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North Berkeley

North Berkeley

Neighborhood in Berkeley, California

Alameda County 94703, 94709

$1,475,881 Average Value
$905 Average Price per Sq Ft
16 Homes For Sale

"Culture, proximity and nature all baked in"

It doesn’t get more eclectic than the established neighborhood of North Berkeley. While its attractive collection of homes speaks to its history, the bohemian heart of the city beats along a commercial corridor that is home to a landmark restaurant, the oldest art cooperative west of the Mississippi and an array of independent businesses. Residents of the Alameda County neighborhood enjoy a convenient location less than 15 miles from San Francisco, next door to the greenery of Berkeley Hills and minutes from the open spaces of Contra Costa County. “It’s a great place with culture, proximity and nature all baked in,” says Tracy Sichterman of Berkeley Hills Realty. “It’s a great marriage of all those personality types.”

The Berkeley Art Center is tucked into a grove of redwood trees nearby Likve Oak Park.
The Berkeley Art Center is tucked into a grove of redwood trees nearby Likve Oak Park.
On any given day, Downtown Berkeley is busy with people eating, shopping, and more.
On any given day, Downtown Berkeley is busy with people eating, shopping, and more.
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Chez Panisse started the farm-to-table movement

The anchor of Shattuck Avenue, which bisects the neighborhood, is Chez Panisse, a world-renowned restaurant that started the farm-to-table movement more than 50 years ago. Other notable neighborhood eateries along the avenue include Saul’s Restaurant & Delicatessen and Cheese Board Collective, a combination cheese shop, bakery and pizzeria. “That’s owned by the employees and it’s always been really cool,” Sichterman says. “You’ll often see a line out the door waiting for pizza while jazz musicians play on the street.” For daily dining needs, Andronico’s Community Market offers one-stop grocery shopping. Books Inc. is a popular destination that hosts regular literary events, fitting for a neighborhood adjacent to the University of California-Berkeley. Another cooperative, the ACCI Gallery, showcases established and emerging artists. It has been part of the community since the late 1950s. Just off Shattuck Avenue is the original Peet’s Coffee, opened in 1966 on Vine Street.

Alice Waters' acclaimed flagship downstairs & cafe upstairs offer seasonal fare & a chic vibe.
Alice Waters' acclaimed flagship downstairs & cafe upstairs offer seasonal fare & a chic vibe.
Saul's Delicatessen is always bustling with people in North Berkeley.
Saul's Delicatessen is always bustling with people in North Berkeley.
The kitchen at Chez Panisse is bustling with food prep for awaiting patrons upstairs.
The kitchen at Chez Panisse is bustling with food prep for awaiting patrons upstairs.
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Architectural diversity is a neighborhood highlight

The neighborhood’s housing, highlighted by homes built in the early 1900s, is wide-ranging and impressive. “North Berkeley is where you are typically going to find bigger homes,” Sichterman says. Craftsman bungalows typical of most California neighborhoods can be found, but they are just a small sampling of the architectural diversity. “You’ll find everything from Spanish Mediterranean to Tudors to Victorians and midcentury homes in between. There’s a lot of individuality. Berkeley doesn’t tear down homes to build new ones, so there’s a lot of integrity in its housing stock.” The closest thing to new construction are the modern reimaginings of historic homes that add contemporary flair to the mix. Single-family homes generally range from $900,000 to the high $2,000,000s. “It used to be a lot professors and academics, but the demographics have changed as homes have gotten more expensive,” Sichterman says. “I’ve been selling real estate in Berkeley for 30 years, and the shift isn’t to any specific groups. It’s more of an overall shift. And now we’re seeing a lot of the exodus from San Francisco.” Multi-family alternatives include condominiums starting in the $700,000 range.

A cluster of Spanish Style homes are built into the steep hillside.
A cluster of Spanish Style homes are built into the steep hillside.
Colorful homes line the streets of the neighborhood of North Berkeley.
Colorful homes line the streets of the neighborhood of North Berkeley.
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Students attend top-rated schools

A pair of schools in the Berkeley Unified School District, which is A-rated by Niche, are located in the neighborhood. Berkeley Arts Magnet at Whittier and Martin Luther King Jr. Middle are both A-rated schools. Nearby Berkeley High is an A-plus-rated school. A private K-8 Catholic institution, School of the Madeleine, also located in the neighborhood.

Berkeley High has one of the country’s only African American Studies departments.
Berkeley High has one of the country’s only African American Studies departments.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School offers tennis, a pool and track & field.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School offers tennis, a pool and track & field.
School of the Madeleine is located in Berkeley.
School of the Madeleine is located in Berkeley.
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Quick and easy access throughout the Bay Area

For travel in and around Berkeley and the East Bay, residents can catch the bus throughout the neighborhood and Caltrain at the Downtown BART Station just south of the neighborhood on Shattuck Avenue. Many residents of North Berkeley work outside the city, and they enjoy convenient access to nearby metropolitan areas. Oakland is about 5 miles away, and from there, San Francisco is a quick trip across the bay via Interstate 80. San Francisco International Airport is a 25-mile drive via I-80 and U.S. Route 101.

