Visit in Person: – Walk the grounds at Mountain View – Tour Chapel of the Chimes architecture – Assess beauty and maintenance – Visualize family visiting
Ask Questions: – What’s the total cost (itemized)? – What does perpetual care cover? – Monument restrictions and policies? – Decoration and visiting rules? – Can I select exact plot location? – Payment and financing options?
Consider Long-Term: – Who will visit over coming years? – Location accessibility as you age? – Cemetery’s long-term stability?
Trust Your Feelings: – Which cemetery feels right? – Where do you see family visiting peacefully? – Cultural and religious fit?
Oakland’s Cemetery Heritage
Oakland’s cemeteries offer East Bay families beautiful, historic, and accessible options for honoring loved ones. From Mountain View Cemetery’s environment architecture to Chapel of the Chimes’ stunning design, Oakland provides local burial without the need to travel to Colma or distant locations.
Whether you choose historic Mountain View, architectural Chapel of the Chimes, or an alternative like Monte Vista in nearby Livermore, Oakland families have excellent cemetery options serving all traditions and budgets.
Monte Vista Memorial Gardens welcomes Oakland families seeking East Bay burial options and coordinated services. Our convenient Livermore location, burial plot availability, and cultural inclusivity make us a trusted choice for families throughout the East Bay.
Call 510-299-1174 to learn about cemetery options, compare burial plot pricing, or discuss pre-planning. We’re here to answer questions and provide information without pressure.