Is Albany Hill, Albany a Good Place to Live?
Additionally, A walkable neighborhood in the heart of the East Bay with strong schools and urban convenience.
About Albany Hill in Albany
Albany Hill is a densely populated, highly walkable neighborhood in Albany that balances urban convenience with family appeal. Additionally, with a walk score of 72 and proximity to quality schools like Cornell Elementary and Albany High, the neighborhood attracts established professionals and growing families alike. Home values near $976k reflect strong demand, while the median household income of $119k signals financial stability across the community. The area rewards buyers who value walkability, local restaurants, and easy Bay Area access over newer construction or spacious yards.
Real Estate Market in Albany Hill
| Median home price | $976k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | stable |
| Price per sq ft | $825 |
| Median rent | $2,372 |
| Typical days on market | 28 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 72 |
| Transit Score | 59 |
| Bike Score | 66 |
Additionally, albany Hill median home values sit at $976k, below the city-wide median of $1.13m, making it an entry point for East Bay buyers seeking walkability without peak pricing. Rental median is $2,372, consistent with the broader Albany market.
Competition is steady but not feverish. Additionally, homes with transit proximity or recent updates move faster. Offer within 5 to 8 percent of list price in Albany Hill, and be prepared for quick acceptance on well-positioned properties.
Who Thrives in Albany Hill
Additionally, albany Hill offers entry-level pricing relative to the Bay Area, with abundant walkable amenities and schools that reduce ongoing transportation costs.
Additionally, top-rated elementary schools like Cornell Elementary (79.5) and strong middle/high schools make Albany Hill a natural choice for families prioritizing education and walkable neighborhoods.
Additionally, rental demand is solid at $2,372 median monthly rent; owner-occupied units represent 40 percent of the neighborhood, offering rental upside for patient investors.
Additionally, A transit score of 59 and walk score of 72 mean remote workers can walk to cafes and restaurants; 22.6 percent of the neighborhood works from home already.
Additionally, the median age of 39 creates a mixed-generational community; walkability and proximity to health services support active retirement, though some may prefer quieter settings.
Property Types in Albany Hill
Majority of inventory; many mid-century builds with recent updates or expansion potential.
Lower maintenance appeal for first-time buyers and empty-nesters; popular near transit corridors.
Strong rental demand supports owner-occupied duplexes and small apartment buildings.
Living in Albany Hill, Albany
Daily life in Albany Hill revolves around walkable San Pablo Avenue, lined with local favorites like Hotsy Totsy Club and independent cafes such as Peet's Coffee and Souvenir Coffee. The neighborhood's 31.6 percent of households with children fuels weekend activity at Albany Hill Park and Creekside Park, while the Ohlone Greenway provides car-free recreation and commuting routes. Dining options span tacos from Tacos El Autlense Truck to pho at Pho Ao Sen, and grocery stops include Trader Joe's and 99 Ranch Market within a short walk.
- Tacos El Autlense Truck · 6 min walk
- Hotsy Totsy Club · 6 min walk
- Kitchenette · 6 min walk
- Taco Bell · 6 min walk
- Pho Ao Sen · 6 min walk
- Peet's Coffee · 9 min walk
- Happy Lemon · 10 min walk
- Le Dessert Lab · 10 min walk
- Royal Ground Coffee · 11 min walk
- Souvenir Coffee · 11 min walk
- Albany Hill Park · 3 min walk
- Creekside Park · 6 min walk
- Peggy Thomsen Pierce Street Park · 7 min walk
- Creekside Park · 8 min walk
- Ohlone Greenway · 13 min walk
- 99 Ranch Market · 9 min walk
- Sheng Kee Bakery · 9 min walk
- Trader Joe's · 11 min walk
- Lucky · 14 min walk
- Sprouts Farmers Market · 18 min walk
- Phasefit · 7 min walk
- Heal pilates · 9 min walk
- Square One Yoga · 10 min walk
- Center for Creative Growth · 18 min walk
- Albany Community Center · 19 min walk
- Omescape · 13 min walk
- Cerrito Theatre · 14 min walk
- Metallica Mansion · 15 min walk
- 924 Gilman · 27 min walk
- Shoh · 28 min walk
Annual events: Albany's Fourth of July parade, Solano Stroll shopping festival, and seasonal farmers market gatherings
Schools Near Albany Hill, Albany
Albany Hill is served by some of the highest-performing public schools in the East Bay. Cornell Elementary (79.5) and Marin Elementary (79.5) anchor the elementary tier, while Albany Middle (74) and Albany High (75) provide solid pathways through secondary education.
