Berkeley Hills

Sought after for its high quality of life, spectacular views, steep winding streets, spacious parks and forested hilltop homes, the Berkeley Hills provide the very best of East Bay living. High above Berkeley, San Francisco, Marin, the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, we sometimes refer to it as "Valhalla," the mythological home of the Gods in the sky. When the fog rolls in below and the hills appear to float on a sea of clouds, the name seems especially fitting.

Berkeley Hills real estate is handsome but not pretentious. Leafy green hillsides are dotted with Craftsman bungalows and vertical renditions of suburban ranch homes on large, forested lots. The neighborhoods around Southampton Avenue are particularly rich in period revival architecture, with homes reminiscent of Italian villas, Spanish farmhouses, and Tudor manors happily standing side by side.

Although there are virtually no commercial areas in the Berkeley Hills, residents have the luxury of being in the midst of a haven of parks and recreational activities. Locals can often be found rock climbing at Indian Rock Park, strolling along Bernard Maybeck's fragrant Rose Walk, and picnicking or taking in a sunset performance at the Berkeley Rose Garden, considered by many to be the finest rose garden in Northern California.

Other area favorites include the UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens and the kid-pleasing Lawrence Hall of Science, an exciting science center where children can enjoy hands-on educational fun. And Tilden Park, with a wonderful merry-go-round and steam train, is considered by many as the crown jewel of our East Bay parks.