5 listings in the East Bay, where prices are less than nearby San Francisco
California's East Bay area has been in the news lately thanks to the success of the Golden State Warriors, who are currently leading the Cleveland Cavaliers three games to zero in this year's NBA finals matchup. But the collection of cities that make up the East Bay have long been on the real estate radar, thanks in part to their proximity to major tech hub San Francisco, which is easily accessed by BART commuter trains, in addition to the area's gorgeous landscape, temperate weather, and diverse cultural scene.
Of course, all that comes at a high price, and though the East Bay is a tad cheaper than San Francisco, the Bay Area is still one of the most attractive real estate markets in the country, with prices continuing a record-breaking six-year run. But if you're used to New York prices and in search of more space, nature, and Mission District-style burritos, here's a small sampling of what's available. Do keep in mind that the East Bay is a pretty vast region, and although New Yorkers are perhaps most familiar with Oakland (where the Warriors play) and Berkeley, the region is actually home to dozens of cities and about 2.5 million people, so this list is by no means comprehensive.
5734 Claremont Ave, Oakland
This 2,459-square-foot Craftsman, also pictured above, has an updated kitchen, gorgeous wood paneling and details, a stone fireplace, and an office upstairs, in addition to the four bedrooms. There's also a spectacular patio and tree-filled backyard that has this New Yorker drooling with jealousy. The house is located on the border of Oakland's ritzy Rockridge and Temescal neighborhoods, home to popular shopping and dining strips Telegraph and College Avenue, and about a seven-minute walk from the Rockridge BART station, for easy access to San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area. It is asking $1,399,000.
1505 Le Roy Ave, Berkeley
This two-bedroom, two-bath mid-century modern is mod indeed, featuring a sleek-looking living room with a fireplace, a kitchen outfitted with high-end stainless steel appliances, airy bedrooms, and big windows that let in that California sunlight. The house doesn't skimp on outdoor space, featuring both an interior courtyard and a big backyard with a generous patio. Located in Berkeley's La Loma Park neighborhood, the house is a short walk from the University of California, Berkeley's campus. It's also a short distance from Berkeley's so-called "Gourmet Ghetto," a collection of spectacular eateries along the city's Shattuck Avenue, with highlights including Alice Waters' famed Chez Panisse, and pizza spot the Cheese Board. It is listed for $1,045,000.
466 Crescent St., #404, Oakland
If you're not yet ready to give up on apartment living, consider this three-bedroom, two-bath penthouse apartment, located in Oakland's Grand Lake area. The apartment features a sunken living room with high ceilings, three private roof decks, and a attractive master suite, in addition to a private elevator and lobby. The building is located near the northeast end of Lake Merritt, a heart-shaped tidal lagoon and wildlife refuge that doubles as a popular hangout spot and walking/jogging area, as well as the historic Grand Lake Theatre movie palace, which is still in operation. It is on the market for $679,000.
964 Neilson St., Albany
Albany is an town located northwest of Berkeley, boasting a good school system, flat, walkable terrain (not a given in the Bay Area) and Solano Avenue, a popular shopping and dining strip. This two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath Craftsman, located just two blocks from Solano, features an open plan living and dining area, an eat-in cook's kitchen, a working fireplace, and a slew of built-in cabinets, shelves, and closets for extra storage space. Best of all, the house has an enviable amount of outdoor space, including a dining deck and patio, as well as a separate garden studio that could suffice as a separate workspace. It is asking $850,000.
5538 Beaudry St., #A, Emeryville
Emeryville is a small city located between Berkeley and Oakland, along the shore of the San Francisco Bay. Though it's not as fancy as Berkeley or as hip as Oakland, the cost of living is slightly lower here, and new condos and businesses have begun to sprout up for frequently thanks to companies like Pixar, which call the city home. This two-bedroom, one-bath condo is located close to the popular Powell Street Plaza Shopping Center and the Bay Street retail and entertainment center. It features cork floors, an open plan dining/living and kitchen area, new stainless steel appliances, an enclosed patio, and parking included. It is asking $500,000.
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