Homes in El Cerrito, CA
El Cerrito offers hillside views, two BART stations, and a tight-knit community minutes from Berkeley and the Bay Trail.
Why El Cerrito?
Two BART Stations
El Cerrito Plaza and Del Norte put San Francisco and Oakland within a short train ride.
Walkable Amenities
Grocery stores, swim center, and weekly farmers markets lie along the Ohlone Greenway.
Bay Views
Hillside homes capture sunsets over the Golden Gate and downtown skyline.
Interactive Map
Neighborhoods in El Cerrito
Discover the unique character and charm of El Cerrito's diverse neighborhoods.
Arlington Hills & Country Club
Upscale hillside enclave with sweeping Bay views and winding roads.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline views from nearly every deck.
Access to the Hillside Natural Area and the Ohlone Greenway connectors.
Traffic-calmed streets and community emergency groups keep residents prepared.
El Cerrito Plaza & Fairmont Park
Walkable flats near Plaza BART, grocery stores, and Albany border boutiques.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Plaza BART station and Ohlone Greenway provide car-free commuting.
Trader Joe's, El Cerrito Natural Grocery, and Pacific East Mall are a short stroll.
Fairmont Park, swim center, and community center host camps and rec leagues.
Del Norte Station & Central Avenue
Mixed-use hub surrounding Del Norte BART with new apartments and cafes.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Fastest BART transfers to Oakland, SF, and Richmond.
AC Transit Rapid and commuter buses fan out from the station.
Central Avenue features pho spots, taquerias, and coffee roasters.
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Schools in El Cerrito
Quality education is a cornerstone of El Cerrito's appeal to families.
| School Name | Level | School Rating | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madera Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Summit Public School K2 | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Fairmont Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Harding Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Fred T. Korematsu Middle School | Middle | ViewView Rating | |
| El Cerrito Senior High School | High | ViewView Rating |
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Note: Verify current ratings and boundaries with official district resources. School assignments may change based on enrollment and boundary adjustments.
Major Employment Hubs & Local Employers
El Cerrito offers excellent access to major Bay Area job centers and is home to several major employers.
Major Employment Hubs Near El Cerrito
UC Berkeley & Downtown Berkeley
Downtown Oakland / Lake Merritt
San Francisco Financial District
Top Employers in El Cerrito
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Operates local elementary, middle, and high schools plus the Korematsu campus.
City of El Cerrito
Municipal government, police, and public works employ hundreds of residents.
El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company
Community-owned market with a beloved prepared foods program and catering arm.
Commute Times
El Cerrito offers excellent connectivity to major job centers, airports, and regional destinations.
Commute to Major Job Centers
Airports
Regional Hotspots
Lifestyle & Amenities
Discover what makes El Cerrito a special place to live.
Residents walk or bike along the Ohlone Greenway for errands, school drop-offs, and BART commutes.
Weekends revolve around hiking in the Hillside Natural Area, shopping at Plaza farmer's markets, and catching shows at the Cerrito Theater.
Foodies bounce between Pacific East Mall dim sum, vegan bakeries on San Pablo Avenue, and quick trips into Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto.
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Weather & Climate
Quick-hit visuals that show how El Cerrito feels throughout the year.
Temperature Story
Quick look at the seasonal swing in El Cerrito
Winter Comfort Band
42–48°F
Typical overnight lows from December through February.
Summer Warmth Band
72–78°F
Afternoon highs during peak summer months.
Climate Type
Bayfront Mediterranean
Overall pattern
Days of Sunshine
260+ days
Bright days/year
Annual Rainfall
22-25 inches
Nov–Mar showers
Marine influence keeps temperatures mild year-round.
Mild summers with occasional heat waves; cool, wet winters with periodic storms.
Year-round outdoor living is possible thanks to moderate temperatures.
Parks & Recreation in El Cerrito
El Cerrito maintains over 8 parks and recreational facilities, from neighborhood parks to large regional parks.
Hillside Natural Area
Open Space
90-acre preserve with switchback trails, wildflower meadows, and interpretive signage offering panoramic Bay views.
Fairmont Park
Community Park
Central park with playground, sports fields, and community center hosting camps and recreation programs.
Poinsett Park
Neighborhood Park
Family-friendly park with tot lots, tennis courts, and walking paths near residential neighborhoods.
