South Berkeley / Lorin

South Berkeley, sometimes referred to as the Lorin District, is a colorful area rich in history. What began as 40 houses built in the 1870s on farmland owned by farmer Edward Harmon, Lorin's real estate remains one of Berkeley's most accessible and affordable neighborhoods. Most of the homes were built before 1939, so the streets are wide and the architecture detailed.

The Ashby BART station makes getting around the Bay Area a breeze and hosts an ongoing flea market on the weekends. It is also home to the new Ed Roberts Campus, a collection of agencies and nonprofits serving the disabled community. Berkeley is the birthplace of strong advocacy for the disabled.

There are up-and-coming restaurants and cafes like Giin Thai Canteen, Easy Creole, Hoi Polloi Brewpub and Beat Lounge, Alchemy Collective Cafe, Rasa Cafe and Moxy Beer Garden.

An expressive community, South Berkeley has many creative outlets, including the inspired art galleries of the Ashby Arts District, the Shotgun Players, a critically acclaimed theater group, and the Black Repertory Theatre.

The Spiral Gardens Community Food Security Project, Sunday brunches at the Thai Temple, and an impressive Tool Lending Library are all evidence of South Berkeley's actively involved population. With its community voice in place, this is an area ready to be molded into where you want to live.