Elmwood is ranked #9 of 18 neighborhoods in Berkeley with an overall score of 3.9/5. Its standout factors are nearby merchants (5.0/5) and public spaces (4.5/5), at a median home price of $2.31M, which Houseberry currently rates as overvalued by about $206,000. It ranks 12th of 18 in Berkeley for schools. No factor scores below 3.7/5, its weakest being safety, with prices running about 32% above the Berkeley median.
Elmwood is a quintessential Berkeley neighborhood known for its walkable streets, cozy cafés, and graceful early-20th-century homes. College Avenue serves as the neighborhood’s central spine, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and spots like the historic Elmwood Theater—a beloved movie house that anchors local culture. Many of the surrounding streets feature beautifully maintained Craftsman homes, showcasing the kind of architectural character that has long drawn residents to the area. In addition to the lively commercial strip, Elmwood offers easy access to Willard Park, where families and neighbors gather for casual sports, picnics, and seasonal community events. This combination of everyday convenience and neighborhood charm makes it a favorite among Berkeley locals. Commuters also appreciate Elmwood’s proximity to bus routes and its relatively short distance to the UC Berkeley campus. Balancing a small-town feel with an eclectic urban edge, Elmwood remains one of the city’s most sought-after areas—perfect for those who value a close-knit community alongside vibrant local amenities.




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4.5

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| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Marin Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Ocean View Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Emerson Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Sylvia Mendez Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Malcolm X Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| John Muir Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Emerson Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Peralta Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Beach Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Havens Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Wildwood Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Berkeley High | Middle | 8-12 | |
| Willard Middle | Middle | 6-8 | |
| LIFE Academy | Middle | 6-12 | |
| Claremont Middle | Middle | 6-8 | |
| Oakland Technical High | High | 9-12 |
Click links for school listing
info at GreatSchools.org
Houseberry School Score Data
from CA Dept. of Education
Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.
Elmwood ranks 9th of 18 neighborhoods in Berkeley with an overall Houseberry score of 3.9 out of 5. Its strongest factors are nearby merchants (5.0/5) and public spaces (4.5/5). The trade-off is a median home price of $2.31M against the Berkeley median of $1.75M.
Elmwood, Berkeley scores 3.7 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 9th of 18 neighborhoods in Berkeley.
The median home price in Elmwood, Berkeley is $2.31M, compared with $1.75M for Berkeley as a whole. Houseberry currently rates it overvalued by about $206,000 against comparable neighborhoods.
The median home price in Elmwood, Berkeley is up about 6.3% over the past 12 months, from $2.17M to $2.31M. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.
Schools serving Elmwood, Berkeley include Cornell Elementary (4.7/5), Marin Elementary (4.5/5), Ocean View Elementary (3.5/5), Emerson Elementary (4.2/5) and Sylvia Mendez Elementary (3.8/5). 12 more schools are listed in the Schools section on this page.
Elmwood, Berkeley receives 78% of its possible sunshine, the sunniest of Berkeley's 18 neighborhoods. Summer days run 55° to 74°F and winter days 44° to 59°F, September is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 25 inches a year.
Elmwood, Berkeley scores 5.0 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 4.5 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 4.4 out of 5, 2nd of 18 in Berkeley.
Elmwood, Berkeley is associated with Walkable, College Avenue and Elmwood Theater. Its highest-scoring factors are nearby merchants (5.0/5) and public spaces (4.5/5).
Elmwood ranks 9th of 18 neighborhoods in Berkeley. It ranks 12th of 18 in Berkeley for schools (3.8/5) and scores lowest on safety (3.7/5). The next-ranked neighborhoods in Berkeley are North Berkeley.
Elmwood, Berkeley scores lowest on safety (3.7/5). Its median home price of $2.31M runs about 32% above the Berkeley median of $1.75M.


































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