Real Estate in the Berkeley: Oceanview / Fourth Street

Shopping on 4th Street, Berkeley
Kathie Berg: Berkeley Real Estate

Why Live in Berkeley's Oceanview neighborhood

- walk to one of the most upscale shopping districts in the East Bay
- homes are (relatively) affordable
- diverse population
- easy access to Highway 80

About Oceanview / Fourth Street

Located off Highway 80 and University Ave., the 4th Street area is Berkeley’s most exclusive shopping district. This outdoor mall, boasting an only-in-Berkeley eclecticism and catering to the most refined and affluent tastes, is located in what was formerly an industrial area, feeding the needs of those in the building trades. At that time, Spenger’s Fish restaurant was the only eating establishment of repute; the area was generally run-down; property values and rents were low and attractive to homebuyers on a budget, artists looking to rent cheap live/work spaces, and those who wanted to be near the industries that dotted the neighborhood.

The transformation to its present form began in the 70s and 80s. Bette’s Diner and the 4th Street Bar and Grill were the first of the modern establishments to take root. Others followed rapidly and area transformed at a pace that can only be described as frenzied.

Today, people flock here for the restaurants –the still thriving Bette’s Oceanview Diner, Brennan’s, Crepes a la Carte, Eccolo and many, many more - or just to buy the expensive “this and that” – mats, candles, paper-products – or to visit the many high-end apparel stores. The Builder’s Booksource, Truitt and White Lumber and the Import Tile Co. are the leftovers from the area’s industrial/building heritage; Asiantique, Castles in the Air, Crate and Barrel Outlet, Restoration Hardware and the Stained Glass Garden all offer products for the home.

The artistic heritage of the area remains, and thrives. The neighborhood is home to a West-coast ceramics revolution: Many artists live and work here and individual artists and artist-collectives open their studios and shops to visitors and buyers.

The housing stock in the 4th Street/Oceanview is made up of the usual mix of styles – Craftsmans, Mediterraneans and Tudors - as well as some of the most imposing and beautiful Victorians in Berkeley.