Cresswind Wesley Chapel
Charlotte, North Carolina
Berkeley, California
What It Is Like to Retire in Berkeley
Retirees will find a style of life in Berkeley, California, that is as fine as anywhere in the world. This university town (University of California, known as Cal) is set on the slopes of a mountain rolling away to the east from San Francisco Bay. On most days the Golden Gate and the City are a constant view below. City life, culture, and some of the best restaurants in the world in its “Gourmet Ghetto” (e.g.; Chez Panisse) are located here. Cal’s campus is set in a beautiful area that mixes old and new buildings amidst a redwood grove. Quiet streets with lush gardens of tropical plantings greet the eye and nose. Meanwhile the climate is close to perfect most of the year, rarely too hot, almost never too cool. The University of California, founded in 1868 and one of the world’s great universities, is a big draw for many retirees with its array of cultural and other activities. Berkeley is located in Alameda County. For a list of profiles of over 900 cities and towns go to retirement community reviews, - and here is more information on taxes and what it is like to retire in California.
Where to Retire in Berkeley and Home Prices
The main drawback to living in Berkeley is the expensive housing. Zillow.com lists the median sale price to be about $1.3 million in late 2023. Fortunately, there are apartments that can be had for less, either as condos or as rentals. Surrounding areas, such as the nicer parts of Oakland, tend to be slightly less expensive.
What Is Special about Berkeley
Perfect Climate. Intellectual atmosphere. Views of San Francisco. Beautiful homes and gardens. Proximity to Bart. The Campanile belltower (Sather Tower) on the UC Campus. Berkeley is considered a walkable town.
What Is Not Special about Berkeley
Aging hippies and homeless people on Telegraph Street, traffic near the campus, Leftist atmosphere
Who Will Like Retirement in Berkeley
People live here who like being in a vibrant city with an active cultural scene. Berkeley could be the most liberal and cosmopolitan city in California, which says something!
Local Economy Is Driven by
Education, retail, Software, high tech, tourism, real estate
Climate and Physical Environment
Berkeley rises up from the San Francisco harbor, culminating in a very high ridge that runs north and south. It tends to be rainy in winter and has a Mediterranean climate (warm and dry summers and cool, wet winters). The Hayward Fault runs through the region, in fact in goes through the middle of Cal's Memorial Stadium.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Berkeley is a cultural feast. One of the finest restaurants in the world, Chez Panisse is located here. It is credited with starting the new wave of cooking with fresh ingredients movement. The University is the engine, with many museums, theatres, performance spaces. Bookstores in the area are very good. The Berkeley Repertory Theatre and the Berkeley Community Theater, and the Hearst Greek Theatre are important cultural beacons for the community.
Crime
Crime in Berkeley is above the national average.
Medical facilities
Alta Bates Medical Center. Oakland has many hospitals.
Transportation
Berkeley has a very high Walk Score number of 81.6 from walkscore.com. Oakland International Airport is 12 miles. San Francisco International Airport is 19 miles. BART has stations in Berkeley connecting to San Francisco Amtrak
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