What's it like Living in El Cerrito, CA - Real Estate, Culture and Local Statistics

As is the case with Berkeley, CA, El Cerrito's early history involves a soldier at the San Francisco Presidio being granted land rights. This soldier, Francisco Castro, and his son, Don Victor Ramon Castro, founded the Rancho San Pablo in the 1840's, one of many historic ranches created by early Mexican Californians. Don Victor Ramon Castro was a fierce opponent of any raider who might attempt to despoil his ranch, and he also fought against the squatters who attempted to make use of his land during the California gold rush. He was elected Contra Costa County Supervisor in 1852.

The 1906 earthquake was the catalyst for the settlement of the area now known as El Cerrito. Survivors were eager to leave the damaged city and find a safer, quieter place to live. A sort of camp was established by some 1,500 survivors under the leadership of Wilhelm F. Rust. The settlement was named 'Rust' in his honor, but locals felt the appellation lacked prestige, and the name was later changed to El Cerrito, meaning little hill.

El Cerrito Today
Unlike the neighboring cities of Berkeley and Oakland, El Cerrito does not have its roots in the Victorian era. It is a modern 20th century city. Locals love it for its quiet, convenience, and friendly atmosphere. Bordered on the south by Albany and Kensington, and on the west by Richmond, El Cerrito is ideally located for access to major centers of culture and commerce. Two BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stations quickly take residents to desired destinations, and El Cerrito is a mere 5 miles away from the University of California campus in Berkeley.

Architectural Styles Prevalent in El Cerrito Homes
El Cerrito has a peaceful, suburban feel to it, despite being so near such fabulous amenities and transportation. Many neighborhoods in El Cerrito represent good values for buyers who want to own a larger home and be close to Berkeley and Oakland without paying the premium for a Berkeley or Oakland address. Mira Vista is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in El Cerrito, filled with lovely, contemporary homes built in the 1950's and 1960's, many with sweeping bay views and large lots. View a neighborhood map for geographic specifics about El Cerrito neighborhoods. Comfortable, modern living is available to you in this city, where you will find the following architectural styles in the homes there:

• Contemporary
• Traditional

Things To Do in El Cerrito, CA
All the essentials for good family living are available in El Cerrito. The El Cerrito Plaza shopping center is comprised of favorite stores such as Trader Joe's, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Petco, and a variety of smaller stores and boutiques. San Pablo Avenue is the major center of both shopping and commerce in this city. Here you will find movie theaters, excellent restaurants, and every basic convenience.

El Cerrito is home to a number of places for outdoor recreation, including Cerrito Vista Park on Moeser Lane and Huber Park on Terrace Drive. For true lovers of nature, Wildcat Canyon Regional Park offers over 2,000 acres of fabulous hiking, particularly along the four mile long Nimitz Way Trail. This is a safe and pleasant trail for both pedestrians and cyclers, affording views of San Francisco Bay and Mount Diablo.

Things To Do With Kids in El Cerrito, CA
The El Cerrito Swim Center offers a variety of fun, aquatic opportunities and swimming lessons for kids. Alvarado Park, in the northern corner of Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, is a National Historic Site and has a lovely playground for children. The El Cerrito Library offers a children's story time and exciting presentations for older kids, and is open 5 days a week both for studying and pure reading pleasure. In addition to the local parks and shops designed for kid-friendly-fun, your family is just minutes away from the larger-than-life thrills of the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley and all of the other family adventures you will find in the neighboring towns and cities. Find out further information about the West Contra Costa Unified School District.

Places of Worship in El Cerrito
A wide array of faiths are present in El Cerrito, and the following is a representative sample of some of the places of worship in this city:

• St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1150 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito
• El Cerrito United Methodist, 6830 Stockton Avenue, El Cerrito
• El Cerrito Chinese Christian Church, 7200 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito
• Christ Lutheran Church, 780 Ashbury Avenue, El Cerrito
• Kol Hadash, P.O. Box 1471, El Cerrito
• Evangelical Free Church, 7200 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito
• St. Peter Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 5324 Cypress Avenue, El Cerrito

El Cerrito locals will find an appropriate place of worship, either within the city or very nearby in a neighboring city.

Buying or Selling a Home in El Cerrito, California
El Cerrito is the perfect choice for a home buyer who is seeking the serenity and lower pricing of suburban life while remaining close to the pulse of the major East Bay cities. My family has been doing business in the East Bay for generations, and my local knowledge is at your service, whether you are buying or selling your El Cerrito home. I am ready to negotiate strongly on your behalf, helping you to make the most of the local real estate market. Email me or call me today at 510-339-0400, Ext.265 to learn how I can make selling or buying your El Cerrito home a pleasure.