Berkeley & Kensington Hillside Living – The 94707 ZIP Code
Forested Slopes, Architectural Homes & a Village-at-the-Edge Feel
The 94707 ZIP code occupies a unique position along the northeastern edge of Berkeley, extending into parts of Kensington and the lower Berkeley Hills. This area is known for its wooded hillsides, winding streets, and homes that feel purposefully placed within the landscape. Life here balances quiet residential living with immediate access to both Berkeley’s cultural core and the natural beauty of the East Bay hills.
As elevation increases above Arlington Avenue and Colusa Circle, the neighborhood takes on a distinctly different rhythm. Streets narrow and curve, tree canopies grow denser, and homes are set back on sloped lots that offer privacy, filtered views, and a sense of retreat. Many properties enjoy outlooks toward the Bay, Wildcat Canyon, or surrounding greenery, while cooler air and hillside breezes define the climate.
94707 appeals to those who want Berkeley’s intellectual and cultural energy, paired with a calmer, more nature-forward home environment.
A Thoughtful, Neighbor-Oriented Community
Residents of 94707 tend to be deeply invested in their surroundings. This is a community shaped by long-term ownership, civic engagement, and a shared appreciation for both architecture and the environment. Neighbors know one another, local issues matter, and there is a strong emphasis on stewardship—of homes, trees, and public spaces.
Community characteristics include:
A mix of Berkeley and Kensington identities, blending city access with small-town sensibility
Active neighborhood and improvement associations
Quiet streets with minimal through traffic
A culture that values sustainability, education, and preservation
Rather than feeling isolated, 94707 feels intentionally peaceful—ideal for those who prioritize quality of life over density or constant activity.
Schools & Education
Education is a major draw for families in 94707. Depending on exact location, residents may be served by either the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) or the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD), along with access to strong private and alternative options.
Schools commonly associated with the area include:
Thousand Oaks Elementary School (Berkeley) – Known for academic rigor and strong community involvement
Kensington Hilltop Elementary – A well-regarded neighborhood school serving the Kensington area
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School (Berkeley) – Offering arts, enrichment, and academic pathways
Berkeley High School or El Cerrito High School, depending on attendance boundaries
The area’s proximity to UC Berkeley and numerous private schools further enhances its appeal for education-focused households.
Architecture & Housing in 94707
Mid-Century Hillside Homes, Custom Builds & Berkeley Originals
94707 is architecturally diverse, reflecting decades of hillside development shaped by terrain rather than uniform subdivision planning. Homes here were built primarily from the 1930s through the 1970s, with newer renovations and custom rebuilds thoughtfully layered in.
Common architectural themes include:
Mid-century modern homes with post-and-beam construction
Custom-designed hillside residences built to follow the land
Traditional Berkeley cottages and transitional modern designs
Split-level and terraced homes maximizing light and views
Extensive use of wood, glass, and natural materials
Rather than repetition, the neighborhood offers individuality—homes that feel personal, intentional, and connected to their setting.
Privacy, Views & Indoor-Outdoor Living
Sloped lots and irregular parcels contribute to:
Natural separation between homes
Elevated decks, patios, and balconies
Framed views of the Bay, canyons, or treetops
A strong indoor-outdoor connection
Renovations in 94707 often focus on seismic upgrades, energy efficiency, and modernizing interiors while preserving architectural integrity.
Access to Nature & Open Space
94707 is exceptionally well positioned for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Nearby open spaces include:
Tilden Regional Park, with miles of trails, botanical gardens, and recreation areas
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, offering sweeping canyon views and hiking paths
Berkeley Hills trail network woven into surrounding neighborhoods
Scenic drives along Grizzly Peak Boulevard
Daily life here often includes walking among trees, hiking after work, or simply enjoying the landscape from home.
94707 Real Estate Market Overview
Market Characteristics
The 94707 housing market is defined by scarcity, architectural appeal, and long-term ownership. As of 2025:
Median home prices reflect the area’s hillside location and school access
Homes with views, strong design, or proximity to open space command premiums
Inventory remains limited due to low turnover
Thoughtfully renovated homes attract consistent buyer interest
Buyers in 94707 are typically seeking long-term residences rather than short-term investments.
Long-Term Value Drivers
94707’s sustained desirability is supported by:
Limited developable land
Strong public school options
Immediate access to regional parks and trails
Architectural uniqueness and hillside setting
Proximity to Berkeley, Albany, and El Cerrito amenities
These fundamentals contribute to stable long-term value and resilience across market cycles.
Why Buy a Home in 94707?
Lifestyle Advantages
A calm, wooded hillside environment
Architecturally distinctive homes with privacy
Cooler climate and cleaner air than lower elevations
Immediate access to trails and open space
A thoughtful, engaged community culture
Strategic East Bay Location
Residents enjoy convenient access to:
Solano Avenue shopping and dining
North Berkeley, Albany, and El Cerrito amenities
Highway 24 and regional transit routes
Downtown Berkeley and UC Berkeley
94707 offers the rare combination of nature-forward living with urban proximity.
Amenities & Local Life
While primarily residential, 94707 is well supported by nearby conveniences:
Solano Avenue cafes, markets, and independent shops
Local libraries and community centers
Farmers markets and specialty grocers
Cultural events and lectures throughout Berkeley
Easy access to the broader East Bay food and arts scene
Life here feels balanced—quiet at home, vibrant just minutes away.
The Boyenga Team – Your Berkeley & Hillside Home Experts for 94707
Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass specialize in architecturally distinctive, hillside, and design-forward homes throughout Berkeley and the East Bay, including the nuanced micro-markets of 94707.
Their expertise includes:
Evaluating hillside lots and view premiums
Understanding architectural pedigree and renovation strategy
Navigating Berkeley and Kensington-specific regulations
Access to Compass Private Exclusives and off-market opportunities
Strategic pricing and data-driven negotiation
Call to Action
Exploring homes in Berkeley’s 94707 ZIP code?
Connect with Eric & Janelle Boyenga for:
Early access to hillside and near-hills listings
Insight into architectural and custom homes
Personalized neighborhood tours
Confident representation from search to closing
Stay informed:
Sign up for 94707 Home Alerts to receive updates on:
New listings
Market trends
Price changes
Neighborhood insights