Monterey Market

Neighborhoods: Berkeley

Berkeley is a relatively small urban enclave, with a diverse range of neighborhoods, yet its college town sensibility is the common characteristic that unites the city into one, interesting and exciting, place to make a home.

Of course, Berkeley is famous (infamous) for the heady days of the Free Speech Movement at the University of California, but these days its best known as a haven for epicurean delights which started in the North Berkeley neighborhood known as the “gourmet ghetto.” This is the home of nationally acclaimed Chez Panisse Restaurant, Peets Coffee and Tea, and the Cheese Board collective. Many other restaurants and cafes abound in the neighborhood as well as clothing and eye glass boutiques.

Other shopping districts include Solano Avenue, downtown, Fourth Street, San Pablo Avenue, with pockets of upscale shops, and the Elmwood.

From the glorious bay views seen from the hills and its wooded hillside retreats, to the charming Victorians and bungalows in the “flats” and the stately old homes of the Elmwood, Berkeley’s distinct neighborhoods include: Thousand Oaks, Cragmont, Park Hills, North Berkeley, Northbrae, Westbrae, the Elmwood, Claremont, and Ocean View. No matter which neighborhood catches your fancy, all offer unique family homes. Some are distinguished by their winding streets and, stunning bay views. Other are close to neighborhood shopping districts tucked along the tree-lined streets.

Berkeley boasts numerous neighborhood parks, wonderful walking paths that straddle the hills, and at its easternmost boundary, Tilden Regional park, which offers a respite from city life. Many Berkeley homes are notable for their singular architectural styles, some of which were designed by the architects Bernard Maybeck, John Hudson Thomas, and Julia Morgan.

City of Berkeley web site
Berkeley Unified School District
Solano Avenue Association