Ocean View, Albany, CA: What Buyers Should Know
Additionally, A walkable, highly educated neighborhood in the heart of the Bay Area's most pedestrian-friendly city.
About Ocean View in Albany
Ocean View in Albany delivers one of the Bay Area's most walkable residential environments, with a walk score of 88 and an exceptional bike score of 94. The neighborhood draws educated professionals and established families, reflected in a median household income of $131,327 and 58.3% of residents holding bachelor's degrees. Home prices center around $941,200, positioning Ocean View as meaningfully more affordable than Albany's citywide median of $1.13 million, though still firmly in the six-figure range.
Real Estate Market in Ocean View
| Median home price | $941k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +3% |
| Price per sq ft | $685 |
| Median rent | $2,049 |
| Typical days on market | 16 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 88 |
| Transit Score | 55 |
| Bike Score | 94 |
Ocean View homes move steadily in a moderate-to-competitive market. Inventory typically includes a mix of mid-century craftsmans, updated townhomes, and newer infill, appealing to downsizers and young professionals alike.
Ocean View homes attract multiple offers from both owner-occupants and investors. Additionally, include a strong pre-approval and be prepared to close within 30 days. Properties in turnkey condition or with recent updates tend to command slight premiums.
Who Thrives in Ocean View
Additionally, ocean View's walkability and lower-than-city-average prices make it appealing for young professionals seeking entry into the Albany market without sacrificing urban amenities.
Additionally, top-rated schools like Cornell Elementary (79.5) and the neighborhood's 19.9% share of households with kids create a family-forward environment with parks like James Kenney Park and strong childcare options.
Additionally, owner-occupied rates of 45.6% and steady rental demand at $2,049 median support moderate returns; the walkable location and good schools attract reliable long-term tenants.
Additionally, with 29.2% of residents working from home and a walk score of 88, Ocean View offers professional-grade internet, coffee shops like Peet's Coffee, and pedestrian access to groceries and fitness.
Additionally, the median age of 45.8 and low poverty rate of 9% reflect a stable, well-resourced community; walkability reduces reliance on driving, and proximity to Berkeley health services adds peace of mind.
Property Types in Ocean View
Vintage craftsmans and mid-century ranches dominate; many are being respectfully updated with modern interiors.
Lower-maintenance options popular with downsizers and first-time buyers; often feature HOA-managed grounds and shared amenities.
Infill projects and extensively renovated homes command premiums and attract buyers seeking move-in-ready appeal.
Living in Ocean View, Albany
Daily life in Ocean View centers on walkability and community. Additionally, residents bike to Peet's Coffee or Artis Coffee for morning routines, grab lunch at Tacubaya or Dumpling Time, and browse local shops like Rejuvenation and CB2 on foot. Moreover, the neighborhood's 88 walk score means groceries, fitness classes at FitnessLAB, and James Kenney Recreation Center are all within a few blocks. Weekend activities blend urban culture with outdoor access: catch live music at 924 Gilman, explore the Takara Sake Museum, or ride bikes along the North Basin Strip.
- Dumpling time · 6 min walk
- Cafe M · 6 min walk
- Tacubaya · 6 min walk
- Trumer Brewery Taproom · 6 min walk
- Pollara Pizzeria · 6 min walk
- Artís Coffee · 4 min walk
- Peet's Coffee · 6 min walk
- Oceanview Diner · 7 min walk
- Cafe Reveille · 10 min walk
- Project Juice · 10 min walk
- James Kenney Park · 7 min walk
- North Basin Strip · 8 min walk
- Berkeley Meadow · 14 min walk
- Game on · 15 min walk
- Harrison Park · 15 min walk
- Oceanview To Go · 7 min walk
- Acme Bread Company · 12 min walk
- Starter Bakery · 12 min walk
- Milan Indian Grocery · 14 min walk
- Whole Foods Market · 14 min walk
- James Kenney Recreation Center · 7 min walk
- Sōl · 12 min walk
- Berkeley Cuong Nhu Karate · 14 min walk
- Casa de Cultura · 15 min walk
- FitnessLAB · 18 min walk
- Shoh · 10 min walk
- 924 Gilman · 11 min walk
- Holton Studio Frame Makers · 14 min walk
- Takara Sake Museum · 14 min walk
- Ashkenaz Music & Dance · 15 min walk
Annual events: Albany Art and Wine Festival, Bay Bike Party, local farmers markets at James Kenney Park, seasonal street fairs
Schools Near Ocean View, Albany
Additionally, ocean View sits within the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), which operates the majority of schools serving the neighborhood. Top-rated options include Cornell Elementary (79.5) and Jefferson Elementary (74.5), both within walking distance and popular with families seeking strong academics and diverse student bodies.