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Natural Hazards & Fault Lines
Important information about seismic activity, flood zones, and fire hazards in El Cerrito.
Major Fault Lines Near El Cerrito
Hayward Fault
Runs approximately 2 miles east through the Berkeley Hills
Type: Right-lateral strike-slip
San Andreas Fault
Located roughly 15 miles west across the Peninsula
Type: Strike-slip
Concord Fault
Approximately 8 miles northeast, extending through central Contra Costa County
Type: Strike-slip
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Moderate in hillside areas with brush and eucalyptus groves; low on the flats. Hillside Natural Area requires defensible space maintenance.
CalFire Classification
Seismic Hazard Zones
Liquefaction Zones
Moderate to high risk in low-lying areas near creeks and Bay fill; lower risk on hillside slopes.
Landslide Zones
Moderate susceptibility on steep hillside slopes, especially in areas with seasonal water flow and during heavy winter storms.
Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone Status
Portions of El Cerrito fall within the Hayward Fault Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, requiring geological reports for new construction.
FEMA Flood Zones
Zone Type
Zone X (minimal risk) in most areas; Zone AE along Baxter Creek and other drainage channels.
Flood Risk Notes
Flash flooding possible in creek corridors during heavy winter storms. City maintains drainage infrastructure and creek restoration projects.
Additional Notes
El Cerrito participates in regional earthquake preparedness programs. Many 1940s homes require seismic retrofitting. PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs may occur during Red Flag warnings in hillside areas.
What Locals Say
Hear from residents about living in El Cerrito.
"We drop the kids at Fairmont Elementary, grab coffee on San Pablo, and hop on BART without ever starting the car."
— Plaza Homeowner
"Living on Arlington gives us sunrise walks along the Ridge Trail and postcard-worthy sunsets every night."
— Arlington Hills Resident
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Local Favorites
Discover recommended restaurants and dining spots in El Cerrito.
Fat Apple's Bakery & Restaurant
Sticky buns, pies, and hearty breakfasts at the edge of the Ohlone Greenway.
El Cerrito Natural Grocery & Prepared Foods
Community-owned market known for seasonal deli items and local produce.
Elevation 66 Brewing
Small-batch beer, burgers, and live music on San Pablo Avenue.
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What Makes El Cerrito Special
Discover unique features, historical facts, and notable highlights of El Cerrito.
Rialto Cinemas Cerrito
Restored Art Deco theater with sofas, pizza service, and indie films creating a unique cinema experience in the East Bay.
Hillside Natural Area
90-acre open space preserve with switchback trails, wildflower meadows, and interpretive signage offering panoramic Bay views.
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline
One of the Bay Area's largest off-leash dog parks minutes away with Bay views, walking paths, and waterfront access.
Ohlone Greenway
Car-free multi-use path connecting BART stations, parks, and Berkeley with dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian walkways.
El Cerrito Natural Grocery
Community-owned market with beloved prepared foods program, local produce, and catering services serving the neighborhood since 1970.
Two BART Stations
El Cerrito Plaza and Del Norte stations provide direct access to San Francisco, Oakland, and the Peninsula with high-frequency service.
Pacific East Mall
Large Asian shopping center with restaurants, grocery stores, and specialty shops drawing visitors from across the East Bay.
El Cerrito Swim Center
Community pool offering lap swimming, swim lessons, and summer camps serving residents of all ages year-round.
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Insider Tips
What to know and what to be aware of when considering El Cerrito.
What to Know
Parking Permits
Streets near Del Norte require residential permits to discourage all-day parkers.
Earthquake Retrofits
Many 1940s homes have soft-story garages—budget for seismic upgrades.
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What to Avoid
Ignoring EV Charging
Limited street parking makes home chargers valuable for electric vehicles.
Weekend I-80 Gridlock
Use San Pablo Avenue or BART when weekend bridge traffic spikes.
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Homes for Sale in El Cerrito
Active listings coming soon. Contact us for current availability.
Coming Soon
We're working on bringing you real-time listings for El Cerrito. In the meantime, contact us to get personalized information about available homes in this area.
Nearby Cities
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Questions About El Cerrito
Common questions about living and buying in El Cerrito.
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