Northbrae

Developed in the early 1900s as a park-like residential neighborhood, Northbrae remains one of Berkeley’s most picturesque communities. Gently curving, tree-lined streets wind through Craftsman and California bungalows, distinctive stone pillars mark neighborhood corners, and Berkeley’s network of hidden paths and steps creates wonderful shortcuts throughout the area. Having attended elementary and middle school in Northbrae, I walked the neighborhood daily to catch the bus home, if I wasn’t walking to Solano Ave. or Hopkins with friends.

Northbrae is bordered by two favorite local shopping areas: Solano Avenue and the wonderful collection of neighborhood businesses along Hopkins Street. Grab fresh produce at Monterey Market, specialty foods nearby, or spend an afternoon exploring shops and restaurants before walking home. Indian Rock and nearby neighborhood parks provide open space and wonderful Bay views, while North Berkeley BART and major transit routes make commuting easy. With beautiful architecture, lush landscaping, and a distinctly small-town feel, Northbrae embodies much of what people love most about North Berkeley.