$1,147,158Average Value$897Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
Desirable Bay Area city with unusual origins
Home to a little more than 20,000 people, suburban Albany is a sought-after bayfront city that harbors a remarkable history. At the start of the 20th century, this area – then known as Ocean View – was used by the city of Berkeley as a massive dumping ground for excess garbage. Fed up with their community being treated like a landfill, the women of Ocean View armed themselves and confronted inbound Berkeley trash wagons, kickstarting a series of conflicts known as the “Garbage Wars.” In September 1908, locals were finally able to incorporate Ocean View as a city and passed legislation to prevent further dumping. Soon after its incorporation, the city was renamed Albany, and the community spent the following decades focused on revitalizing the land. Today, Albany is a vibrant Bay Area enclave with walkable shopping districts, scenic parks and highly rated schools. “The area is so desirable,” says Allen Cain, executive director of the local Solano Avenue Association. "It’s not just the schools and the businesses and the great yogurt places; it’s about the public safety. The streets are well-lit, and your kids can walk home from school alone."
Jogging is a common morning routine in Albany parks.
Dog-lovers end their day at Albany Beach.
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Homes with character and million-dollar price tags
Albany spans less than 2 square miles, so its residential streets are lined with densely packed homes exhibiting eclectic Craftsman-style and Mediterranean motifs. Lawn space is minimal, and although many homes have short driveways, residents also take advantage of the city’s free street parking. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are present on many properties; they’re becoming increasingly popular as homebuyers seek more affordable housing options. The median price of a home here is approximately $1.2 million; listings spend an average of 35 days on the market before being sold. Albany’s high housing costs are primarily attributed to the city’s public school system and East Bay location next to Berkeley.
Cherished memories built in this cozy Albany family home.
Albany is full of architectural houses and landscaping.
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A's all-around at Albany City Unified School District
The Albany City Unified School District is one of the town’s biggest draws. The district receives an overall A rating from Niche and includes three elementary schools, one middle and one high school. Families can also send younger children to Albany Children’s Center, the district’s preschool; all Albany City schools earn ratings of A or higher. At the A-plus-rated Albany High, students can take applied arts courses in partnership with the Contra Costa County Region Occupation Program.
Albany is also home to the University Village neighborhood, an off-campus residential community maintained by the University of California, Berkeley. The university’s main campus is situated in downtown Berkeley, only 3 miles from Albany. Part of the UC system, this research university is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s top public universities. Between 2023 and 2025, UC Berkeley was ranked the No. 1 public university in America by U.S. News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Center for World University Rankings.
Shaping futures at Albany High School.
Educational cornerstone Marin Elementary in Albany.
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Albany Bulb is a waterfront wonder
Albany has a total of 16 city parks with recreational amenities like athletic facilities, picnic areas, walking trails and playgrounds. What was once the community’s primary landfill site in the early 1900s has since been transformed into the Albany Bulb, a waterfront park and natural area spanning over 80 acres. Urban trailways in the area include a hiking trail at Albany Hill Park lined with towering eucalyptus trees and the Ohlone Greenway, a pedestrian walkway stretching from El Cerrito to Berkeley. Farther inland is the Tilden Regional Park, a well-known hiking destination with a 2,000-acre landscape including a botanical garden, golf course and a swimming lake. The city’s recreation department, public library and cable station are all in the Albany Community Center, which also offers event venues. Albany has a moderate Mediterranean climate, meaning residents can enjoy year-round outdoor recreation.
Joyful beach day with dogs at Albany Beach.
Get an adrenaline rush from high-speed cycling in Albany.
