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West Berkeley

West Berkeley

Neighborhood in Berkeley, California

Alameda County 94702, 94710

$1,168,261 Average Value
$849 Average Price per Sq Ft
27 Homes For Sale

Berkeley’s hip and growing shoreline neighborhood

Situated along the East Bay shoreline, West Berkeley is a vibrant neighborhood spanning several city blocks with quaint homes, modern condos and a growing lifestyle scene. “There a lot of hip shops and restaurants in West Berkeley along Fourth Street, says Jodi Nishimura, a local realtor and founder of Kai Real Estate, a local firm brokered by eXp Realty. “There are also many beautiful parks along the coastline and lots of cute war-time bungalows in the neighborhood.” Once an industrial zone, changes through the late 20th century transformed West Berkeley into a residential urban neighborhood that continues to grow in appeal today. “Because it’s a more recently developed part of the city, you now have these cool commercial areas that bring in a younger crowd,” says Nishimura. “You still have your regular longtime residents and old-timers in the neighborhood, but recent turnover has brought more young professionals and families to West Berkeley.”

Walkable to trendy dining and shopping

West Berkeley’s urban setting allows residents to walk and bike to a variety of trendy stores and restaurants. The highly rated Café Leila, known for its whimsical garden-style patio, offers healthy breakfast and lunch items, from spinach and mushroom omelets to grilled salmon salad. Down the street is Fieldwork Brewing Company, offering over 30 craft beers on tap plus food items like Detroit-style pizza within a rustic meets industrial space. Whole Foods Market on Gilman Street is the neighborhood spot for grocery staples, although residents often head two miles south to the popular Berkeley Bowl West. First opened in the 1970s, this local independent supermarket moved to its newest location on Heinz Avenue in 2009. Area residents have raved about the grocery store for generations, praising its massive and diverse selection of produce, cheeses, breads, meats and wines.

Quaint bungalows and modern condominiums

West Berkeley’s extra-wide streetscapes feature narrowly paved sidewalks and sprinkles of medium-sized trees from ironwoods to buckeyes. Homes typically reside on small lots and are often adorned with quaint front exterior gardens. The neighborhood’s housing styles are primarily early 20th-century Craftsman homes and mid-century California bungalows. “During wartime, there were a lot of 1940s bungalows created for steel workers because of the steel mill that was here, so you’ve got a lot of these little houses in the neighborhood,” Nishimura says. Home prices vary widely, ranging from $465,000 to $750,000 for modern condos next to more commercial sectors and $800,0000 to $1.7 million for single-family homes.

Community events along Fourth Street

Residents can enjoy community gatherings throughout the year along lively Fourth Street, which runs through the neighborhood. Celebrate Earth Day is a big annual event here each spring, with live music from local performers and activities such as seed planting, pot decoration and face painting. In the fall, the annual Trick-or-Treat and Halloween Festival lets residents trick-or-treat along the shops of Fourth Street. The event concludes with family-fun activities, including art activities, a photo wall, a bubble show and live Halloween-themed music.

Integrated schools with strong athletics

West Berkeley students have a unique set-up for public elementary education. “An interesting thing to know about Berkeley is that the schools are integrated,” Nishimura says. This means that the local school district continues efforts to balance the racial and socio-economic composition at each of its elementary schools, more than 50 years after Berkeley became the first major school district to voluntarily adopt school integration plans through busing. The methods have changed since then, as families today are placed within zones and get to rank what schools they want to send their students to prior to placement. Elementary school options include Malcolm X Elementary, Washington Elementary, Oxford Elementary and Cragmont Elementary, which all get an A-score from Niche. Middle schoolers can attend the A-rated Willard Middle School, while high schoolers can attend the A-plus-rated Berkeley High School. The high school has strong athletics and visual and performing arts programs.

