$1,205,519Average Value$741Average Price per Sq Ft29Homes For Sale
El Cerrito offers lower costs with access to all of the Bay Area
Meaning “Little Hill” in Spanish, El Cerrito is a fitting name for this Bay Area city that butts up against the San Pablo Ridge. The city of around 24,000 people started as a refuge for San Francisco residents after the 1906 earthquake and fire. In the over 100 years since, El Cerrito has grown into a Bay Area suburb known for lower housing costs and outdoor activity. “I guess the top of the list would be affordability,” says Jeff Weissman, a Realtor with Compass who has sold multiple homes here. “The El Cerrito Hills homes have wonderful views and are also close to open space just a bit east. There’s hiking, mountain biking, trail running, dog walking and those sorts of things.” While locals can spend their free time exploring the hills and parks, another main draw to El Cerrito is its proximity to other Bay Area cities. The average commute is about 30 minutes, typically to places like Oakland or San Francisco. With its location near Silicon Valley, tech is one of the largest employment sectors, although healthcare and education also make up a large chunk. Residents can easily commute throughout the region thanks to two nearby rapid transit stations and Interstate 80.
El Cerrito’s suburban neighborhoods balance access to urban amenities and the great outdoors.
You can amazing views from Hillside Natural Area.
El Cerrito is a beautiful town against the San Pablo Ridge and close proximity to Oakland or San Francisco.
With its location near Silicon Valley, tech is one of the largest employment sectors in El cerrito.
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Wildcat Canyon and Hillside Natural Area for recreation
El Cerrito has 16 parks covering 175 acres, including natural areas and developed parks. Hillside Natural Area is one of the highlights, with plenty of trails and open space for residents to explore. This green space contains native plants, oak trees and riparian environments. There are many more hiking trails in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park just east of the city. This expansive area covers nearly 2,800 acres and has a trailhead on Rifle Range Road. Other access points are at Tilden Nature Area in Berkeley or Alvarado Park in Richmond. Cerrito Vista Park is one of the largest developed green spaces in the city, with tennis courts, a baseball field and a soccer field, as well as picnic areas and a walking trail. It’s also the site of the annual 4th of July Festival, which includes live music, rides and food. The Berkeley Country Club is a private par-72 course in El Cerrito with a dining room and fitness center. The Hana Gardens Senior Center hosts several community events each year, like the winter Maker’s Faire with live music, treats and vendors.
Cerrito Vista Park is the perfect place to play soccer in El Cerrito.
Enjoy a brisk morning walk at Hillside Natural Area.
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park is a popular destination for local residents.
El Cerrito has excellent walking trails near the Memorial Grove.
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Midcentury-era homes throughout each El Cerrito neighborhood
Homes in El Cerrito are primarily from the middle of the 20th century and include cottages, bungalows, Craftsmans and Mediterranean styles. “It’s a great place to live, with its tree-lined streets,” says Jimmy Reina, a Realtor with Red Oak Realty who has sold several homes in the city. “The houses are mostly from the post-war period, and they get a little fancier as you go up into the hills.” The homes on the city’s hilly east side frequently have scenic views of San Francisco Bay or Golden Gate Bridge. The median cost of housing in El Cerrito is $1,175,000 and has not changed over the past year. That price is lower than nearby cities like San Francisco and Berkeley but higher than Oakland. Homes typically sell in 18 days, much faster than the national average of 44. “Inventory is still on the low side. Move-in ready homes sell for over asking with multiple offers, but opportunities are a little scarcer,” says Weissman.
El Cerrito has several newer homes getting built in the area, and many have million-dollar views.
20th-century bungalows are the most common home style in the flat part of El Cerrito.
El Cerrito homes enjoy amazing views while nestled close to each other on narrow streets.
The sloping, curvilinear streets in the hills are lined with single family homes in El Cerrito.
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Shopping and dining along San Pablo Avenue
San Pablo Avenue is the main commercial strip in the city, with a mix of chain stores and local restaurants. Los Moles Beer Garden serves authentic Mexican food and is known for its buffet with various mole options. New Dumpling is a small Chinese restaurant serving a menu of extensive dumpling options. Other businesses along San Pablo Avenue include local hardware stores, record shops and grocery stores like El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company. El Cerrito Plaza is a large shopping center with chain stores like Ross, Marshalls, Barnes & Noble and Trader Joe’s. The center also has a mix of chain restaurants ranging from coffee shops to seafood.
El Cerrito Plaza is a central shopping area for everyone in El Cerrito.
El Cerrito Natural Grocery is on San Pablo Ave and is in the middle of shopping for locals.
Les Moles Beer Garden has fresh, local ingredients for their dishes for El Cerrito residents.
Most locals in El Cerrito shop for groceries in the Lucky store.
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West Contra Costa Unified School District serves El Cerrito students
West Contra Costa Unified School District serves the city and receives a B-minus rating from Niche. The district has been around since 1965 and has nearly 26,000 students. It offers AP courses and college and career readiness resources. El Cerrito High School is in the city and has programs like an Information Technology Academy and a Media Academy. The school is also known for its award-winning band program.
