This vibrant, culturally diverse city, a short drive (or BART ride) across the bay from San Francisco, offers innovation in everything from politics and science to art and cooking.  Known as the center of the free speech movement, Berkeley is home to the illustrious University of California, Berkeley. The campus, a thriving downtown scene, independent shops of all kinds, and endless hiking trails make this city a mecca for fine arts, culture, food, and recreation.

On top of the many events and performances here,  the city itself is fun to live in: you can hike in the hills, ride your bike through the flatlands or fly kites along the Bay. Residential architecture is varied, from old-fashioned brown-shingle homes to stucco bungalows and newer construction in the hills with stunning views of the city. Check our listings and let Winkler Real Estate Group find you the perfect Berkeley home, or let us find your ideal home buyer.

The landscape is as varied as the architecture. You can tackle the trail up Claremont Canyon, float in Lake Anza, stroll through eucalyptus or redwood forests, and tour rose gardens. The Botanical Gardens offer a respite from the hustle and bustle, and so do the expansive green lawns of Tilden Park with its 740 acres of nature preserve, plus a steam train, vintage carousel, and Little Farm for the kids.


Public transportation is plentiful — AC Transit bus lines, three BART stations — and excellent freeway access makes getting to Marin, San Francisco or the South Bay a breeze. For cyclists, bike paths, bicycle boulevards and the Bikestation at the downtown BART station are wonderful.

  “Liberal, free-thinking, inspiring, intellectual, diverse, environmentally-aware, creative, culinary, tolerant, family-friendly.” These words describe Berkeley neighborhoods.  There’s a strong local school system, a wide choice of private and charter schools, and a commitment to environmentalism and urban farming.

Vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike will discover plenty of wonderful restaurants, as will wine and beer aficionados. Locally grown organic produce is abundant; visit one of the many farmer’s markets to see for yourself.  Alice Waters’ famed Chez Panisse is the hub of the Gourmet Ghetto, an area on Shattuck Avenue bursting with the flavors of a dozen delicious eateries. Don’t forget to stop by the famous Cheeseboard Collective for a slice of heavenly pizza. Check out this site to see the latest Berkeley food news.

For entertainment, choose from such gems at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, the Freight and Salvage (for live music) and BAMPFA, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive.  Or check out the Greek outdoor amphitheater and Cal Performances to see what’s happening on campus.