Welcome to Berkeley

Nestled on the east side of the stunning San Francisco Bay, Berkeley is lovingly known as one of the best places to live in California. With a perfect mix of urban living and a serene, suburban feel, Berkeley has something to offer everyone. It is a prime destination for world-class entertainment, upscale eateries and bars, and sweeping outdoor spaces. This California enclave is home to the top-ranked University of California at Berkeley and attracts young professionals, families, global intellectuals, and nature enthusiasts to its well-maintained streets. 

Berkeley’s real estate is equally world-class. The competitive market features duplexes, apartments, and an eclectic mix of Craftsman, Tudor, and Mid-Century Modern homes, with many built by high-profile architects.  New and longtime residents can choose between single-family homes with views of California's infamous rolling hills, sprawling, walkable properties in the flats, and luxury apartments close to the Bay or the University of California at Berkeley’s campus. 

What to Love

• Fantastic eateries to suit every palate

• Tree-lined streets

• Beautiful architecture throughout the city

• Easy access to parks and excellent hiking trails

Local Lifestyle

Berkeley is one of the most progressive and culturally diverse cities in the country — perhaps even the world. With its trendy and hip atmosphere and residents from all over the globe, “Quirky Berkeley” is home to numerous unique neighborhoods and one-of-a-kind gems. With its easy access to hiking, biking, and scenic walking trails, Berkeley is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. When locals aren’t exploring the neighborhood, they take a short drive or train ride via BART into San Francisco, where they have access to all the world-class dining, entertainment, and shopping the Bay offers.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Berkeley brings global cuisine to both residents and visitors alike. A refined spot for inventive Japanese fare, Iyasare features classic nigiri and sushi alongside more substantial entrees like bacon mochi and vegetable shoyu ramen. Venture to Daryoush for authentic Persian cuisine. Residents delight in crowd favorites, including beef koobideh, shishlik, and jujah koobideh. For a twist on classic pastries, visit Squabisch Pretzels, a Schwaebisch restaurant with a Californian twist. Here, you’ll delight in its rustic and delectable German pretzels created with unique flavors like chocolate and cherry. Donato & Co. serves regional Italian appetizers and fresh pasta, while Rose Pizzeria serves aperitivo alongside their made-to-order pizzas. Be sure to try their most popular pies, the Beach Club and Alpine Gold — you won’t regret it!

Things to Do

On top of countless restaurants and bars, residents of Berkeley also enjoy the city’s numerous parks. One of the most popular natural spaces is Tilden Regional Park, a 2,000-acre oasis where children can spin on an on-site carousel or ride on a steam train. Tilden Regional Park is truly an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, with hiking trails, grassy picnic areas, a botanical garden, and direct lake access available for visitors. Other beloved outdoor oases include Berkeley Rose Garden’s thousands of rose bushes and Indian Rock Park’s beautiful wooded areas, perfect for rock climbing and hiking. 

If music is more your scene, peruse the line-up at The Greek Theatre, a massive outdoor amphitheater boasting 8,500 seats. This remarkable entertainment venue has seen performances from huge names in the music industry, like Bob Dylan and Green Day. On the other hand, science savants will enjoy Lawrence Hall of Science, a public science center operated by the University of California in Berkeley. Learn something new from the various engineering, physics, and astronomy exhibits here.