Ensconced on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, the area now known as Albany was part of Rancho San Antonio, granted to the Peralta family in 1820. The discovery of gold in that century brought in a host of settlers looking for wealth, giving the region a facelift that has contributed to Albany being one of the most desirable Bay Area suburbs today. Accessible via the sparkling Bay Bridge and BART, Albany is a tight-knit community nourished with vibrant festivals and access to plentiful amenities. Home to excellent schools, open spaces for recreation, and everlasting sunny skies, life in Albany is akin to an everyday vacation. Homes run the gamut from bungalows to condos and traditional craftsman homes.
Life in Albany feels suburban and laid back, a mix of quiet, peaceful neighborhoods inhabited by warm, friendly individuals. Residents move here for the small-town vibes, an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The city’s culinary landscape is a spectacle to behold with an assortment of restaurants lining charming sidewalks across entirely walkable neighborhoods.
Schwabisch Pretzels serves classic and reinvented German pretzels, with in-person classes available to learn the secret of the pretzel. Live music goes on at the bakery, while you take a gander through the weekly curated menu.
Enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine at the Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar, with traditional meals like Maklouba and Mousaka, settle in for a trip to Jerusalem through your tastebuds.
Home-made traditional meals is the theme at Juanita and Maude, a warmly lit local outpost for yummy New American fare. Try out their ahi tuna carpaccio or the shrimp tempura steamed buns when you dine in, or their yellow curry chicken when you order to go. Be sure to grab some towering burgers at the 310 Eatery, with deliciously spiced patties, melting and oozing sauces, and perfectly baked buns.
Solano Stroll is a street festival held in both Berkeley and Albany. Rife with live musical performances, street food tasting/competitions, parades, colorful rides, handcrafted art displays, and lots more, this exciting event is aimed at providing exposure for locally owned businesses and community fundraising.
Westbrae is an exclusive neighborhood in Berkeley, lying close to the Albany Hills. It is mostly residential and plays host to the Berkeley Natural Grocery Company and Westbrae Nursery.
The Foodieland Night Market is a food, arts, and crafts festival held in Berkeley, where you get to sample culturally inspired local meals, indulge in games, and displays of handcrafted art, and also enjoy live musical performances.
Look forward to indulging in recreational activities at the Albany Bulb, a public park. It is intended to feature scenic bikeable and joggable trails, spaces for picnics, and other recreational activities.
Albany is served by some of California’s top-rated schools, renowned for their innovative academic programs and outstanding extracurricular activities. Top educational opportunities include:
Are you interested in learning more about Albany real estate? Give Cynthia Speers a call now!