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Events, eateries and entertainment along Solano Avenue
Albany’s cardinal shopping destination is Solano Avenue, a bustling east-west street packed with small businesses, boutiques and local eateries. This principal corridor also hosts a jam-packed calendar of events organized by the Solano Avenue Association; one of the largest events is the annual Solano Avenue Stroll, a massive street festival that began in the 1970s. “It’s this huge kind of community event, and it wouldn’t be a community event without the community. Whoever you are, however much you make, you can come here and listen to bands, meet nonprofits and try new food, all for free,” Cain says. “Last year, it was over 100,000 people.” Additional shopping and dining options in Albany are located along San Pablo Avenue, a local thoroughfare with heavy motor vehicle traffic. Aside from Target and a couple of grocery stores, the closest big box retailers and national chains are in next-door Berkeley.
Come into Zaytoon and for a bite to eat or even a nice glass of wine.
Enjoy fine food and drinks at Zaytoon restaurant.
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Albany caters to commuters and pedestrians
Albany’s small size allows for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, including a city-wide network of biking paths and an abundance of sidewalks. Ohlone Greenway is a paved, pedestrian-only walkway through the middle of the city, passing by shopping areas, parks and community centers. Commuters can rely on local buses operated by the Alameda Contra-Costa Transit District, which connects with nearby BART stations in Berkeley and El Cerrito. Interstates 580 and 80 run through western Albany along the waterfront and connect to major cities like Oakland, 8 miles away. However, despite the short distance to places like Oakland, interstate traffic often causes longer driving times. Oakland International Airport is approximately 16 miles from Albany and has direct flights to dozens of cities in the United States.
Written By
Hayley Simms
Photography Contributed By
Jean Paul Toshiro
Video By
Tyler Belile
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Albany, CA sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Albany, CA over the last 12 months is $1,081,066, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Transparent Pricing! Completely reimagined from the studs up, 846 Adams delivers two turnkey residences steps from Solano Avenue. The 3bd/2ba main home features a designer kitchen with quartz countertops, decorative tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast bar that opens to a living room anchored by a black shiplap accent wall and linear electric fireplace. Both en-suite and
Lovely and light in highly desirable Albany, this classic home is bursting with charm and thoughtful modern updates. Lush front landscaping creates inviting curb appeal, while the warm, easy layout feels just right: a gracious living room with fireplace, formal dining room, and the heart of the home is the bright modern kitchen centered around a large island with seating, abundant counter space
Just steps from the charm of Kensington Circle and walking distance to the popular restaurants and cafés along Colusa Ave, this beautifully rebuilt 5-bedroom, 2-bath Spanish-style estate with a fully independent 800+ sq ft ADU offers a rare opportunity in the heart of Kensington, minutes from Berkeley. Rebuilt down to the studs by a renowned developer and completed with full county permits and
Quiet and well-proportioned 2-bed 2-bath unit conveniently located in the tranquil park-facing rear of the condo complex, on the ground floor near the building entrance -- ideal for easy access when moving or carrying groceries. Chef-ready kitchen boasts new paint and flooring, ample storage and counter space, as well as a new stove and refrigerator. Two bedrooms, each with generous closet space
Transparent Pricing! Completely reimagined from the studs up, 846 Adams delivers two turnkey residences steps from Solano Avenue. The 3bd/2ba main home features a designer kitchen with quartz countertops, decorative tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast bar that opens to a living room anchored by a black shiplap accent wall and linear electric fireplace. Both en-suite and
Enjoy panoramic Bay views from this beautifully updated second floor residence featuring an open concept layout and stylish modern finishes. The freshly refinished hardwood floors extend throughout the spacious living area, which flows seamlessly into a designer kitchen with quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and shaker cabinetry. Natural light pours through
Lovely and light in highly desirable Albany, this classic home is bursting with charm and thoughtful modern updates. Lush front landscaping creates inviting curb appeal, while the warm, easy layout feels just right: a gracious living room with fireplace, formal dining room, and the heart of the home is the bright modern kitchen centered around a large island with seating, abundant counter space
Just steps from the charm of Kensington Circle and walking distance to the popular restaurants and cafés along Colusa Ave, this beautifully rebuilt 5-bedroom, 2-bath Spanish-style estate with a fully independent 800+ sq ft ADU offers a rare opportunity in the heart of Kensington, minutes from Berkeley. Rebuilt down to the studs by a renowned developer and completed with full county permits and
Wake up to morning light streaming through oversized windows, with the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Tam greeting you in the distance. Evenings unfold over skyline views and dinner parties in the window-wrapped dining area—an effortless blend of cozy and cosmopolitan. The updated kitchen, complete with brand-new appliances and sleek countertops, flows seamlessly into bright, open spaces designed
Welcome to 1498 Sonoma Ave, your quintessential 2 BD, 2 BA Albany Craftsman in a phenomenal location. This home has been impeccably updated while still preserving its charm and original period details: abundant natural light, oversized windows, clever use of space, natural wood built-ins, beautiful landscaping, and comfort abound. The floor plan sees the cozy bedrooms and sleekly updated
Rare top-floor 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo perfectly located in the heart of coveted Albany. Steps from El Cerrito Plaza, BART, Trader Joe's, buses, restaurants, and few mins to Pacific East Mall, Costco, Sprouts, Targets, and top-rated Albany Schools (K-12). Truly walker's and Biker's Paradise! 2 secured garage parking spaces plus bonus storage space. 10 minutes drive to UC Berkeley.
