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

Neighboring Berkeley was growing rapidly around the turn of the century, and unfortunately, was angering residents of the Albany region by using the place as a refuse area. Fed up, a group of local ladies, armed with rifles and shotguns, confronted the drivers of the garbage wagons on what is now the corner of Buchanan Street and San Pablo Avenue. The women quickly convinced the drivers to turn their horse-drawn wagons around and head back to Berkeley. No doubt, it was the success of this civic action that contributed to Albany voters moving to incorporate their community as the City of Ocean View.

In 1909, citizens voted again, this time to change the name of the city so that it wouldn't be confused with the Ocean View district of Berkeley. In honor of the New York birthplace of the city's first mayor, Frank Roberts, Ocean View became the city of Albany.

Albany Today
Bordered by Berkeley to the east and south, and by El Cerrito and Richmond to the north, Albany's temperate climate and even terrain make it a desirable place to live. Albany's Waterfront features one of the last sandy beaches in the East Bay, and affords brilliant views of the Golden Gate bridge. The Oakland-San Francisco Bay bridge is just a few minutes south of Albany, acting as a gateway to diverse, cosmopolitan resources. The quiet, friendly atmosphere of this city and its convenient location to every major Bay Area destination make it a top choice for living the good life.

Architectural Styles Prevalent in Albany Homes
The Lower Thousand Oaks area, just above Albany High, is one of the most appealing neighborhoods in Albany. The homes featured here are architecturally interesting, dotted along tranquil, tree-lined streets. If you are looking to buy a home in Albany, you will be able to choose from the following architectural styles:

• Mediterranean
• Tudor
• Contemporary
• Traditional

Gracious family living and quick and easy work commutes are two of the benefits afforded to Albany locals. Take a look at a neighborhood map of the Albany area.

Things To Do in Albany, CA
Thousands of locals and visitors flock to Albany's Golden Gate Field Racetrack each year, located at 1110 East Shore Highway. Citizens take pleasure and pride in the Solano Avenue shopping district, lined with fine gift, clothing, antique, and home and garden stores.

In addition to numerous cafes and delis, visit Noah's New York Bagels for breakfast and lunch, Cugini Pasta and Wood Fired Pizza for a family meal, Zand Middle Eastern Pastries & Specialties for gourmet ethnic offerings and Ajanta Distinctive Indian Cuisine for elegant dining, voted 'Best of the Bay'.

Perhaps most prized of all is Albany's access to the San Francisco Bay Trail. Created in 1990, the SF Bay Trail Project provides abundant recreational opportunities for nature lovers. Access beaches, marinas, biking and hiking paths, and wildlife areas along this trail that stretches from Richmond in the north to Oakland in the south. The 8.5 mile Albany portion of the trail is called Eastshore State Park, and is comprised of both tidelands and upland properties.

Things To Do With Kids in Albany, CA
Albany is home to 8 parks and playgrounds, lighted ball courts and sports fields. There is a community swimming pool and pleasant picnic facilities. Football, softball, and baseball programs are available for youth, and there are year round recreation programs for children of all ages. The Albany Public Library offers preschool storytime, arts and crafts, and family sing-a-long, as well as book clubs, a knitting group, and an adult literacy program. Many locals also belong to the Albany YMCA. Read about the Albany Unified School District here.

Places of Worship in Albany
The following is a brief list of some of the places of worship located within Albany:

• Nechung Buddhist Center - 1036 Evelyn Ave, Albany, CA
• Church On the Corner - 1319 Solano Ave, Albany, CA
• Church of Christ of Albany - 1370 Marin Ave, Albany, CA
• Solano Community Church - 1249 Marin Ave, Albany, CA
• St. Ambrose Church - 1145 Gilman St, Albany, CA

Albany is home to many diverse faiths, and the city's close proximity to Berkeley provides convenient access to a broad array of Churches, Temples, Synagogues, and Mosques.

Buying or Selling a Home in Albany, California
Albany's top rated schools and more modest median housing prices make it a choice location for East Bay families. It offers both quiet neighborhoods and fast transportation to the cultural experiences and entertainment of Berkeley and Oakland. As an East Bay family man, I will help you find your Albany dream home. If you are selling your home in Albany, I will negotiate strongly on your behalf to help you realize maximum profit from the current 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 Albany home a pleasure.