Illustration of a scenic outdoor scene with the number 94530 and text indicating mid-mod living in California. The scene features mountains, a sunset, airplane, and the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. In the foreground, there are two people dining near a fireplace, a dog, a car, and people kayaking on a river, with additional elements such as a bicycle, houses, trees, and a watchtower.

El Cerrito & the 94530 ZIP Code – A Community Overview

Bay Views, Hillside Living & a Refined East Bay Balance

The 94530 ZIP code encompasses the city of El Cerrito, stretching from the flats near San Pablo Avenue up into the El Cerrito Hills, where elevation brings sweeping Bay views, quiet residential streets, and a distinctly serene atmosphere. This ZIP code is prized for its balance: scenic hillside living paired with excellent transit access, strong schools, and a well-established community fabric.

As you move west to east, the environment transitions from walkable commercial corridors into rolling hills lined with mature trees and architecturally varied homes. Many hillside properties enjoy expansive views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate, Mount Tamalpais, and the Bay, while cooler temperatures and steady breezes add to the appeal.

94530 offers a refined East Bay lifestyle—less dense than Berkeley, quieter than Oakland, and deeply connected to both nature and transit.

A Stable, Engaged & Community-Oriented City

El Cerrito is known for its long-term residents, civic engagement, and strong neighborhood identity. The city has a reputation for being thoughtful, inclusive, and well-managed, with residents who take pride in local schools, parks, and public spaces.

Community characteristics include:

  • A strong culture of homeownership and long-term residency

  • Active neighborhood associations and community groups

  • City-wide emphasis on sustainability and smart growth

  • A calm, residential feel with clearly defined neighborhood centers

Rather than rapid turnover, 94530 reflects continuity—families grow here, neighbors know one another, and civic participation is part of everyday life.

Schools & Education

Education is one of the strongest draws to the 94530 ZIP code. The area is served by the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD), with schools that are consistently sought after across the East Bay.

Notable schools include:

  • Madera Elementary School – Highly regarded for academics and community involvement

  • Fairmont Elementary School – Known for strong instructional programs and family engagement

  • El Cerrito Middle School – A well-rated middle school with academic and enrichment offerings

  • El Cerrito High School – A respected public high school offering AP courses, arts, athletics, and college-prep pathways

Families also benefit from proximity to private schools and alternative education options in Berkeley, Albany, and Kensington.

Architecture & Housing in 94530

Mid-Century Hillside Homes, Ranch Houses & Custom Residences

The housing stock in 94530 reflects decades of East Bay development, with homes built primarily from the 1930s through the 1970s, along with thoughtfully designed newer residences.

Common architectural styles include:

  • Mid-century modern hillside homes with clean lines and large windows

  • Traditional ranch-style houses in flatter neighborhoods

  • Split-level homes designed to follow the contours of the hills

  • Custom-built residences emphasizing views and privacy

  • Stucco, wood, and brick exteriors reflecting multiple eras

Many homes prioritize light, flow, and outdoor connection—features that continue to resonate with modern buyers.

Views, Privacy & Flexibility

Hillside lots in 94530 often provide:

  • Panoramic Bay, bridge, and skyline views

  • Greater separation between homes

  • Decks, terraces, and indoor-outdoor living spaces

  • Opportunities for thoughtful renovations or expansions

Buyers are drawn to the ability to modernize homes while retaining location, views, and neighborhood character.

Access to Nature & Outdoor Recreation

One of 94530’s defining advantages is immediate access to regional open space.

Residents enjoy:

  • Hillside Natural Area, a city-managed open-space preserve with walking trails and scenic overlooks

  • Easy access to Tilden Regional Park and Wildcat Canyon

  • Tree-lined residential streets and green buffers

  • Cooler microclimate compared to the flats

Daily life often includes outdoor activity—morning walks, sunset views, or weekend hikes just minutes from home.

94530 Real Estate Market Overview

Market Characteristics

The real estate market in 94530 is consistently strong, driven by school quality, transit access, and hillside appeal. As of 2025:

  • Median home prices are competitive with nearby Berkeley and Albany but often offer better value for space and views

  • Hillside homes with views command notable premiums

  • Inventory remains limited due to low turnover

  • Renovated and well-maintained homes attract multiple offers

Buyers range from first-time purchasers to move-up households and long-term East Bay residents.

Long-Term Value Drivers

94530’s long-term desirability is supported by:

  • Strong public schools

  • Two BART stations (El Cerrito Plaza & El Cerrito del Norte)

  • Limited new housing supply

  • Proximity to Berkeley, Albany, and Richmond

  • Continued demand for hillside living with transit access

These fundamentals position El Cerrito as a resilient, high-quality East Bay market.

Why Buy a Home in 94530?

Lifestyle Benefits

  • Hillside living with Bay and skyline views

  • Strong schools and family-friendly neighborhoods

  • Access to nature without sacrificing transit convenience

  • A quieter, more residential feel than neighboring cities

  • Stable community with long-term pride of ownership

Exceptional Regional Access

Residents of 94530 enjoy easy access to:

  • BART, connecting directly to San Francisco and the greater Bay Area

  • Highway 80 and regional transit corridors

  • Berkeley, Albany, and Kensington amenities

  • Downtown Oakland and San Francisco commutes

This combination of calm residential living and excellent connectivity is a key differentiator.

Amenities, Dining & Local Life

Life in 94530 is supported by a mix of neighborhood-serving amenities:

  • El Cerrito Plaza shopping and services

  • Local cafes, restaurants, and markets along San Pablo Avenue

  • Community centers, libraries, and city parks

  • Nearby Solano Avenue and North Berkeley dining scenes

  • Farmers markets and local events

The city offers everything needed for daily life while keeping a low-key, residential feel.

The Boyenga Team – Your El Cerrito & Hillside Home Experts for 94530

Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass specialize in East Bay neighborhoods where schools, views, and long-term value intersect—including the nuanced market of 94530.

Their strengths include:

  • Expertise in hillside and view properties

  • Insight into school-driven micro-markets

  • Renovation and value-add guidance

  • Access to Compass Private Exclusives and off-market opportunities

  • Strategic pricing and skilled negotiation

Call to Action

Considering a move to El Cerrito’s 94530 ZIP code?

Connect with Eric & Janelle Boyenga for:

  • Early access to El Cerrito listings

  • Guidance on hillside vs. flatland neighborhoods

  • Personalized market insights

  • Confident, full-service representation

Stay informed:
Sign up for 94530 Home Alerts to receive updates on:

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  • Market trends

  • Price changes

  • Neighborhood insights