Berkeley Hills & the 94708 ZIP Code – A Community Overview

Elevated Perspectives, Forested Streets & Classic Berkeley Living

The 94708 ZIP code occupies a coveted stretch of the Berkeley Hills, encompassing neighborhoods such as Thousand Oaks, parts of the North Berkeley Hills, and residential pockets near Grizzly Peak Boulevard. This area is defined by elevation, greenery, and architectural individuality—offering a lifestyle that feels secluded and serene while remaining deeply connected to the intellectual and cultural core of Berkeley.

As streets climb upward from Solano Avenue and North Berkeley, the environment shifts noticeably. Dense tree canopies, winding hillside roads, and terraced homes replace the urban grid below. Many properties enjoy filtered Bay views, canyon outlooks, or forested privacy, while cooler temperatures and fresh breezes enhance the sense of retreat.

94708 is prized for its combination of natural beauty, thoughtful residential planning, and enduring Berkeley character—a place where homes are integrated into the landscape rather than imposed upon it.

A Thoughtful, Engaged Hillside Community

The community in 94708 is known for being deeply engaged, intellectually curious, and environmentally minded. Residents often take an active role in neighborhood organizations, land-use discussions, and local schools, contributing to a strong sense of shared stewardship.

Community characteristics include:

  • A culture of long-term residency, with many homeowners staying for decades

  • Strong participation in neighborhood associations and local initiatives

  • A calm, residential pace with limited through traffic

  • Emphasis on sustainability, preservation, and respect for the natural setting

Rather than feeling isolated, 94708 feels intentionally quiet—appealing to those who value reflection, privacy, and connection to nature without disconnecting from city life.

Education & Academic Access

Education is a central pillar of life in 94708. The ZIP code is served by the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD), one of the most respected public school systems in the East Bay.

Schools commonly associated with the area include:

  • Thousand Oaks Elementary School – A highly regarded neighborhood school known for academic rigor and community involvement

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School – Offering strong arts, academic, and enrichment programs

  • Berkeley High School – A nationally recognized public high school with extensive AP offerings, arts programs, and extracurricular opportunities

Residents also benefit from proximity to University of California, Berkeley, as well as private and alternative schools throughout Berkeley, Albany, and El Cerrito.

Architecture & Housing in 94708

Mid-Century Hillside Homes, Custom Designs & Berkeley Originals

The housing stock in 94708 reflects Berkeley’s long tradition of architectural experimentation and respect for site-specific design. Homes here span multiple decades, with many built between the 1930s and 1970s, alongside thoughtfully designed contemporary residences.

Architectural styles commonly found include:

  • Mid-century modern hillside homes with post-and-beam construction

  • Custom-designed residences that follow the contours of the land

  • Traditional Berkeley cottages and transitional modern homes

  • Split-level and terraced designs maximizing light and views

  • Extensive use of glass, wood, and natural materials

Rather than uniformity, 94708 offers architectural individuality, with many homes designed by local architects or influenced by Bay Region Modernism.

Privacy, Views & Design Integrity

Lots in 94708 are often irregular and sloped, which contributes to:

  • Enhanced privacy between neighboring homes

  • Elevated decks and outdoor living platforms

  • Framed views of the Bay, Golden Gate, or wooded canyons

  • A strong connection between interior spaces and the surrounding environment

Renovations in the area tend to be thoughtful and design-forward, emphasizing energy efficiency, seismic upgrades, and harmony with the landscape.

Nature, Trails & Open Space

One of 94708’s defining advantages is immediate access to some of the East Bay’s most treasured open spaces.

Residents enjoy proximity to:

  • Tilden Regional Park, with miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails

  • Berkeley Rose Garden, offering iconic views and community gathering space

  • Grizzly Peak scenic corridor, renowned for sunset and Bay panoramas

  • Neighborhood walking paths and informal hillside trails

Daily life in 94708 often includes outdoor activity, whether it’s a morning hike, evening walk, or simply enjoying nature from home.

94708 Real Estate Market Overview

Market Characteristics

The 94708 real estate market is defined by scarcity, architectural appeal, and long-term ownership. As of 2025:

  • Median home prices are among the highest in Berkeley outside the flats

  • Homes with views, strong design pedigree, or proximity to parks command premiums

  • Inventory remains limited due to low turnover

  • Well-maintained and thoughtfully renovated homes attract significant interest

Buyers are typically seeking long-term residences rather than short-term investments.

Long-Term Value Drivers

94708’s enduring desirability is supported by:

  • Limited opportunity for new large-scale development

  • Strong public schools and proximity to UC Berkeley

  • Exceptional access to regional parks and open space

  • Architectural uniqueness that cannot be replicated

  • Ongoing demand for hillside living with urban access

These factors position 94708 as a blue-chip Berkeley ZIP code with resilient long-term value.

Why Buy a Home in 94708?

Lifestyle Advantages

  • A tranquil, hillside environment with abundant greenery

  • Architecturally distinctive homes with character and privacy

  • Immediate access to hiking trails and regional parks

  • Cooler climate and fresh air compared to the flats

  • A thoughtful, community-oriented neighborhood culture

Ideal Berkeley Location

Residents of 94708 enjoy convenient access to:

  • Solano Avenue shopping and dining

  • Downtown Berkeley and UC campus

  • Highway 24 and regional transit connections

  • Albany, Kensington, and El Cerrito amenities

The location allows residents to enjoy a retreat-like home life while staying closely connected to the broader East Bay.

Amenities, Dining & Local Life

While primarily residential, 94708 is well supported by nearby amenities:

  • Solano Avenue cafes, bookstores, markets, and restaurants

  • North Berkeley cultural venues and libraries

  • Easy access to farmers markets and specialty grocers

  • Proximity to Berkeley’s arts, lecture series, and events

  • Short drives to Albany Bulb, Gilman District, and waterfront trails

Life here blends intellectual vibrancy with natural calm.

The Boyenga Team – Your Berkeley Hills & Architectural Home Experts for 94708

Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass bring deep experience working with architecturally significant, hillside, and design-forward homes throughout the East Bay—including the nuanced market of 94708.

Their expertise includes:

  • Evaluating hillside properties and view premiums

  • Understanding architectural pedigree and renovation strategy

  • Navigating Berkeley-specific regulations and disclosures

  • Access to Compass Private Exclusives and off-market opportunities

  • Strategic pricing and data-driven negotiation

Call to Action

Considering a move to Berkeley’s 94708 ZIP code?

Connect with Eric & Janelle Boyenga for:

  • Early access to Berkeley Hills listings

  • Guidance on architectural and hillside homes

  • Personalized neighborhood tours

  • Confident representation from search to closing

Stay informed:
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