Elementary Schools
School Score 79.5 with 76% math and 83% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 79.5 with 78% math and 81% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 74.5 with 72% math and 77% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 69.5 with 66% math and 73% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 74 with 70% math and 78% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 46.5 with 39% math and 54% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 75 with 70% math and 80% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 39.5 with 31% math and 48% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Bright Star Montessori School (PK-KG) — 24-minute walk
- Prospect Sierra School (KG-8) — 38-minute walk
- The Crowden School (4-8) — 40-minute walk
- Tilden Preparatory School (6-12) — 15-minute walk
- St Mary'S College High School (9-12) — 34-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Cornell and Marin Elementary feed into Albany Middle and Albany High, creating a cohesive K-12 progression within walking or short biking distance.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Albany Hill
Commuting from Albany Hill is straightforward whether by car, transit, or bike. The neighborhood's 44.5 percent drive rate reflects reliable freeway access via Interstate 80, while transit options serve the growing work-from-home and Bay Area job corridors.
Additionally, transit score of 59 reflects good bus and local Amtrak access via 555 Pierce Street and San Pablo Avenue corridors; BART stations in Berkeley are a 10-15 minute drive or bike ride away.
Neighborhoods Near Albany Hill
Not sure Albany Hill is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Albany Hill
What is the average home price in Albany Hill, Albany?
The median home value in Albany Hill is approximately $976k, making it one of the more affordable neighborhoods in the broader East Bay. This represents a meaningful discount to Albany's city-wide median of $1.13m. Single-family homes typically range from $850k to $1.2m, while condos and townhomes often start in the $650k to $950k range, depending on size, condition, and proximity to transit or schools.
Is Albany Hill a good place to live?
Yes, Albany Hill is an excellent choice for buyers seeking urban walkability combined with strong schools and community stability. The neighborhood scores 72 on walkability, has top-rated elementary schools like Cornell Elementary, and maintains a median household income of $119k that reflects financial security. It suits first-time buyers, families, and remote workers best; the main tradeoff is density and less-abundant green space compared to quieter suburbs.
Which schools serve Albany Hill, Albany?
Cornell Elementary (79.5 rating) and Marin Elementary (79.5 rating) are the primary elementary schools, both with strong academic performance and walkable proximity. Albany Middle (74 rating) serves grades 6-8, and Albany High (75 rating) is the flagship public high school, all part of a cohesive feeder system. Private options like Tilden Preparatory School and Prospect Sierra School also serve the neighborhood.
Is Albany Hill a safe neighborhood?
Albany Hill is a stable, family-oriented community with a median age of 39 and 50.1 percent married households, both indicators of neighborhood cohesion. Additionally, the poverty rate of 6.3 percent is well below national averages. Like any urban neighborhood, standard urban awareness applies, but the area maintains active community engagement and regular public safety presence.
Who is Albany Hill best suited for?
Albany Hill is ideal for families prioritizing top schools, first-time buyers seeking walkable urban living at lower East Bay price points, and remote workers who value cafe culture and transit options. It works well for established professionals aged 35 to 55, especially those with children or who bike and use transit regularly. It is less suited to those seeking large lots, quiet suburban settings, or newly built construction.
What is there to do in Albany Hill, Albany?
The neighborhood offers abundant dining and coffee options, including Peet's Coffee, Hotsy Totsy Club, and Tacos El Autlense Truck, all within walking distance. Albany Hill Park and Creekside Park provide recreation and gathering space for families, while the Ohlone Greenway connects to broader East Bay trail systems. Local boutiques like Stuff Vintage Modern, fitness centers, and proximity to Berkeley cultural venues round out the lifestyle.
Where this Albany Hill data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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