Located adjacent to Berkeley, fronting the San Francisco Bay, Albany prides itself on being a safe, community-oriented city, with strong services and programs for youth, families and the elderly. It is a city made up largely of single-family homes and small businesses. Albany’s small town character is exemplified by its “Main Street,” Solano Avenue, a pedestrian friendly business district composed primarily of small “mom and pop” shops, and home to some of the Bay area’s best eateries.
On the market: 841 Key Route Blvd., Albany (click photo to see property details)
Housing: The current median price of a home in Albany is $859,000 (a 25% increase from a year ago). Homes are selling quickly with days on the market dropping to only a week on the market.
Opportunity: Berkeley Hills Realty is currently offering a two bed/one bath home for $680,000 around the corner from Solano Avenue. Come visit the Open House this weekend, May 27 from 2-4 and May 28 from 2-4:30 pm.
History: Here is an interesting story about how the town got its name and how a group of women changed the future of Albany:
In 1908, a group of local women protested the dumping of Berkeley garbage in their community. Armed with two shotguns and a twenty-two-caliber rifle, they confronted the drivers of the wagons near what is now the corner of San Pablo Avenue and Buchanan Street. The women told the drivers of the horse-drawn garbage wagons to go home, which they did quickly and without complaint. Shortly thereafter, the residents of the town voted to incorporate as the City of Ocean View. In 1909, voters changed the name of the city, primarily to distinguish the city from the adjacent section of Berkeley which had previously been named Ocean View. On a vote of 38 to 6 the city was renamed in honor of Albany, New York, the birthplace of the city’s first mayor, Frank Roberts.
Hopsy Beer
Highlight- Solano Avenue: If you take a stroll down the mainstreet of town, Solano Avenue, you won’t be able to stop yourself from checking out the local art galleries such as Abrams Claghorn where you can take art classes, or enjoying Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery, a vegan ice cream parlor, catching a movie at the Albany Landmark Twin Cinema or getting a cocktail or a craft beer at Hopsy and meeting friends. Solano Avenue has dozens of international and eclectic restaurants and bars, along with fresh flower stands and children’s art stores.
Abrams Claghorn Art Gallery
Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery
Albany Twin Cinema
Things to Do In Albany This Summer
Bike About Town: 3rd Friday of the Month beginning May 19, 2013
Pump up those tires and meet up at Wheels of Justice for a ride around town. Albany Strollers & Rollers create a new ride each month in Albany. Check-out more here.
Floga-Floating Yoga! Held at the Albany Aquatic Center each Tuesday. Swimming lessons are also available.
Still Life Painting with Olivia Chen
Sunday June 4, 12 – 3pm
Albany Community Center, Craft Room
1249 Marin Ave, Albany CA 94706
Albany YMCA
Classes and recreation for children: Albany has created a full guide to what to do this summer! Check it out!
Albany supports creativity efforts and holds its own Albany Film Fest each March. If you are a resident, the film fest welcomes your submissions.
Want to learn more about what Albany has to offer or services they provide? Here are a variety of Community Links for information about schools. Transportation, utilities, youth sports, non-profits, and more!
Albany is a quaint town with character. If you would like to learn more about the housing market or have new listings sent to you as they hit the market, please contact Berkeley Hills Realty, today!
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