El Cerrito

El Cerrito is a suburban city in Contra Costa County, north of Berkeley and Albany with 2 Bay Area Rapid Transit stations, easy freeway access and direct bus lines to San Francisco. It has a diverse population of approx. 24,000. Family homes from the flatlands to the hills vary in style from Tudor, Mediterranean and Mid Century Modern, to Spanish Haciendas and Colonials. These homes tend to be more affordable than those in some of the neighboring cities. Many of the homes in the hills have large lots and beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay or Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, which abuts Tilden Park. Besides great parks, it has the Mira Vista Golf and Country Club, a swimming and recreation center and a community theatre. Twice a week there is a farmer’s market at El Cerrito Plaza, where you will find many small stores and restaurants, as well as larger ones such as Trader Joe’s, Bed, Bath and Beyond and Albertsons. El Cerrito schools are part of the West Contra Costa Unified School District and include a middle school on Navellier and a beautiful new high school on Ashbury Avenue. There are also several well respected private schools, such as Prospect Sierra and Tehiyah Day School. A quarterly newsletter, published by the city, keeps residents informed about events, programs, services and news.