El Cerrito High School is in the city and has programs like an Information Technology Academy and a Media Academy.
Educational opportunities abound at Madera Elementary School.
A view of the Fairmont Elementary School from the street.
Students are the highest priority at Invictus Academy of Richmond.
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I-580, I-80 and BART provide transportation options
Interstate 80 also passes through the city, leading north across the Bay to Vallejo or south into San Francisco. Nearby Interstate 580 provides a highway west across the Bay to San Rafael. Two Bay Area Rapid Transit stations in El Cerrito offer public transportation throughout the region. These stations are on the Orange and Red Lines, taking riders into San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose. AC Transit operates multiple bus routes in the area, connecting various points in the city and to nearby communities. San Francisco International Airport is about 25 miles away, while the closest hospital is Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center, about 4.5 miles away.
Interstate 80 also passes through El Cerrito, leading north across the Bay to Vallejo or south into San Francisco.
The El Cerrito BART offers great commute options for residents of the Richmond Annex.
San Francisco International Airport is about 25 miles away from El cerrito.
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Crime rates in El Cerrito
According to data from the El Cerrito Police Department, violent crime increased by 5% in 2023, while property crime decreased by 5%. Both types of crime have been down since 2019, which saw the highest crime in the past five years. Data from the FBI shows that the city’s violent crime rate is lower than the statewide and national averages, while the property crime rate is higher.
Risks of wildfire and earthquakes in El Cerrito
Due to its location near wilderness areas and the Hayward Fault, El Cerrito faces risks like wildfires, extreme heat and seismic activity. The city has a section of its general plan known as the Safety Element, which outlines policies and goals for addressing these hazards. It also has a brochure on its website covering wildfire preparedness and evacuations. Residents can sign up to receive alerts through the Contra Costa County Community Warning System.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Photography Contributed By
Marcell Puzsar
Video By
Victoria York
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brian Baniqued,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in El Cerrito, CA sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in El Cerrito, CA over the last 12 months is $1,180,000, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained single-story home nestled in one of El Cerrito’s most desirable neighborhoods. This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence offers approximately 884 square feet of comfortable living space on a 2,500-square-foot lot. Thoughtfully updated with modern touches while retaining its inviting character, the home is filled with abundant natural light that creates a
Have you been searching for a unicorn? A spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a primary en-suite, Bay views, a level yard, level-in living, and Madera Elementary zoning? Welcome to 6788 Glen Mawr—peacefully tucked away yet just a short stroll to BART. Set back from the street on a beautifully maintained 5,000-square-foot lot, the home welcomes you with a gently sloping approach and
Are you looking for a unique home with exceptional views? With Wildcat Canyon just across the street and the Berkeley Country Club bordering the backyard, this remarkable location offers a setting that's difficult to match. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features hardwood flooring throughout and a spacious kitchen overlooking a beautifully landscaped backyard framed by the lush fairways of the
Remarkable remodeled mid century modern view home. Enlarged open floor plan kitchen. Level out indoor out door living. Resort like swimming pool and spa, two car garage with interior access. Great workshop and wine room. Experience a home with harmonious design where retro charm and contemporary luxury coexist, All located on a quiet street in the El Cerrito Hills. Come home to the El Cerrito
6606 Hagen Blvd is a 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home in the El Cerrito Hills with over 2,530 square feet of living space. The lower level includes an in-law suite with a separate entrance; buyer to verify permitted uses. The kitchen is open to the main living area, with stainless steel appliances, a peninsula with seating, and a custom range hood. The primary bathroom has been updated with a double
Charming Fixer-Upper in Desirable Poinsett Park Neighborhood! Open Sat and Sun (9/12 and 9/13) 2pm to 4pm Bring your toolbelt and your imagination to this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering 1,671 square feet of potential in one of El Cerrito’s most sought-after pockets. Built in 1951, this solid single-family residence is a blank canvas ready for your personal touch, modern updates, or
Priced to sell, imagine building your dream home at 8421 Wildcat Dr, a rare nearly 20,000 sq ft hillside parcel, almost half an acre, with sweeping, unobstructed canyon and ridge views. This expansive lot offers the potential to design a stunning 4,000+ sq ft luxury residence, complete with dramatic indoor-outdoor living, floor-to-ceiling windows, and rear-facing decks capturing sunrise and
Nature lovers retreat! Surrounded by stunning canyon views and scenic trails, with nearby parks and golf course, this tri-level, end unit, 2-bedroom, 2 baths with 2 car garage townhome also features sunlit rooms with skylights, high ceilings, fireplace, front deck, and a perfectly sized rear fenced yard. The community also includes a fenced in pool and tennis court with picnic area. Enjoy El
