Berkeley’s Elmwood District is a classic neighborhood centered around the College and Ashby Avenues. Wide tree-lined streets and larger homes predominate the highly desirable section - including some Arts and Crafts gems by prominent 1920’s architects like Bernard Maybeck. Although it was first home to the chic and slightly adventurous Victorians in the late 1800s, the neighborhood began to fill up early in the 20th century. Today, you’ll see a solid selection of Craftsman styles, stucco, and classic shingled bungalows.
Commuters (BART is nearby in Rockridge and Downtown Berkeley), dog-lovers, and friendly neighbors predominate locally. There’s a lively business area on College, filled with busy cafes, shops, and plenty of places to dine out. The closeness to the University rubs off - it’s possible to find something to do on the most “off” nights - and easy to bike over for campus events. Elmwood Theater is a beautiful distraction - it shows not only major movie releases, but hosts special showings, as well. All in all, Elmwood has a distinctly local feel, but draws in other Berkeley visitors - a neighborhood to be proud of.
Neighborhood icons like La Méditerranée and Naboloom Bakery, have been serving up street cafe style for decades on College Avenue, and stopping in for a bite will give visitors a view of the local life from table height.