Kensington

Perched high in the East Bay hills, just over the north Berkeley line, is the small town of Kensington (population 5,000). This lovely town has spectacular views of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods of spacious houses. The architectural styles include Mid–Century Modern, Tudor, Colonial, and Spanish Revival homes. Kensington is an unincorporated town in Contra Costa County with a highly rated K-6 elementary school, fire and police departments, and two shopping districts.

In Kensington you will find everything to support small town living, from a bank and hardware store to a wine shop, a top-notch meat and general grocery market, and great restaurants and cafes. The Kensington community center, built around a park, includes tennis and basketball courts, a large playing field, and a small playground for young children.

Just over the uppermost ridge of the hills, Tilden Park, one of the crown jewels in the East Bay Regional Parks system, stretches for miles and offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Other family-oriented park destinations include the Little Farm, Environmental Education Center, a steam train ride, Lake Anza, and a historic carousel.

Because of its location high in the hills and its proximity to the vast open spaces of Tilden Park, Kensington feels like it’s a million miles away from city life, yet it’s located just minutes from the downtown areas of Berkeley and El Cerrito.

• Easy access to San Francisco and downtown
• Berkeley via AC Transit bus lines
• Blake Garden