A light fixer with plenty to love in one of El Cerrito’s most beloved neighborhoods. Set at the end of a small cul-de-sac, this single-level home stretches across its lot with a sense of privacy that’s hard to find around here. Original Mid-Century details remain throughout, including hardwood floors, vintage kitchen cabinetry, and decorative wood spindles. A two-car garage provides plenty of
Fixer-upper with foundation repairs needed. Looking for a contractor or weekend warriors. Conventional financing is ok! Value driven El Cerrito Hills opportunity with significant upside for the right buyer. Located in the desirable hills above El Cerrito, this multi level hillside property offers a flexible layout, great bay views. El Cerrito is known for its relative affordability compared to
Commuter's Dream –-----Huge Price Reduction to take Advantage of this End Unit Beautifully remodeled and move-in ready, this bright top-floor end-unit condo offers the perfect combination of comfort, privacy, and convenience. Ideally located within walking distance of BART, public transportation, shopping, dining, and everyday amenities, with easy access to UC Berkeley, San Francisco, and major
Ready to be amazed? This premier lot in the coveted El Cerrito Hills offers the perfect canvas to build your dream home, with breathtaking panoramic views stretching from Oakland across the San Francisco Bay to the ocean and iconic bridges. Boasting expansive frontage and exceptional curb appeal, the property provides unique vantage points from every corner. A private driveway ensures both
Welcome to 229 Ramona Ave in St Jerome’s, El Cerrito’s most coveted neighborhood, featuring quiet, tree-lined streets that offer seamless access to the best of the East Bay right on the Albany border. This large two-bedroom home offers fantastic versatility with a generous bonus space downstairs. You are right around the corner from Fairmount Ave and Kensington Circle, with fun local shops,
Welcome to 614 Norvell Street in the heart of El Cerrito. A stunning transformation of a classic 1918 farmhouse style home offering a wonderful blend of timeless character with modern comfort. This beautifully reimagined home was updated from the ground up in 2020 with a new foundation, roof, electrical, dual-pane windows, Lifetime flooring, tankless water heater, fixtures, appliances, skylights,
*TRANSPARENT PRICE- Custom Built hillside retreat with expansive views from every level.Custom Built hillside retreat with expansive views from every level. Welcome to 857 Balra Drive, perched in the coveted El Cerrito Hills. This newly renovated 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home spans three levels and 2,823 sqft of light-filled living, with each floor framing its own panoramic view of the Bay and
All renderings, 3D Tours, Walkthrough Video Tours, Matterport Tours, and other multimedia materials are provided for illustrative and reference purposes only. Renderings are an artist’s conception and may not accurately represent the actual features, materials, finishes, or layout of any specific unit. Actual units may vary in detail, design, and appearance. Features, dimensions, pricing, and
Mayfair Station features luxury Studio, 1 & 2 bedroom apartment homes. At Mayfair Station, ease and convenience are integrated into every aspect of our property. Now more than ever, we understand that life is on the go. That’s why we’ve designed an efficient home base, providing access to a plethora of transit options only steps away from your front door. Strategically located near downtown El
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
Civic Plaza Apartments is a charming garden style community providing 1 & 2 bedroom apartments in an ideal urban setting along revitalized San Pablo Avenue, in El Cerrito, CA. Situated a few blocks from Interstate 80, this location allows residents easy access to jobs, shopping, and services in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Oakland. Commute to San Francisco or other Bay Area destinations easily by
The advertised rate of $6,313/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 1, 2026. 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 upfront; it can be
El Cerrito Hills lower unit on quiet street just below Arlington Avenue. Parks nearby include Canyon Trail, Wildcat Canyon, Arlington and Tilden. Two blocks to tennis courts. Half-mile up from Del Norte BART. 15 minutes drive to UC Berkeley, or five minutes walk to Bus #7 to UCB. Gardening space, oak trees, song birds, 600 sq. ft. brick patio, 2000 sq. ft yard. Knotty pine living room, hardwood
$1,700 1 Bedroom Apartment1BR / 1Ba available 10/1/2026Quiet one-bedroom upstairs apartment in a four-plex located near the intersection of Carlson Blvd. and Central Ave. in El Cerrito. There is also an additional bonus room that can be used as a study. Full kitchen with an eating area large enough for a table and 4 chairs. Apartment is conveniently located in a pleasant neighborhood near
A $100,000 renovation was completed nineteen months ago on this spacious 2,157-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bath UNFURNISHED home in the El Cerrito Hills, featuring a distant Bay view. All new appliances, including a new refrigerator, a new stove, and a new washer and dryer set. The home has a new roof. The upper level has newly stained hardwood floors, two bedrooms, one bathroom, the living room
Delightful 2 Bed/ 1.5 Bath Bungalow located on a Spacious Lot in the El Cerrito Hills and it's features include:- Spacious Home With Seismic Retrofitting- Water/Mountain Views- Driveway For Parking- Spacious Backyard with Fruit Trees and Garden Beds - Big Picture Window & Dual Pane Windows - Gorgeous Oak Floors with Tons of Character. - Airy Living Room with Walls
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
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