West Berkeley (North)

Despite its proximity to water and the more run down shoreline industries, West Berkeley, north of University, is much like any other Berkeley neighborhood to the east of it. The homes here are the typical mix of squat Mission Revival and Ranch Style. You will also find the occasional Craftsman style home here or odd high roofed Victorian (they look like they are wearing witches hats). The areas low rents and relatively quiet atmosphere makes it a favorite for middle class residents looking for a Berkeley address.

One of the dominant features of the area is the James Kennedy Recreation Center, designed to keep people playing tennis and ping-pong. As well as baseball. Tends to be attended by local teens.

West of 5th and north of Carmelita, you will find the run down looking, heavily industrialized area where the recycling plant, storage and metal works, and forge are. This dirty area straddling the railroad tracks is much as it has been for fifty years.

Intermixed and at the edges of this area, however, are a handful of stores that hint at the families that call this Northwest Area of Berkeley home. Although most are not longer grad students this far to the west of Berkeley, many are families who have long lived here. The rents are relatively reasonable here and families find the cool bay breeze refreshing.

Stores include computer and auto repair stores, gardening supplies (such as Cactus Jungle for those who would like such succulents for their own), book publishers, a pre-school, and a brewery. Put simply there are a hodgepodge of family friendly stores, small companies and entrepreneurial ventures.

Although it is not quite as pretty as other sections of Berkeley, West Berkeley on it northern end still beat a lot of other places as far as community experience goes.