$1,190,364Average Value$865Average 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
Michele Manzone,
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 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Albany, CA over the last 12 months is $1,280,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 1038 Ramona Avenue, a sweet Albany home set in the heart of it all, perfectly positioned between two worlds. Just steps from Marin School* and the beloved shops, cafes, and restaurants of Solano Avenue, including local favorites like Little Star Pizza, 5 Tacos and Beer, Zaytoon Mediterranean, and Oori Rice Triangles, this home also puts you minutes from the Gilman Street shops and the
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condominium in Bayside Commons, offering modern finishes, an exceptional location, and access to the highly acclaimed Albany School District. This light-filled home features an updated kitchen, remodeled bathrooms, fresh interior paint, engineered hardwood flooring throughout, in-unit laundry, and an open, functional floor plan. Step out
Huge Price Improvement! Highly sought-after top-floor end-unit 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers the perfect blend of space, style, and unbeatable Albany location. With 1,170 sq. ft. of light-filled living, this home delivers privacy, views, and everyday convenience in one of the East Bay’s most desirable communities. Enjoy an airy, open layout with updated luxury plank flooring throughout, a cozy
Bright and spacious plan A unit. Beautifully remodeled a few years ago and Ready for move-in. Large Primary BR w/ , large walk in closet and en suite bath; second BR w/ wall-to-wall closets with access to Balcony. Chef-ready kitchen boasts ample storage and counter space w/ full pantry and newer dishwasher. Enjoy the welcoming fireplace and summer evenings on the large outdoor balcony featuring
Calling all builders and developers!!!! Approved plans for 3 unit townhouse community in Berkeley!!! Stunning architecturally significant design featuring rooftop loggias, three bedrooms, 2 baths and is prepped to convert the garage areas to an ADU. Creative floorplans offer a Lot of space to spread out and create both a home and a home office if desired. Bring your builder and make these
Great location 764 Pierce St Albany 4 plex building is approx 2820 sq ft with a 5000 sq ft lot. The property features Two ( 2 ) One bedrooms and Two (2) bedrooms units. Each unit has own laundry rooms with hook ups. Tenants each have a parking space in the driveway It has a 2 car garage and large basement, which isn't used by tenants. 2 new garage doors has just been installed. Featured a shared
NEW PRICE! Welcome home to your amazing new views of the Bridges and the Bay! This beautifully upgraded 1bed/1bath located on the 5th floor has an amazing flow with the added French doors to the bedroom off the living room which creates an openness and flexibility that you don't find in other units. This one is a rare gem with open flow, granite counters, kitchen island, and a fabulous balcony
Why settle for a tiny home with small rooms? This spacious remodel home is permitted with 1654 sf, 4bedrooms, 2 baths, with new bolted foundation, sheared walled, breaker panel, flooring, and roof. Nice size game room & laundry room. Huge backyard with 2 bonus rooms of extra 193 sf for mini office, workshop, or sewing room. Lots of storage spaces in 2 attics and 2 crawl spaces. A few items still
Welcome to this charming Albany home, offering 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a versatile bonus room, not included in the square footage. Blending timeless character with modern comfort, this beautifully updated residence is filled with abundant natural light and features a thoughtfully designed open floor plan perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The spacious primary suite
Welcome to your private oasis in the prestigious gated Bayside Commons community, where comfort, convenience, and lifestyle come together in the heart of Albany. This beautifully updated, light-filled with 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers nearly 1,200 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, complete with a private balcony and an ideal split-bedroom layout for maximum privacy—perfect for
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.
Welcome to 1038 Ramona Avenue, a sweet Albany home set in the heart of it all, perfectly positioned between two worlds. Just steps from Marin School* and the beloved shops, cafes, and restaurants of Solano Avenue, including local favorites like Little Star Pizza, 5 Tacos and Beer, Zaytoon Mediterranean, and Oori Rice Triangles, this home also puts you minutes from the Gilman Street shops and the
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condominium in Bayside Commons, offering modern finishes, an exceptional location, and access to the highly acclaimed Albany School District. This light-filled home features an updated kitchen, remodeled bathrooms, fresh interior paint, engineered hardwood flooring throughout, in-unit laundry, and an open, functional floor plan. Step out
Charming 1928 Albany home on a 5,000-sf lot, offering 1,248 sq ft of main living space with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. The living room features a decorative fireplace and built-ins, with the kitchen flowing into the dining area for easy entertaining. Decorative details continue in the dining room, creating a warm, classic feel. The full basement adds usable space with separate rooms and an additional
CONTACT THE LEASING OFFICE TO SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY! Demand is HighMetro 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 are perfect for students and
Property Id: 2712422 Recently remodeled Private, quite unit in highly sought after Bayside Commons available as of July 1st. The unit has a completely remodeled kitchen with a newer large refrigerator. Washer and dryer is included. The complex has heated pool, hot tub, sauna, gym, clubhouse for rent, huge park size picnic area with Playhouse for kids, BBQ area, a full basketball court, lawn
The advertised rate of $3,755/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) and 2 day(s) stay with a move-in date of February 6, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed
Albany 2bedroom/1bath Single Family Home near Memorial ParkWithin walking distance to Solano Avenue, Memorial Park, Albany Aquatic Center, Albany High, BART station (~15 min walk)Newly painted inside and out2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom with shower over tubHardwood flooring throughout; tile flooring in kitchen and bathKitchen with breakfast nookOne car garage for a small car
One Bedroom/ one bathroom Single Family Home w/ Detached 1 Car Automatic Garage. Stove/oven, refrigerator & dishwasher. Hardwood floors except kitchen & bathroom. Fresh paint. Window coverings. Close to schools. No pets. No smoking. Sec. Dep. $2,400. One Year Lease.
Great Kensington one bedroom near Kensington Circle, Kensington Circus Pub, Farmer's Market, Semifreddis, Benchmark Pizzeria and also Berkeley/Solano Ave. Award-winning Kensington elementary school, small-town feel; not far from shopping, hiking trails, Tilden Park, UC Berkeley, downtown Oakland, San Francisco and BART.1 Bed1 BathSpacious living room/dining roomHardwood
$1,595 per month
Comfortable one bedroom unit, convenient location to shopping and transportation
1 bedroom apartment located on San Pablo Avenue. One year lease minimum. Walking distance to Sprouts, Whole Foods, Peets Coffee, Habit Burger, Tokyo Fish Market, restaurants, and to UC Berkeley bus line (across the street). Walk score is 88, and a bike score of 96!! Very convenient location, close to Solano Street restaurant and shops, close to freeway ramp to SF and North Berkeley BART
$7,800 per month
Fully Furnished Completely Renovated Home in Albany off of Solano Ave.
This stunning and impeccable fully furnished renovated Albany bungalow features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms spanning over 1,380 sqft of living space with an open floor plan, hardwood floors throughout, and abundant natural light. The home features a spacious living room with built-in bookshelves and media center, an updated gourmet modern kitchen with sleek light wood cabinetry, white quartz
This is a Fully Furnished unit with 2br, 2 bath and Bay Views is now abailable. It is one of the larger Condo's in the complex because the Balcony was enclosed and so the living space is expanded. Close to the Pacific East Mall, Solano Avenue shops and restaurants, public transportation and more. This condo is in the much-desired Albany School District. The unit includes 24-hour security,
This is a beautiful 1BR 1Bath Condo with a west facing view. You will have a view of the San Francisco Bary from your living room. Close to the Pacific East Mall, Solano Avenue shops and restaurants, public transportation and more. This condo is in the much-desired Albany School District. The unit includes 24-hour security, laundry room in the building, pool, gym and more. One parking space is
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