Neighborhoods north of UC Berkeley (Oakland, Fremont: rental homes, crime, mortgage)

[snarkadoodle]

We're moving to Berkeley this summer, and looking at rental homes for our family (two kids, small dog). A few have popped up in the area just north of the Berkeley campus, off of Virginia and Cedar, etc. Any thoughts on this neighborhood as far as community, crime, noise, and family-friendliness goes? I have often heard to steer clear of rentals south of the university, but I haven't heard much of anything about the north side. Thanks much!

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by snarkadoodle

We're moving to Berkeley this summer, and looking at rental homes for our family (two kids, small dog). A few have popped up in the area just north of the Berkeley campus, off of Virginia and Cedar, etc. Any thoughts on this neighborhood as far as community, crime, noise, and family-friendliness goes? I have often heard to steer clear of rentals south of the university, but I haven't heard much of anything about the north side. Thanks much!

North of campus should be fine. I think Cedar is probably quiter than Virginia.

Directly south-of-campus is along Telegraph is better for singles and young adults, along College is better for for families with small kids.

Basic street smarts apply anywhere around campus tho.

Also, have you considered Albany(right next to North Berkeley). Its a bit more family-oriented imo because it has a nice small-town feel tho not boring, and I actually see children there(LOL) and feels quiet even though its in the middle of everything.

[snarkadoodle]

Originally Posted by 18Montclair

Also, have you considered Albany(right next to North Berkeley). Its a bit more family-oriented imo because it has a nice small-town feel tho not boring, and I actually see children there(LOL) and feels quiet even though its in the middle of everything.

We have looked at Albany, but the homes tend to be smaller and I think we'd rather give Berkeley a shot for a year or two. Also, my husband will be riding BART down to Fremont, so either Berkeley or Oakland seems more convenient for that.

Thanks!

[Natural510]

North Berkeley is a quiet, family-friendly area...main downside is the high rent/mortgage on any home there. But if that's no problem, go for it!

[snarkadoodle]

Originally Posted by Natural510

North Berkeley is a quiet, family-friendly area...main downside is the high rent/mortgage on any home there. But if that's no problem, go for it!

I had heard that about "North Berkeley," but always thought that was the area closer to Solano. Is the neighborhood literally bordering the campus to the north (and due-east of Gourmet Ghetto) also quiet and family friendly? Is that considered North Berkeley, or is it called something else?

[Natural510]

Originally Posted by snarkadoodle

I had heard that about "North Berkeley," but always thought that was the area closer to Solano. Is the neighborhood literally bordering the campus to the north (and due-east of Gourmet Ghetto) also quiet and family friendly? Is that considered North Berkeley, or is it called something else?

"North Berkeley" is a general designation given to any part of Berkeley north of University Ave and east of San Pablo Ave (at least among locals). The neighborhood directly north of the campus, east of Oxford Ave is called Northside and its main shopping street is Euclid Ave. It's also very safe, and generally attracts grad students and professors (whereas Southside is more for undergrads with the coops, Greek houses, and party atmosphere). Really, any place you find starting a few blocks north of University Avenue and a few blocks east of San Pablo Avenue will be perfectly fine. Nearly all of Berkeley's street crime is on the south & west sides of town.

[snarkadoodle]

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated!

[FacultyM]

Originally Posted by 18Montclair

North of campus should be fine. I think Cedar is probably quiter than Virginia.

Directly south-of-campus is along Telegraph is better for singles and young adults, along College is better for for families with small kids.

Basic street smarts apply anywhere around campus tho.

Also, have you considered Albany(right next to North Berkeley). Its a bit more family-oriented imo because it has a nice small-town feel tho not boring, and I actually see children there(LOL) and feels quiet even though its in the middle of everything.

I would agree with this. Also, be aware that on Cal game days, the entire area around the campus is insane with cars parked on the sidewalks and huge crowds. If you are up past Tilden Park, though, you should be alright. LOVE that area!