Is Westbrae, Albany a Good Place to Live?
A walkable, education-focused neighborhood in Albany with premium amenities and strong Bay Area connectivity.
About Westbrae in Albany
Westbrae stands out as one of the Bay Area's most livable neighborhoods, combining exceptional walkability with strong schools and professional-class residents. Additionally, located in Albany just north of Berkeley, this community delivers a walk score of 84 and a perfect bike score of 100, making daily errands and recreation accessible without a car. Moreover, with a median household income of $148,329 and 75.5% of residents holding bachelor's degrees, Westbrae attracts families and professionals seeking both intellectual culture and suburban calm. The median home value of $1.25 million reflects the neighborhood's desirability, though it remains a premium choice for buyers prioritizing schools and access.
Real Estate Market in Westbrae
| Median home price | $1.25m |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +3 to 5% |
| Price per sq ft | $875 to $950 |
| Median rent | $2,391 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 25 |
| Buyer competition | Fierce |
| Walk Score | 84 |
| Transit Score | 60 |
| Bike Score | 100 |
Additionally, the Westbrae real estate market is competitive and premium-priced, reflective of strong schools, walkability, and proximity to employment centers. Homes sell briskly in this educated, affluent community.
Additionally, expect multiple offers and competitive bidding in Westbrae, especially for properties near top-rated schools or with modern updates. Waiving contingencies or offering escalation clauses strengthens positioning in this seller-favorable market.
Who Thrives in Westbrae
Westbrae is accessible for qualified first-time buyers with strong down payments, given its premium pricing and competitive market dynamics.
Additionally, top-rated schools, walkable streets, and family-oriented amenities like Terrace Park and the Albany Community Center make Westbrae ideal for households with children.
Additionally, rental demand is steady with median rents of $2,391, and property appreciation has been consistent, supporting long-term hold or moderate flip strategies.
Additionally, high walk and transit scores (84 and 60 respectively), abundant cafes like Coffee Conscious and Philz Coffee, plus 32.2% work-from-home adoption make this neighborhood attractive for distributed professionals.
Additionally, walkability, proximity to healthcare (Carbon Health, Walgreens), cultural venues like Ashkenaz Music & Dance, and an educated, stable community appeal to active retirees.
Property Types in Westbrae
Craftsman and mid-century homes dominate; many feature updated kitchens and gardens.
Lower entry point; appeal to downsizers and first-time buyers seeking lower maintenance.
Premium pricing for modern finishes, energy efficiency, and open floor plans.
Living in Westbrae, Albany
Daily life in Westbrae centers on walkable, tree-lined streets where residents stroll to coffee shops, farmers markets, and neighborhood parks without reaching for car keys. The community feels village-like despite proximity to Berkeley and the freeway, with independent cafes like Espresso Roma and grocery anchors like Monterey Market fostering regular foot traffic and social connection. From weekend bike rides on the Ohlone Greenway to evening gatherings at Ashkenaz for live music and dance, the neighborhood supports an active, culturally engaged lifestyle.
- Kiku Sushi · 1 min walk
- Adega Azul · 1 min walk
- PRAAW (พราว) Thai Berkeley · 1 min walk
- Phở le · 8 min walk
- Sol Taqueria · 8 min walk
- Coffee Conscious · 1 min walk
- Happy Donuts · 9 min walk
- Espresso Roma · 11 min walk
- Blue Willow Teaspot · 11 min walk
- Philz Coffee · 11 min walk
- Ohlone Greenway · 1 min walk
- Ohlone Greenway · 5 min walk
- Terrace Park · 8 min walk
- Dartmouth Street Tot Lot · 8 min walk
- Cedar-Rose Park · 9 min walk
- Berkeley Bagels · 1 min walk
- Tokyo Fish Market · 10 min walk
- Monterey Market · 11 min walk
- Whole Foods Market · 11 min walk
- Magnanis · 11 min walk
- Albany Community Center · 13 min walk
- Center for Creative Growth · 13 min walk
- Orangetheory Fitness · 18 min walk
- The Dance Floor · 18 min walk
- Berkeley Cuong Nhu Karate · 19 min walk
- Ashkenaz Music & Dance · 8 min walk
- 924 Gilman · 14 min walk
- Shotgun Studios · 21 min walk
- Shoh · 21 min walk
- Live Oak Theater · 29 min walk
Annual events: Gilman Street Art & Wine Fair, Albany Community Picnic, seasonal farmers markets, Ashkenaz cultural performances
Schools Near Westbrae, Albany
Additionally, westbrae's school options rank among the best in the East Bay, with highly-rated public and private institutions serving K-12 students. The community's commitment to education is reflected in high parental involvement and strong academic outcomes.
