NEIGHBORHOODS

Alameda, CA, a sophisticated Bay Area island community with a small town vibe known for tree-lined streets and Victorian charm, low crime, a clean/green focus, natural beauty, abundant recreational opportunities, an excellent quality of life and high standard of living.

Albany, CA, is located on the Eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, across from the Golden Gate Bridge. The city lies in the northwestern corner of Alameda County, bordered by the cities of El Cerrito and Richmond on the north and the city of Berkeley on the east and south sides.

Berkeley, CA, is a city with a small population and a big reputation. In California alone, there are more than 30 cities bigger than Berkeley. In Alameda County alone, Berkeley is ranked fourth in population behind Oakland, Fremont, and Hayward. And yet, we are famous around the globe as a center for academic achievement, scientific exploration, free speech and the arts.

Kensington, CA, through the years and population growth, Kensington has retained a quiet charm which its residents find quite appealing. The magnificent views of the Golden Gate bridge and the San Francisco Bay provide one of the more obvious appeals — but the sense of community is another.

Montclair, Oakland, CA.  Montclair Village is a charming and vibrant community, nestled in the beautiful, tree-covered Oakland Hills.   The Village has a laid back, small town feel, plenty of parking in the City-owned garage, and over 200 retailers, service providers, restaurants, and financial service providers.

Piedmont, CA, is a charter city of approximately 11,000 residents located in the beautiful Oakland Hills, overlooking the San Francisco Bay.  The city, which is virtually built out, consists of established, high-quality single family homes on quiet tree-lined streets.  Piedmont is centrally located within a few minutes from Oakland and San Francisco on the West and Concord and Walnut Creek on the East.

Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA, is a district in North Oakland, California. It is named for Piedmont Avenue, the main commercial street of the district. The neighborhood is bounded by Broadway on the west, Oakland Avenue and City of Piedmont (a separate municipality, an enclave within Oakland) on the East, the Mountain View Cemetery on the north, and the MacArthur Freeway (Interstate 580) on the south. Historically, the Piedmont Avenue shopping area has provided retail shopping for the upscale city of Piedmont, California, and many trendy restaurants and boutique retailers line the street. There are several landmarks in the area. The center of the Piedmont Avenue commercial strip is a Julia Morgan-designed 1916 red brick building, originally built as the Fred C. Turner Stores, which is at the corner of 40th St. and Piedmont Avenue. It now houses several gourmet food merchants. At the north end of Piedmont Avenue and Pleasant Valley Avenue is the hillside Mountain View Cemetery, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and is just up the street from the Julia Morgan designed Chapel of the Chimes. The PANIL Newsletter publishes neighborhood activites and interesting articles.

Rockridge, Oakland, CA, is located along pedestrian-friendly College Avenue in North Oakland. Lined with trees, inviting storefronts, cafes and restaurants, the Rockridge was voted one of Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live" in their 2002 survey. The Rockridge News is a neighborrhood newsletter.

Temescal, Oakland, CA, represents a diverse and eclectic mix of Bay Area businesses and residents. With its unique location and cultural environment, residents and patrons can expect a vibrant cultural experience from a visit to the Temescal area. From the landmark Genova Delicatessen to the innovative Sadiedey Cafe indoor playground, businesses located in this district service a wide array of markets and provide invaluable offerings to the Oakland, Calif., community. The Temescal Telegraph Business District puts out a great newsletter and blog.