How is this part of Southwest Berkeley (San Pablo: foreclosures, crime)

[PeixeGato]

I am seeing some foreclosures come up in the western part of Berkeley that is south of University, west of San Pablo, and north of Ashby. Anyone have any opinions on how this neighborhood is? I know going east of San Pablo in this area is not so great (particularly south of Ashby).

I'm pretty familiar with Berkeley overall, but haven't had a reason to travel through this residential area before (aside from driving to Berkeley Bowl West).

Thanks.

[artemis78]

It varies by block; some areas are great and others have issues (generally crime and impact of industrial or multi-unit buildings built on small lots). For the most part you should be able to tell where the nicer areas are by walking around and checking it out.

More broadly, the area has some challenges with respect to air quality and proximity to the freeway and railroad. It's still a mix of industrial and residential, so you need to be aware of what's nearby. If I were going to choose an area to target there, I'd look in the middle of that stretch near Dwight and away from the freeway/railroad---there's a cluster of little shops, restaurants, and services at Dwight and San Pablo, a nursery, Ohmega Salvage, some other more stable uses.

There is some drop-dead gorgeous housing in that area, too---not all of it kept up, but it dates back to the Victorian era and you occasionally see some vintage places with original details intact.

[PeixeGato]

Originally Posted by artemis78

It varies by block; some areas are great and others have issues (generally crime and impact of industrial or multi-unit buildings built on small lots). For the most part you should be able to tell where the nicer areas are by walking around and checking it out.

More broadly, the area has some challenges with respect to air quality and proximity to the freeway and railroad. It's still a mix of industrial and residential, so you need to be aware of what's nearby. If I were going to choose an area to target there, I'd look in the middle of that stretch near Dwight and away from the freeway/railroad---there's a cluster of little shops, restaurants, and services at Dwight and San Pablo, a nursery, Ohmega Salvage, some other more stable uses.

There is some drop-dead gorgeous housing in that area, too---not all of it kept up, but it dates back to the Victorian era and you occasionally see some vintage places with original details intact.

I'd love to snatch one of those Victorians that haven't been kept up and restore it. I have noticed the shops and restaurants along San Pablo right in that area. Even ate at the Jamaican place over there. I'll definitely check it out some more.

I also noticed San Pablo park is very nearby, which is a plus for us.

Thanks.

[ei1980]

the area near dwight - cafe trieste, sea salt seems ok. but you have to check the blocks and spend some time to know what goes on there.