If you are narrowing things down between Orinda and Berkeley, it might be useful to include El Sobrante Hills in the mix.
It is right nearby, so you are not losing access to anything. Berkeley and Orinda are both close, and getting into San Francisco can take about 25 minutes without traffic.
One thing that caught my attention was how convenient everything is. Within a few minutes you have Trader Joe's, Sprouts Farmers Market, Target, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and The Home Depot, which makes daily routines simple.
The area itself feels a bit different from what people expect in that part of the East Bay. It is quieter, less crowded, and has more space overall. After spending some time there, it starts to feel like a really practical alternative in the same location range.
Nice to meet you here. I currently own a property in El Sobrante. I'm closer to the hilltop area. I was thinking about doing a home extension and an ADU garage conversion. I was wondering if you are also investing or owning property in the area. And maybe get some insight on your thoughts about the rental market here as well as the forecast for real estate forecast for the area. Thanks