Albany

Albany

The city continues to evolve while maintaining its small-town character.

Welcome To Albany

Albany: The East Bay's Small Town with Big Charm

Nestled between Berkeley and El Cerrito in the East Bay, Albany offers a unique blend of small-town atmosphere and urban convenience. This compact city, spanning just 1.79 square miles, packs a punch with its vibrant community, excellent schools, and easy access to the greater Bay Area.
 

Location & Accessibility

Albany's prime location offers residents the best of both worlds:
 
  • Just 12 miles northeast of San Francisco
  • Bordered by Berkeley to the south and east, El Cerrito to the north
  • Easy access to I-80 and I-580 for convenient driving
  • AC Transit bus lines connecting to surrounding cities
  • Nearby North Berkeley and El Cerrito Plaza BART stations for rail commutes
  • Ohlone Greenway for pedestrian and bicycle travel

History & Character

Originally part of Rancho San Antonio, Albany has a rich history:
 
  • Incorporated in 1908 as Ocean View, renamed to Albany in 1909
  • Home to about 20,000 residents in a tight-knit community
  • Known for its strong civic engagement and community events
  • A diverse population with a small-town feel in the heart of the Bay Area

Natural Beauty & Recreation

Albany offers numerous outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities:
 
  • Albany Bulb, a former landfill turned into a unique waterfront park with art installations
  • Albany State Marine Reserve, protecting local marine life
  • Memorial Park, featuring sports fields, a community center, and playground
  • Ocean View Park, offering beautiful bay views
  • The Ohlone Greenway, a popular walking and biking path

Real Estate & Neighborhoods

Albany's real estate market offers a variety of housing options:
 
  • Charming Craftsman bungalows and California ranch-style homes
  • Some newer developments near San Pablo Avenue
  • A mix of single-family homes and multi-unit buildings
  • Generally more affordable than neighboring Berkeley, but still commanding Bay Area prices

Education & Culture

Albany is renowned for its excellent schools and cultural offerings:
 
  • Albany Unified School District, consistently ranked among the best in California
  • Proximity to world-class universities like UC Berkeley
  • Albany FilmFest, an annual community film festival
  • Diverse local businesses along Solano and San Pablo Avenues

Economic Development

The city continues to evolve while maintaining its small-town character:
 
  • Ongoing development along San Pablo Avenue
  • A thriving small business community
  • University Village, providing housing for UC Berkeley students and their families

Local Attractions

Albany boasts several unique attractions:
 
  • Golden Gate Fields, the only major horse racing track in the Bay Area
  • Solano Avenue Stroll, one of the largest street festivals in the East Bay
  • Albany Twin Theatre, a charming art deco movie theater
  • A diverse culinary scene ranging from casual cafes to fine dining
Albany, California, offers a unique combination of small-town charm, excellent schools, and urban accessibility. With its strong sense of community, prime location, and ongoing development, Albany continues to be one of the most desirable small cities in the East Bay for families, professionals, and anyone seeking a high quality of life in the heart of the Bay Area.

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Overview for Albany, CA

20,962 people live in Albany, where the median age is 36.7 and the average individual income is $58,992. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

20,962

Total Population

36.7 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$58,992

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Albany, CA

Population Households Employment

Albany has 7,968 households, with an average household size of 2.62. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Albany do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 20,962 people call Albany home. The population density is 14,315.06 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

20,962

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

36.7

Median Age

49.08 / 50.92%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
7,968

Total Households

2.62

Average Household Size

$58,992

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Albany, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Albany. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

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Contact Details

Elena Rossi | CA DRE# 02219462

(510) 660-3501
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6211 Medau Place Ste 210 Oakland, CA 94611