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Public transportation is used heavily in Berkeley for connected city living convenience.
Public transportation is used heavily in Berkeley for connected city living convenience.
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"Secluded pathways" a hidden gem among a variety of recreation

Live Oak Park is a popular amenities-filled neighborhood green space that also is home to the Berkeley Art Center, a special attraction for park visitors. Outdoors lovers will enjoy other recreational options nearby. Berkeley Rose Garden in neighboring Berkeley Hills, a historic attraction built during the Great Depression, is one of several green spaces that dot the community. Also located there is a hidden gem for urban explorers. “There are a lot of walking trails that people don’t know about, secluded pathways that lead into the hills.” Sichterman says. The Berkeley paths, as they are known, comprise 136 public-access walkways concentrated primarily within the city limits. Some are contained in residential areas, while others lead to natural open spaces. And as open spaces go, they are in abundance at Tilden Regional Park adjacent to Berkeley Hills. A network of primitive trails winds its way through more than 2,000 acres of natural landscape, which includes Lake Anza and its public beach. There’s even a golf course. The regional park is about 3 miles from the neighborhood.

Walking trails meander through Live Oak Park with dense mature tree cover.
Walking trails meander through Live Oak Park with dense mature tree cover.
Live Oak Park is a great place to relax, stroll and play in the neighborhood of North Berkeley.
Live Oak Park is a great place to relax, stroll and play in the neighborhood of North Berkeley.
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Farmers' markets are a Berkeley staple

Given its significance in the farm-to-table movement, it’s no surprise that farmers’ markets are a year-round community event. North Berkeley’s weekly market is held from 3-7 p.m. at the corner of Shattuck and Vine. It is one of three such popular gatherings in the city. Downtown Berkeley’s market is held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, and South Berkeley’s market takes place from 2-6:30 p.m. every Tuesday.

The North Berkeley Farmer's Market offers plenty of delicious mushrooms to choose from.
The North Berkeley Farmer's Market offers plenty of delicious mushrooms to choose from.
The North Berkeley Farmer's Market is held on Thursdays between 3-7pm.
The North Berkeley Farmer's Market is held on Thursdays between 3-7pm.
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Alexander Hubbard
Written By
Alexander Hubbard
Michael Chen
Photography Contributed By
Michael Chen
Timothy Cerva
Video By
Timothy Cerva

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 Kelly Crawford, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Metro Oakland International

28 min drive

Bus

Martin Luther King Jr Way & Hearst Av

Bus

Shattuck Av & Vine St

Bus

Shattuck Av & Virginia St

Bus

Martin Luther King Jr Way & Virginia St

Bus

Highland Place & Ridge Road

Bus

Oxford St & Virginia St

Bus

Oxford St & Vine St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime North Berkeley US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,500,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,650,000
Median Townhouse Price
$1,837,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$975,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$649,999
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$905
Number of Homes for Sale
16
Last 12 months Home Sales
75
Months of Supply
2.60
Median List Price
$1,195,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
-17%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
17%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,572
Median Year Built
1924
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,636
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,472
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,263
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
770
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
138
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 1pm

    1544 Spruce St, Berkeley, CA 94709

    $1,875,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2,201 Sq Ft
    • 1544 Spruce St
    • New 2 days ago

    To access marketing package copy/paste: . Located at 1544 Spruce St, this property offers a versatile unit mix that includes a spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath owner's unit, along with two well-appointed 1-bedroom, 1-bath units. This thoughtful configuration makes it ideal for both homeowners and investors seeking a prime Berkeley location. The units are thoughtfully renovated with modern finishes,

    Jatin Mehta Kite Hill Real Estate

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    2 - 4pm

    1364 Henry St, Berkeley, CA 94709

    $925,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,174 Sq Ft
    • 1364 Henry St
    • New 3 days ago

    Prime location and effortless low-maintenance living come together in this updated Berkeley home! This elegant light-filled townhouse is situated in the heart of North Berkeley's Gourmet District with convenient access to restaurants, shops, parks, the farmers market, and more. Enjoy peek-a-boo views of the Bay and city, high ceilings, exposed beams, a private deck, and a Mid-century freestanding

    Roxanna Ahlbach Red Oak Realty

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    2 - 4pm

    1436 Oxford St, Berkeley, CA 94709

    $1,795,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,402 Sq Ft
    • 1436 Oxford St
    • New 3 days ago

    Live steps from world class food and academia in this completely upgraded North Berkeley 3BD/2BA Craftsman main home (with owned solar) and a rare, full-service 2BD/1.5BA apartment (potential income?). From the shady porch, step inside the 2402 SQFT home’s gracious foyer, rich with pristine woodwork. Both the living and dining rooms boast mullioned windows, built-in bookshelves, gorgeous hardwood

    David Gunderman Kw Advisors East Bay

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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 Kelly Crawford, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
16,369
Median Age
33
Population Density
28 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$90,748
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$125,855

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.9%
College Graduates
78.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
40.2%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.2%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

92 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

98 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

64 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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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
North Berkeley
Kelly Crawford
Vanguard Properties
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