Elementary Schools
School Score 79.5 with 78% math and 81% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School 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 69.5 with 66% math and 73% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 71.5 with 70% math and 73% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 75 with 70% math and 80% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 63.5 with 52% math and 75% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- The Crowden School (4-8) — 10-minute walk
- Bright Star Montessori School (PK-KG) — 13-minute walk
- The Berkeley School (PK-8) — 21-minute walk
- Black Pine Circle School (KG-8) — 25-minute walk
- School Of The Madeleine (KG-8) — 26-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Local students typically attend Marin Elementary (79.5 rating), feed to Martin Luther King Middle (71.5), then to Albany High (75), or opt for private alternatives like The Crowden School or Bright Star Montessori.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Westbrae
Westbrae's location provides straightforward access to major Bay Area employment hubs while maintaining a suburban, low-traffic feel. Transit options supplement car commuting for those seeking alternatives.
AC Transit bus lines (especially Gilman Street stops) connect Westbrae to regional destinations; a 60 transit score reflects moderate bus coverage, while the 84 walk score minimizes car dependency for local errands.
Neighborhoods Near Westbrae
Not sure Westbrae is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Westbrae
What is the average home price in Westbrae, Albany?
The median home price in Westbrae is approximately $1.25 million, with single-family homes typically ranging from $1.1m to $1.6m and condos from $850k to $1.3m. Prices reflect the neighborhood's top-rated schools, walkability, and proximity to employment. The market has appreciated 3-5% year-over-year, consistent with Bay Area trends for premium suburban neighborhoods.
Is Westbrae a good neighborhood to live in?
Yes, Westbrae is an excellent neighborhood for families, professionals, and active retirees seeking walkable urban living with strong schools and community culture. The 84 walk score, perfect bike score, and 75.5% of residents holding bachelor's degrees reflect an educated, engaged populace. However, the premium pricing (median home value $1.25m) and competitive market mean it's best suited for buyers with substantial down payments and flexible timelines.
What schools serve Westbrae?
Top public schools include Marin Elementary (79.5 rating), Martin Luther King Middle (71.5), and Albany High (75). Additionally, private options like The Crowden School and Bright Star Montessori serve younger learners. The neighborhood's school quality and parental engagement are key attractions, and most families prioritize proximity to these institutions when choosing homes.
Is Westbrae safe?
Westbrae benefits from Albany's overall safety profile and active community policing. The neighborhood's walkability, tree-lined streets, and high homeownership rate (58.7%) contribute to strong neighborhood cohesion and property maintenance. Like any Bay Area neighborhood, standard precautions apply, but violent crime remains low relative to regional averages.
Who is Westbrae best for?
Westbrae suits families prioritizing top schools, professionals seeking walkability and transit access to SF or Oakland, remote workers attracted by café culture and community spaces, and affluent buyers valuing education and urban village character. It is less ideal for budget-conscious first-time buyers or those requiring extensive freeway commuting to distant employment.
What amenities and dining are nearby in Westbrae?
Westbrae offers abundant local amenities including coffee shops (Espresso Roma, Philz Coffee, Coffee Conscious), restaurants (Adega Azul, PRAAW Thai, Sol Taqueria), and grocery options (Monterey Market, Tokyo Fish Market, Whole Foods). Additionally, recreation includes the Ohlone Greenway for biking, Terrace Park, fitness at Albany Community Center, and live music at Ashkenaz. The neighborhood's walkability means most destinations are a 10-15 minute stroll.
Where this Westbrae 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 Westbrae
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