$1,198,122Average Value$877Average Price per Sq Ft24Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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 27 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 $1,300,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Elevated Living, Thoughtfully Updated Condo. Set on the 11th floor, this hillside-facing condo is a hidden gem of the complex, offering a rare combination of comfort, light, and calm. The kitchen and both bathrooms have been updated in a sleek, contemporary style, including an extra-deep primary suite tub for long soaks to melt away the stress of the day. With wood floors throughout, this home is
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
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
REDUCED!! 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
Welcome to this beautifully reimagined Albany home, thoughtfully updated to blend everyday comfort with modern living. Filled with natural light, the main home offers an inviting open-concept layout where the living, dining, and kitchen areas flow seamlessly together. A separate family room offers wonderful flexibility as a guest room or potential third bedroom, while a private office provides a
MASSIVE 4,000 sq ft home that’s PERFECT for a HUGE family – or – rent out rooms, or apartments, and cover most of your mortgage payments. This would also be a fantastic place for a Non-Profit to supply much-needed shelter in a high-income neighborhood. Exceptional, move-in ready condition – this home has newer windows, flooring, paint, kitchens, bathrooms and more ... currently setup as 4
Welcome to this top-floor, two-bedroom, two-bath condominium at Bayside Commons with Bay views. Large windows and vaulted ceilings give the home an open and bright feel, while the wood-burning fireplace adds warmth to the spacious living and dining areas. Both bedrooms are generously sized, offering plenty of room and flexibility. The primary bedroom features a private bath and direct access to
Light, bright, and full of charm, this Albany home offers the kind of easy living that makes you want to stay for a while. With 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a versatile bonus room not included in the listed square footage, there is more to discover than meets the eye. Natural light fills the open living and dining spaces, flowing into an updated kitchen that is equally suited for quiet
An incredible opportunity to own in Albany for under $400,000! Perfectly positioned for buyers seeking an updated, low-maintenance home with convenient access to San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland. This stylish 1-bedroom Condo combines location, views and value. Step inside and you'll immediately notice the natural light, refinished hardwood floors and incredible panoramic outlook stretching
Welcome to 555 Pierce St #522, a beautifully maintained 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo in Albany’s highly sought-after Gateview Condominiums. The moment you step inside, it’s easy to see what makes this home special—the views. Step out onto your private balcony and take in sweeping Bay Area scenery, including the San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Golden Gate and surrounding landscape, creating an
This is an auction Spacious 2-Bedroom, 2-Bath Albany Condo with Garage Parking in Gated Community!! Welcome to 535 Pierce Street, Unit 1216, Albany, CA 94706a spacious two-bedroom, two-bath condominium offering approximately 1,170 square feet of living space. Built in 1988, this home features a practical floor plan, one assigned garage parking space, and the added security and convenience of a
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
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: 2873368 This is a newly remodeled unit with Luxury Vinyl flooring, freshly painted throughout, walk shower in one bath and tub in another. New Stove and dishwasher and washer. In-unit washer and dryer. Too many amenities to list. Heated pool, gym, sauna, hot tub, tennis court, basketball court, park size picnic area, high speed Internet and cable TV all paid for You have to see
Property Id: 2798908 This two-bedroom at 555 Pierce Street gives you nearly 1,200 square feet and a layout that feels open without wasting space. Two full bathrooms mean no morning bottleneck, and the corner position typically translates to better light and fewer shared walls. The kitchen comes equipped with a dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, refrigerator, and stove. Wall
Charming and private garden cottage in Westbrae neighborhood in North Berkeley- $2300 month. A beautifully remodeled, free standing garden cottage with spacious private deck, mature landscaping and all the charm of Westbrae. Tucked away in one of Berkeley's most desirable neighborhoods this charming 350 square foot detached cottage ADU offers a rare combination of privacy, character, and
Property Id: 325568 Newly Remodeled Modern 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath Condo at the Gateview Complex Completely renovated from top to bottom and finished in July 2020 Waiting for the perfect tenant to call it home! The condo has one of the best balcony views you could ever ask for... overlooking the beautiful city of San Francisco across the Bay! Brand new cabinets, quartz
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
Light & Bright level in, 1 step to this lower level unit in a 4 plex. Very spacious 2-bedroom 1 bath unit. Newer Vinyl wood like flooring throughout. Newer gas stove & refrigerator. Community laundry room coin operated. 1 parking space in shared garage, with storage locker. There is a space on driveway to park in front of the designated garage space. Available now, 1 year lease, no pets, Close to
1023 Washington Avenue, AlbanyCharming Updated 1BR/1BA | Approx. 600 SF | Private Deck | Shared Yard | Garage + Driveway Parking | Exclusive In-Garage Private Laundry | Pets OK, Cats and Dogs under 40lbs$2,650/MonthJUST a few BLOCKS FROM SOLANO AVENUE!Welcome home to this charming and spacious upper-level Albany flat, ideally located just a few blocks from the shops, restaurants,
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.
Welcome to this comfortable 1-bedroom home in a convenient El Cerrito location near El Cerrito Plaza. Enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, BART, public transportation, and major commuter routes—perfect for convenient everyday living. AMENITIES INCLUDE •1 bedroom •Convenient El Cerrito location •Near El Cerrito Plaza •Easy access to BART and public transportation
This is a very nice 2br 2ba condo with a unique remodel. Faciing the east where you can see all the foliage on Albany hill, this is a very peaceful location on the 15th floor. This location has so much to offer. Close to the 99 Rach Market, public transportation, The Albany bulb, the Pierce St. Park, and Solano Avenue shops. There is a Swimming Pool, Sauna, Gym, and tennis cours. 24 hour
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
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