This is a fabulous corner unit with spectacular bay views from every window! The original extended living room means approx 1150 sq. Ft of living space. Primary Bedroom has an extra window with a bay view. Lovingly restored with improvements to the bathrooms, kitchen, floors, cieling retextured and so much more. A must see: Gateview's most popular floor plan. Albany's highly acclaimed schools,
Experience elevated Albany living with sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge from this multi-level home on sought-after Albany Hill. Filled with natural light, the main level features hardwood floors, a classic wood-burning fireplace, and a warm, inviting living space that blends old-world charm with everyday comfort. A sunroom and backyard capture stunning city and water
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!! 96 Walkscore! 98 Bikescore! ALBANY, INCOME large 4+ bed/2bath main house built in the 20's & 4plex right next door built in the 40's on the same parcel. Main house has beautifully refinished hardwood and tile floors, & spa like bedroom. The house has been updated. The 4plex has (3) 2bedrooms & (1) 1bedroom units, 2 units have gorgeous fireplaces. 3 of the 4 units
Just steps from beloved Terrace Park and three blocks to Solano Avenue, this 1930 Mediterranean bungalow in Albany Terrace has been lovingly held by one family for nearly three decades. Natural light fills every room, flowing over refinished hardwood floors that ground the home with warmth and character. Two bedrooms line the main level alongside a renovated bath with floor-to-ceiling tile and a
Berkeley/Albany Boarder nice sunny large two bedroom 1 bath up stair apt. unit hardwood floor refrigerator gas stove oven dishwasher wall heater washer dryer walk to UC Berkeley stuff /Students Village Best Albany school and UC Berkeley bus to campus build just finish City Albany earthquake apt. build up grade job near City police station very safe area to living interested person
Albany , Unique, Over Garage, 2 Bedroom Apt. No Neighbors!!A rare opportunity to live in an apartment without neighbors above, below or adjacent to any walls. Apartment is over garages used for storage only. Rarely accessed.•Easy walk or bike to BART, EC Plaza, Trader Joe’s, Lucky's, Ross, CVS, See's Candy, •1/2 Block to Solano Avenue shopping, theater, restaurants, and AC
For rent is the front property of a duplex. Right in the middle of Albany, a stone's throw from Solano Ave., on a quiet street. Includes a shared basement with your own washer and dryer.2 bedroom/1 bath with wonderful light, shared backyard, driveway.Move in April 1, 2026.
CONTACT THE LEASING OFFICE TO SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY! Demand is High New Specials!! Metro 510 is a sophisticated community near BART and located in the middle of El Cerrito Plaza. Walk outside your door and find dozens of brand name stores, delicious restaurants, and a Trader Joe’s! Just a short drive away from Oakland, San Francisco, and Berkeley, our apartments in Oakland
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