Moving in Berkeley (Oakland, Walnut Creek, Walnut: apartments, rental market, how much)

[bjferg21]

So, I just moved to Berkeley from Chicago to take a job with Cal athletics. I'm living south of campus between Telegraph and Shattuck so it's in student territory. This is temporary and I'll be moving out in July. I've been here a bit and I would rather live in North Berkeley/hills if possible. If not, I was also looking at Walnut Creek. Is that drive on weekdays very long? Also, I know I could BART it to Berkeley but it takes a connection. Lastly, how's the Rockridge neighborhood? Seems like a reasonable place to live where it's not too expensive. Thanks!

[Ruth4Truth]

North Berkeley/hills is good, and includes Kensington on most listings, also a nice area with BART and bus svce to CAL. Rockridge is also good. I wouldn't do Walnut Creek because of potential traffic congestion, though they did open a new tunnel recently, but still, it can be unpredictable and more hassle than a Berkeley/Oakland commute. There are also El Cerrito and Albany, with BART stations, and slightly more affordable rents.

[jade408]

I would move to Oakland over walnut creek. The commute is crappy as you are trapped in all of the bay bridge traffic.

Rockridge is a great neighborhood in Oakland, and the surrounding ones would be good as well (Temescal, Piedmont ave).

You can also consider Albany.

You haven't really given any insight on what sort of neighborhood you want.

[bjferg21]

Is Albany a good area, or is it more gritty? I'm still new and haven't been everywhere quite yet. I am looking for a place with less undergrad students and more young working professionals. Rockridge seems really cool and I could essentially just bus to campus daily. North seems good but money is an issue as my salary isn't tremendous so that could be an issue.

[Ruth4Truth]

Albany's a good area adjacent to El Cerrito and Berkeley, a family area, and more affordable to single and married young professionals. El Cerrito's also good, slightly more affordable than Berkeley; a little further up in the hills, so good views, but it seems to get more fog. You'll probably notice on the Craigslist listings that you get more square footage for your buck in Albany and El Cerrito.

Are you looking for a house or an apt.? I don't know how much apt. housing those areas have, but you can look them up on Craiglist.

[ilkhd2]

Albany's a good area adjacent to El Cerrito and Berkeley, a family area, and more affordable

...very marginally so, 10% cheaper at most. El Cerrito is cheaper though, yes.

[jade408]

Look in the grand lake area of Oakland. The prices are good and it is mostly young or youngish professionals. Albany and el Cerrito are mostly families with a few pockets of singles.

Apartments in Berkeley are overpriced for the quality.

[bjferg21]

I might have to take a trip and check out these neighborhoods more in depth. I know Grand/Lake Merritt is nice as I've been by there a few times. I do need to check out Albany to see what it has to offer. I've got plenty of time as my lease at my current residence is available until July. I think in Berkeley itself there will be plenty of listings available closer to the end of spring semester. Thanks for the comments.

[davdaven]

Where you move will be price dependent.

Re. Oakland: Rockridge is fabulous, but you pay for it. Temescal is most likely at a better price point for you, and it will definitely have the vibe you are after. The Piedmont Avenue, Adams Point, and Grand Lake neighborhoods would suit you well, but they are a bit distant from campus to be especially appealing. However, all of them are still way better than Walnut Creek, which is absolutely not worth it.

The Berkeley hills, Kensington, and most of Albany are family focused, so you probably won't like them too much. Also, they are kind of expensive. El Cerrito immediately adjacent to El Cerrio Plaza has some younger people, but the community is still very family focused overall and going more than a couple blocks north of Central means suburban family lifestyle once again (just like Walnut Creek!).

Your best bets are to stick with Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville. Easy commute, younger residents, many amenities. Keep in mind that the rental market very close to campus is student-oriented, so July-ish will be a terrible time to look for a place to live. Even more distant parts of Berkeley will be more challenging that time of year. I realize it's too late now, but you would have been better off moving into something permanent or month-to-month to avoid the student frenzy.