Neighborhood Factors

Market Conditions

  • Neighborhood Factors
    Price
    $2.29M
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Undervalued
    $58k(2)
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Appreciation
    4%(2)

(2) City data used

At a glance

Northbrae is ranked #6 of 18 neighborhoods in Berkeley with an overall score of 4.1/5. Its standout factors are nearby merchants (4.7/5) and safety (4.4/5, 6th of 18 in Berkeley), at a median home price of $2.29M, which Houseberry currently rates as overvalued by about $101,000. No factor scores below 3.5/5, its weakest being public spaces, with prices running about 31% above the Berkeley median.

Neighborhood Reviews & Questions

Neighborhood Review
Key Words: Gourmet Ghetto, Near Live Oak Park, Tree-lined streets

Northbrae is a peaceful, tree-lined enclave where wide avenues and manicured gardens set the tone. Many of the homes here date back to the early 20th century, showcasing Craftsman and other classic architectural styles that lend the neighborhood its timeless appeal. The area’s inviting sidewalks and gentle hills encourage leisurely strolls, while well-tended front yards reflect the pride residents take in their community. A highlight of Northbrae living is its proximity to the nearby “Gourmet Ghetto,” famous for iconic eateries such as Chez Panisse and an array of artisanal shops. That means you’re never too far from a great cup of coffee or a memorable dinner out. At the same time, the neighborhood itself maintains a calmer, more residential atmosphere, making it an appealing choice for those who value quiet surroundings and convenient access to amenities. Live Oak Park sits just a short distance away, offering picnic areas, tennis courts, and even an outdoor stage for summer performances. Residents also frequent the nearby Berkeley Public Library (North Branch), which stands as a local hub for reading programs, community events, and more. Through it all, Northbrae has a welcoming, family-friendly spirit—its walkable streets, charming architecture, and cultural connections make it a distinctly Berkeley neighborhood that feels both tucked away and well-connected.

See City Review for: Berkeley

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Neighborhood Amenities

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Near good merchants

    4.7

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Public Spaces

    3.5

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Curb Appeal

    4

Overall Amenities score: 3.9

Neighborhood Weather

77%
of possible sunshine
Of all the daylight this spot gets in a year, 77% arrives as sunshine - clouds and fog block the rest.
Northbrae ranks 8th of 18 for sunshine in Berkeley, and it out-suns roughly a sixth of the Bay Area. Its warmest month is September, averaging 75° highs, and it gets about 25 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low temperature
80°65°50°35°JFMAMJJASONDSep 75°
Avg highAvg low
Rank in Berkeley
8th of 18
Across the Bay Area
18th percentile
Rain per year
25 in
Warmest month
Sep 75° avg high
Summer day
55° → 73°F
Winter day
45° → 59°F
Sunshine and temperature figures are 30-year climate averages for this neighborhood's location.

Neighborhood Photos

Schools serving this Neighborhood

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

Northbrae FAQs10 answers

Is Northbrae a good place to live?

Northbrae ranks 6th of 18 neighborhoods in Berkeley with an overall Houseberry score of 4.1 out of 5. Its strongest factors are nearby merchants (4.7/5) and safety (4.4/5). The trade-off is a median home price of $2.29M against the Berkeley median of $1.75M.

Is Northbrae safe?

Northbrae, Berkeley scores 4.4 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 6th of 18 neighborhoods in Berkeley.

What do homes in Northbrae cost?

The median home price in Northbrae, Berkeley is $2.29M, compared with $1.75M for Berkeley as a whole. Houseberry currently rates it overvalued by about $101,000 against comparable neighborhoods.

Are home prices in Northbrae rising or falling?

The median home price in Northbrae, Berkeley is up about 27.3% over the past 12 months, from $1.8M to $2.29M. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.

Which schools serve Northbrae?

Schools serving Northbrae, Berkeley include Cornell Elementary (4.7/5), Marin Elementary (4.5/5), Ocean View Elementary (3.5/5), Thousand Oaks Elementary (3.8/5) and Beach Elementary (5.0/5). 6 more schools are listed in the Schools section on this page.

What is the weather like in Northbrae?

Northbrae, Berkeley receives 77% of its possible sunshine, 8th of 18 in Berkeley. Summer days run 55° to 73°F and winter days 45° to 59°F, September is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 25 inches a year.

Is Northbrae walkable to shops and restaurants?

Northbrae, Berkeley scores 4.7 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 3.5 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.9 out of 5, 13th of 18 in Berkeley.

What is Northbrae known for?

Northbrae, Berkeley is associated with Gourmet Ghetto, Near Live Oak Park and Tree-lined streets. Its highest-scoring factors are nearby merchants (4.7/5) and safety (4.4/5).

How does Northbrae compare to other Berkeley neighborhoods?

Northbrae ranks 6th of 18 neighborhoods in Berkeley. It ranks 6th of 18 in Berkeley for safety (4.4/5) and scores lowest on public spaces (3.5/5). The next-ranked neighborhoods in Berkeley are LeConte / South and Claremont.

What are the downsides of living in Northbrae?

Northbrae, Berkeley scores lowest on public spaces (3.5/5). Its median home price of $2.29M runs about 31% above the Berkeley median of $1.75M.

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Neighborhood Photos

Top Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA

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Neighborhood Iamge
Claremont Hills, Berkeley, CA
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Claremont Hills climbs sharply from Tunnel Road up to Grizzly Peak, with winding... See Full Page
2nd
Neighborhood Iamge
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Overall Score : 4.3
South Campus hugs the south edge of UC Berkeley, stretching roughly from Bancrof... See Full Page
3rd
Neighborhood Iamge
Panoramic Hill, Berkeley, CA
Overall Score : 4.3
Panoramic Hill is a distinctive hillside neighborhood that lives up to its name ... See Full Page

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