Gracious Albany Forever Home

Albany lives like a city but feels like the close-knit small town it truly is. Coveted for its stellar schools, its good weather and prime commuter location, it can't be beat.  Small enough that almost every destination is walkable, neighbors tend to know one another and the vibe is friendly.

Public transit is abundant. BART stations at El Cerrito Plaza and North Berkeley make for an easy commute. Or hop on the cushy Transbay Express Bus to San Francisco and plug in as you ride. The immediate access to freeways make for quick trips to Marin, Napa and beyond. And for walkers and bikers, the Ohlone Greenway provides a carless connection through to Berkeley. 

Wildcat Canyon and Tilden Park are right up the hill with hiking, biking, open space, picnic tables and even camping, with views of the Bay and City. Point Isabel is a must-experience green space and dog park just ten minutes away, right on the Bay. The Albany Bulb is even closer and was recently renovated to offer sandy beach access and a walking path. You can hug the Bay while walking or biking on the adjacent San Francisco Bay Trail. Numerous parks such as Terrace Park and Veteran’s Memorial Park offer scenic fields, playgrounds and picnics areas. Memorial Park is the city’s magnet for gatherings, especially on the Fourth of July, and for community-wide events such as Summer Music In The Park.
Solano Avenue has everything! From Little Star Pizza to renowned Zaytoon and Lulu, it is home to dozens of adorable cafés, restaurants, pubs and boutiques all within a stroll of one another. And morning coffee at Flowerland or Peet's is a must!
A little further south the beloved Ocean View Brew Works, Fieldwork Brewing Company or Gilman Brewery also offer great evening hang-outs. Whole Foods is right around the corner.  To the north the El Cerrito Plaza is convenient for groceries and more with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and, of course, BART.

Albany is a place where people truly care for, and take pride in, the community where they live, evidenced by some of the most fun events around.  The Albany FilmFest is a juried film festival that takes place each year, dedicated to building community. It's a place to see movies not readily available elsewhere. Music in the Park is a yearly September tradition. Bring a picnic, a blanket, the family and friends to enjoy an array of musical guests. Although there are several fun events on the Albany Event Calendar, the marquee festival is the Solano Avenue Stroll. Held on the 2nd Sunday of September, this festival features an annual theme color, a plethora of local/regional artisans, fantastic food vendors, a slew of entertainers, all tied into one eventful parade. Since 1974, the Solano Avenue Stroll has been a premier Bay Area parade and festival, with a pedestrian-packed street every year!