Hillside, Albany, CA

Hillside wraps around Albany Hill Park, so most homes back onto eucalyptus groves or look west across the Bay to San Francisco’s skyline. Housing is a patchwork: 1930s cottages on the lower blocks, mid-century split-levels climbing the switchbacks of Hillside Avenue, and a few contemporary view townhomes tucked against the ridge. Because the hill is a preserved greenbelt, every address enjoys a five-minute walk to shaded switchback trails, paragliders launching from the summit meadow, and evening sunsets over the Golden Gate. Despite the tucked-away feel, daily errands stay convenient. Safeway, cafés, and casual dining line San Pablo Avenue two blocks east, while Solano Avenue’s boutiques sit just downhill. Cyclists hop on the Creekside multi-use path for a level ride to El Cerrito Plaza BART, and AC Transit’s Transbay express stops along San Pablo for commuters heading into downtown Oakland or San Francisco. Lots can be steep, so garages and driveways are sometimes tight, and summertime wildfire patrols are a fact of life for hillside residents. Still, for buyers who crave big-sky panoramas and doorstep trail access without sacrificing Albany’s schools and walkable retail, Hillside offers a uniquely “in-town but in-nature” lifestyle.