El Cerrito

El Cerrito

A perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility.

Welcome To El Cerrito

El Cerrito, California: The East Bay's Peaceful Haven

Tucked away in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, El Cerrito offers a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. This charming city, whose name means "little hill" in Spanish, is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the most desirable communities in the East Bay.
 

Location & Accessibility

El Cerrito enjoys a prime location in Contra Costa County, offering residents the best of both worlds:
 
  • Just 16 miles northeast of San Francisco
  • Easy access to Berkeley (adjacent southern border) and Oakland
  • Two BART stations (El Cerrito Plaza and El Cerrito del Norte) for seamless commutes
  • AC Transit bus lines connecting to surrounding cities
  • Close proximity to I-80 and I-580 for convenient driving

History & Character

Incorporated in 1917, El Cerrito has evolved from a small village to a thriving suburban community:
 
  • Originally part of Rancho San Pablo, one of the Spanish land grants
  • Home to refugees from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, spurring early growth
  • A diverse population of about 25,000 residents
  • Known for its strong sense of community and civic engagement

Natural Beauty

El Cerrito is blessed with natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities:
 
  • The Hillside Natural Area, offering hiking trails and panoramic bay views
  • Cerrito Creek, a restored urban creek running through the city
  • Nearby Tilden Regional Park, providing extensive hiking and picnic areas
  • The Ohlone Greenway, a popular walking and biking path

Real Estate & Neighborhoods

El Cerrito's real estate market offers a variety of housing options:
 
  • Charming mid-century homes in the El Cerrito Hills
  • Craftsman bungalows in the flatter areas near San Pablo Avenue
  • New transit-oriented developments near BART stations
  • More affordable options compared to neighboring Berkeley and Albany

Education & Culture

El Cerrito prides itself on its educational and cultural offerings:
 
  • Well-regarded public schools in the West Contra Costa Unified School District
  • Proximity to world-class universities like UC Berkeley
  • The historic Cerrito Theater, now a popular "dinner and a movie" venue
  • Annual events like the El Cerrito Free Folk Festival and worldOne Festival

Economic Development

The city is experiencing steady growth and development:
 
  • San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, encouraging mixed-use development along the main corridor
  • Revitalization of the El Cerrito Plaza shopping center
  • Growing interest from small businesses and startups

Recreation & Amenities

El Cerrito offers numerous recreational facilities and amenities:
 
  • El Cerrito Community Center, hosting various classes and events
  • The newly renovated El Cerrito Swim Center
  • Several well-maintained parks, including Arlington Park and Castro Park
  • El Cerrito Plaza, offering a mix of shopping and dining options
El Cerrito, California, offers a unique combination of suburban charm, urban accessibility, and natural beauty. With its strong sense of community, excellent location, and ongoing development, El Cerrito is becoming an increasingly attractive option for those seeking a high quality of life in the heart of the East Bay.

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Overview for El Cerrito, CA

26,461 people live in El Cerrito, where the median age is 41.8 and the average individual income is $62,857. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

26,461

Total Population

41.8 years

Median Age

High

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

$62,857

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for El Cerrito, CA

El Cerrito has 10,761 households, with an average household size of 2.45. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in El Cerrito do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 26,461 people call El Cerrito home. The population density is 6,110.62 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

26,461

Total Population

High

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

41.8

Median Age

47.61 / 52.39%

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
10,761

Total Households

2.45

Average Household Size

$62,857

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 El Cerrito, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby El Cerrito. 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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