Neighborhood

South Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Neighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood Rating
3.3 /5
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Ranked 15th /18 in Berkeley, CA

Neighborhood Factors

Market Conditions

  • Neighborhood Factors
    Price
    $1.4M
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Undervalued
    $123k
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Appreciation
    17%

At a glance

South Berkeley is ranked #15 of 18 neighborhoods in Berkeley with an overall score of 3.3/5. Its standout factors are nearby merchants (5.0/5) and public spaces (4.0/5), at a median home price of $1.4M, which Houseberry currently rates as undervalued by about $123,000. It ranks 5th of 18 in Berkeley for schools. The trade-off is safety (2.1/5), though prices run about 20% below the Berkeley median.

Neighborhood Reviews & Questions

Neighborhood Review
Key Words: Diverse Culture, Local Markets, Transit Access

South Berkeley is celebrated for its cultural diversity, vibrant local markets, and close-knit community feel. The Adeline Corridor anchors the neighborhood with cafés, small businesses, and spots like the beloved Sweet Adeline Bakeshop. Residents also enjoy the convenience of Berkeley Bowl Marketplace, known regionally for its expansive produce selection. Architecturally, South Berkeley features a mix of older bungalows, cottage-style homes, and low-rise apartments, reflecting its eclectic heritage. Public parks, including San Pablo Park just outside the western border, provide green space for recreation, while Ashby BART and multiple AC Transit lines connect commuters to the wider Bay Area. The neighborhood also has a rich artistic and activist history—La Peña Cultural Center and the Shotgun Players’ theater at Ashby Stage lie just beyond the official boundaries but remain a key part of its cultural fabric. All told, South Berkeley offers a lively blend of community-minded living and urban accessibility.

See City Review for: Berkeley
Houseberry's TakeLocal InsightsQuestions

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Neighborhood Amenities

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Near good merchants

    5.0

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Public Spaces

    4

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Curb Appeal

    3.5

Overall Amenities score: 4

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.
South Berkeley ranks 6th of 18 for sunshine in Berkeley, and it out-suns about a quarter of the Bay Area. Its warmest month is September, averaging 75° highs, and it gets about 24 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low temperature
75°60°45°30°JFMAMJJASONDSep 75°
Avg highAvg low
Rank in Berkeley
6th of 18
Across the Bay Area
20th percentile
Rain per year
24 in
Warmest month
Sep 75° avg high
Summer day
56° → 72°F
Winter day
45° → 60°F
Sunshine and temperature figures are 30-year climate averages for this neighborhood's location.

Neighborhood Photos

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Schools serving this Neighborhood

School NameTypeGradesHouseberry School Score
Cornell Elementary PrimaryK-5
4.7/5
Marin Elementary PrimaryK-5
4.5/5
Ocean View Elementary PrimaryK-5
3.5/5
Cragmont Elementary PrimaryK-5
4.1/5
Emerson Elementary PrimaryK-5
4.2/5
Sylvia Mendez Elementary PrimaryK-5
3.8/5
Malcolm X Elementary PrimaryK-5
3.8/5
Washington Elementary PrimaryK-5
3.9/5
John Muir Elementary PrimaryK-5
4/5
Beach Elementary PrimaryK-5
5/5
Havens Elementary PrimaryK-5
4.7/5
Wildwood Elementary PrimaryK-5
5/5
Berkeley High Middle8-12
4.3/5
Willard Middle Middle6-8
4.5/5
LIFE Academy Middle6-12
2.8/5

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

South Berkeley FAQs10 answers

Is South Berkeley a good place to live?

South Berkeley ranks 15th of 18 neighborhoods in Berkeley with an overall Houseberry score of 3.3 out of 5. Its strongest factors are nearby merchants (5.0/5) and public spaces (4.0/5). The trade-off is safety (2.1/5).

Is South Berkeley safe?

South Berkeley, Berkeley scores 2.1 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 16th of 18 neighborhoods in Berkeley.

What do homes in South Berkeley cost?

The median home price in South Berkeley, Berkeley is $1.4M, compared with $1.75M for Berkeley as a whole. Houseberry currently rates it undervalued by about $123,000 against comparable neighborhoods.

Are home prices in South Berkeley rising or falling?

The median home price in South Berkeley, Berkeley is down about 7.2% over the past 12 months, from $1.51M to $1.4M. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.

Which schools serve South Berkeley?

Schools serving South Berkeley, Berkeley include Cornell Elementary (4.7/5), Marin Elementary (4.5/5), Ocean View Elementary (3.5/5), Cragmont Elementary (4.1/5) and Emerson Elementary (4.2/5). 10 more schools are listed in the Schools section on this page.

What is the weather like in South Berkeley?

South Berkeley, Berkeley receives 77% of its possible sunshine, 6th of 18 in Berkeley. Summer days run 56° to 72°F and winter days 45° to 60°F, September is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 24 inches a year.

Is South Berkeley walkable to shops and restaurants?

South Berkeley, Berkeley scores 5.0 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 4.0 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 4.0 out of 5, 11th of 18 in Berkeley.

What is South Berkeley known for?

South Berkeley, Berkeley is associated with Diverse Culture, Local Markets and Transit Access. Its highest-scoring factors are nearby merchants (5.0/5) and public spaces (4.0/5).

How does South Berkeley compare to other Berkeley neighborhoods?

South Berkeley ranks 15th of 18 neighborhoods in Berkeley. It ranks 5th of 18 in Berkeley for schools (4.0/5) and scores lowest on safety (2.1/5). The highest-ranked neighborhoods in Berkeley are Claremont Hills and South Campus.

What are the downsides of living in South Berkeley?

South Berkeley, Berkeley scores lowest on safety (2.1/5).

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Top Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA

1st
Neighborhood Iamge
Claremont Hills, Berkeley, CA
Overall Score : 4.5
Claremont Hills climbs sharply from Tunnel Road up to Grizzly Peak, with winding... See Full Page
2nd
Neighborhood Iamge
South Campus, Berkeley, CA
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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Contact Houseberry's 2026 Agent Pick for South Berkeley
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All information provided on this website including but not limited to - school ratings, safety, amenities, user opinions, and property data - is for general informational purposes only. We do not guarantee its reliability, accuracy, or completeness. Users should independently verify information and consult appropriate professionals as needed. By using this website, you agree Houseberry is not responsible for actions, decisions, or consequences arising from reliance on the information provided

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Bay East ©2025. CCAR ©2025. bridgeMLS ©2025. Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed. This information is being provided by the Bay East MLS, or CCAR MLS, or bridgeMLS. The listings presented here may or may not be listed by the Broker/Agent operating this website. This information is intended for the personal use of consumers and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated at August 14, 2026 12:00 AM

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