Hillside, Albany, CA
At a glance
Hillside is ranked #7 of 12 neighborhoods in Albany with an overall score of 4.3/5. Its standout factors are schools (4.7/5, 7th of 12 in Albany) and public spaces (4.5/5), at a median home price of $1.37M, which Houseberry currently rates as overvalued by about $1,459,000. No factor scores below 3.5/5, its weakest being curb appeal.
Neighborhood Reviews & Questions
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.
Top Neighborhoods in Albany, CA
Neighborhood Amenities
Near good merchants4.2
Public Spaces4.5
Curb Appeal3.5
Overall Amenities score: 4
Neighborhood Weather
Neighborhood Photos
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Schools serving this Neighborhood
| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Marin Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Ocean View Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Beach Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Havens Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Wildwood Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Albany Middle | Middle | 6-8 | |
| Albany 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.
Median Price
Hillside FAQs10 answers
Is Hillside a good place to live?
Hillside ranks 7th of 12 neighborhoods in Albany with an overall Houseberry score of 4.3 out of 5. Its strongest factors are schools (4.7/5) and public spaces (4.5/5).
Is Hillside safe?
Hillside, Albany scores 4.1 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 8th of 12 neighborhoods in Albany.
What do homes in Hillside cost?
The median home price in Hillside, Albany is $1.37M, compared with $1.37M for Albany as a whole. Houseberry currently rates it overvalued by about $1,459,000 against comparable neighborhoods.
Are home prices in Hillside rising or falling?
The median home price in Hillside, Albany is roughly flat over the past 12 months, at $1.37M against $1.37M a year earlier. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.
Which schools serve Hillside?
Schools serving Hillside, Albany include Cornell Elementary (4.7/5), Marin Elementary (4.5/5), Ocean View Elementary (3.5/5), Beach Elementary (5.0/5) and Havens Elementary (4.7/5). 3 more schools are listed in the Schools section on this page.
What is the weather like in Hillside?
Hillside, Albany receives 77% of its possible sunshine, 11th of 12 in Albany. Summer days run 56° to 72°F and winter days 45° to 59°F, September is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 23 inches a year.
Is Hillside walkable to shops and restaurants?
Hillside, Albany scores 4.2 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 4.5 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 4.0 out of 5, 4th of 12 in Albany.
What is Hillside known for?
Hillside, Albany is associated with Bayview Vistas, Hillside Trails and Parkside Quiet. Its highest-scoring factors are schools (4.7/5) and public spaces (4.5/5).
How does Hillside compare to other Albany neighborhoods?
Hillside ranks 7th of 12 neighborhoods in Albany. It ranks 7th of 12 in Albany for schools (4.7/5) and scores lowest on curb appeal (3.5/5). The next-ranked neighborhoods in Albany are San Gabriel Triangle and Dartmouth.
What are the downsides of living in Hillside?
Hillside, Albany scores lowest on curb appeal (3.5/5).
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