This apartment is just fine for anyone wanting to stay in a highly accessible, practical spot in a self-professed "gritty city." It's bright, clean, and has one of the most comfortable beds ever, and a shower that feels almost indulgent in the current water-conservation climate of California. It's super close to the MacArthur BART, coffee shops (Beauty's Bagels, Julie's Café), and walkable to the Temescal neighborhood (eat at FOB Kitchen! It was amazing!). Parking in the back lot is easy, though there was a slightly erratic driveway gate latch - the hosts were responsive when we let them know about it, so I trust they'll have that ironed out for future guests.
As the ad and other reviewers have said, it's an "emerging, urban environment" - use common sense and you'll be able to enjoy this place's central location for what it is. I suppose one might choose a walking route with some care, as many Oakland underpasses seem to have their own inhabitants - but honestly, safety was never a concern for us, nor should it be for anyone used to a city. During our stay, there was the occasional more rowdy/vocal neighborhood figure or two, but things were never unsafe or out of hand - some hollering, colorful vocabulary, that sort of thing. All in all, we appreciated being close to things, felt perfectly fine both in and out of the apartment, and loved the city and the chance to truly experience it from within.