Multiple thoroughfares and Berkeley Caltrain station

The neighborhood sits between Interstate 580 on the west and Highway 123 to the east, making it easy for residents to travel and commute throughout Berkeley or into other prominent Bay Area cities. Local commuters opting for public transportation can walk to the Berkeley Caltrain station, conveniently located at the south tip of the neighborhood on University Avenue. For airline travel, West Berkeley is 16 miles north of the Oakland International Airport.

Lagoons and multi-use neighborhood parks

Close to the shore, residents can head to Aquatic Park, which features a narrow 67.7-acre lagoon for locals to boat out on. Its water is sourced from a mix of fresh stormwater and tidal water from the San Francisco Bay. A 30-acre park space surrounds the lagoon, offering more recreational opportunities such as walking and biking trails, picnicking, disk golf and the “Dream Land for Kids” playground. Near the center of West Berkeley is the popular San Pablo Park, a 13-acre space with playgrounds, ball fields, tennis courts and a community center. “San Pablo Park has become a real draw for a lot of people,” Nishimura says. “There are a lot of different activities that happen there.” A similar outdoor park, Strawberry Creek Park, sits on the neighborhood’s northern end. Children can play along its light-wooded natural playground, and residents can practice their skills at one of the site’s tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.
Britni Petersen
Written By
Britni Petersen
Anita Shin
Photography Contributed By
Anita Shin

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Westin Means, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Metro Oakland International

24 min drive

Bus

Ashby Av & Acton St

Bus

Dwight Way & 7th St

Bus

#725 Potter

Bus

University Av & 3rd St

Bus

Dwight Way & Bonar St

Bus

Dwight Way & Mabel St

Bus

San Pablo Av & Grayson St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime West Berkeley US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

West Berkeley Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$996,000
Median Sale Price
$1,200,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,185,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,274,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$799,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-10%
Last 12 months Home Sales
103
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$849

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,932
Number of Homes for Sale
27
Median Year Built
1924
Months of Supply
3.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,235
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,051
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,189
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
996
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jun 15
    2 - 4pm

    2514 Mathews St, Berkeley, CA 94702

    $2,350,000

    • 2,000 Sq Ft
    • 2514 Mathews St
    • New 9 days ago

    Two Houses on one Lot! Front house is a classic bungalow, gorgeously redone, new hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, new update bath, and tons of natural light. With two bedrooms, one bath, this is the nicely done bungalow you are have been looking for! Then a stunning, brand new ADU in the back. All located in West Berkeley! The rear home/ADU offers three bedrooms, two baths, a gorgeous

    Agent Photo
    Daniel Winkler
    Winkler Real Estate Group
    (341) 217-2428
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  • Sunday, Jun 15
    2 - 4pm

    2516 Mathews St, Berkeley, CA 94702

    $1,049,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,040 Sq Ft
    • 2516 Mathews St
    • New 25 days ago

    Transparent Price! Stunning renovation of a classic Berkeley Craftsman home with a covered entry porch, two bedrooms, one bath, gleaming new hardwood floors, tons of natural light, and a truly stunning kitchen! Lots of custom woodwork, new hardwood flooring, and high-quality gourmet kitchen appliances. Really cool designer lighting. Private rear yard is ideal for al-fresco outdoor dining and

    Agent Photo
    Daniel Winkler
    Winkler Real Estate Group
    (341) 209-5717
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  • Sunday, Jun 15
    2 - 4pm

    1226 Russell St, Berkeley, CA 94702

    $1,299,000

    • 6 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,088 Sq Ft
    • 1226 Russell St

    Welcome to 1226 Russell Street, a charming triplex nestled in the heart of South Berkeley. This delightful property offers a perfect blend of character and convenience, situated just one block from San Pablo Park and close to Berkeley Bowl, restaurants, shops, and public transit, this triplex offers both charm and accessibility. Whether you're an investor seeking a well-maintained property with

    Agent Photo
    Gohn Marie McFadden
    Compass
    (341) 888-7040
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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Westin Means, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
14,406
Median Age
41
Population Density
13 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$89,802
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,019

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.9%
College Graduates
58.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
26''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
75°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

77 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

33 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

52 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
West Berkeley