Elementary Schools
School Score 79.5 with 76% math and 83% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 74.5 with 72% math and 77% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 70 with 69% math and 71% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 69.5 with 66% math and 73% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
High Schools
Private Schools Nearby
- Black Pine Circle School (KG-8) — 13-minute walk
- Via Center — 15-minute walk
- Nia House Learning Center (PK-KG) — 19-minute walk
- The Berkeley School (PK-8) — 23-minute walk
- The Crowden School (4-8) — 27-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Elementary students typically feed into Realm Charter Middle (6-8) and Realm Charter High (9-12), or OUSD continuation schools like Macgregor High; private alternatives like Black Pine Circle School and The Berkeley School also serve the area.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Ocean View
Additionally, ocean View's location in Albany provides quick access to major Bay Area employment centers and transit hubs. The neighborhood's transit score of 55 reflects moderate bus service, and the bike score of 94 makes cycling a viable commute for many residents.
Additionally, AC Transit bus lines serve Ocean View with connections to BART stations in downtown Berkeley and downtown Oakland; the bike infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly streets make local trips car-free for many.
Neighborhoods Near Ocean View
Not sure Ocean View is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocean View
What is the average home price in Ocean View, Albany?
The median home price in Ocean View is $941,200, with most single-family homes ranging from $850,000 to $1.2 million. This is notably lower than Albany's citywide median of $1.13 million, making Ocean View one of the more accessible entry points for buyers in the city. Prices reflect the neighborhood's walkability, school quality, and stable demographics rather than premium luxury finishes.
Is Ocean View a walkable neighborhood?
Yes. Additionally, ocean View boasts a walk score of 88 and a bike score of 94, among the highest in the Bay Area. Moreover, most daily errands and amenities are accessible on foot or by bike, and the neighborhood sits within the larger city of Albany, which has a 96 walk score. This makes it ideal for residents who prefer limited car use.
What are the best schools near Ocean View?
Cornell Elementary (79.5) and Jefferson Elementary (74.5) are top-rated public options within the neighborhood. Additionally, both are walkable and serve diverse student populations. Moreover, for middle and high school, Realm Charter Middle and Realm Charter High serve the area, as do OUSD public schools. Private alternatives include Black Pine Circle School and The Berkeley School.
Is Ocean View safe?
Ocean View benefits from a low poverty rate of 9% and a median age of 45.8, reflecting a stable, well-resourced community. Additionally, the neighborhood has active community policing and strong local engagement through parks like James Kenney Park and neighborhood associations. Crime rates are below Bay Area averages, though prospective buyers should always review current crime data and visit at various times of day.
Who is Ocean View best for?
Additionally, ocean View suits educated professionals, remote workers, families with school-age children, and retirees seeking walkable urban living without premium price tags. With 58.3% of residents holding bachelor's degrees and a median household income of $131,327, the neighborhood attracts accomplished residents and maintains a professional, community-minded culture.
What amenities and restaurants are nearby?
Additionally, ocean View residents enjoy easy access to coffee shops like Peet's Coffee and Artis Coffee, dining options such as Tacubaya and Dumpling Time, and grocery stores like Whole Foods Market and Acme Bread Company. Fitness facilities, cultural venues like Takara Sake Museum, and entertainment at 924 Gilman are all walkable or a short bike ride away.
Where this Ocean View 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.
Find Your Home in Ocean View, Albany
Additionally, connect with a local real estate expert to explore available listings, negotiate offers, and make your move to one of the Bay Area's most walkable neighborhoods.
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