Berkeley, California, is a dynamic city known for its progressive culture, vibrant arts scene, and world-renowned educational institutions. Located on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, Berkeley offers stunning views, diverse neighborhoods, and a rich history. The city's commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and innovation makes living in Berkeley a unique and enriching experience.
Residents of Berkeley enjoy a variety of cultural and recreational activities. The city is home to the University of California, Berkeley, which significantly influences the local culture and economy. The university's presence supports a range of events, performances, and exhibitions, contributing to a lively and intellectual atmosphere. Additionally, Berkeley's numerous parks, trails, and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Berkeley's diverse population is reflected in its vibrant culinary scene, with an array of restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. The city's commitment to local and sustainable food practices is evident in its many farmers' markets and farm-to-table dining options. Living in Berkeley means enjoying a community that values healthy and sustainable living.
The cost of living in Berkeley is relatively high, reflecting its desirable location and amenities. The housing market includes a mix of historic homes, modern apartments, and co-housing communities. Despite the high costs, many residents find the city's quality of life and community spirit well worth the investment. Berkeley's public schools and educational institutions are highly regarded, further enhancing the city's appeal.
Public transportation in Berkeley is well-developed, with access to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), AC Transit buses, and a network of bike lanes and pedestrian paths. The city's mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by wet winters and dry summers, allows for year-round outdoor activities. Overall, Berkeley offers a blend of cultural richness, academic excellence, and community engagement, making it a highly desirable place to live.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Berkeley is a mid-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 123,065 people. Berkeley has a population density of 11,797 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Berkeley could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 32 years old is below the nation’s average. Berkeley is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 37% married, this city falls well below the national average. Something to be aware of when living in Berkeley are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 31 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Berkeley, California could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Berkeley, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, education, housing and more.
With a livability score of 80/100, Berkeley is ranked #1,184 in the United States and #45 in California. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Berkeley could be a great choice! The cherry on top is that Berkeley also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Berkeley scores well for education (A+) and employment (A+) Berkeley does not score well for the following: crime (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
If you're living in Berkeley, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Berkeley an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Berkeley: University of California, Berkeley, Fourth Street, and Fourth Street.
Berkeley real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Berkeley. Median real estate prices in Berkeley come in at $1,059,500, which is 158.9% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Berkeley, the home price to income ratio is 11.6, which is 81.3% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Berkeley | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 30.9% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.0% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 23.2% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 6.6% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 15.7% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 16.7% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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