Beating in the heart of Berkeley’s South campus region sits the quaint neighborhood referred to by locals as “The Elmwood.” Following the great San Francisco ‘quake of 1906, rebuilding efforts gave life to the streetcar suburb as part of the 1900s housing boom. In its early years affluent business men and their families seeking quality homes near the University of California, Berkeley, comprised most of Elmwood.

Stretching along College and Ashby Avenues, the favored downtown area lies at this popular intersection. Take note: many Elmwood hotspots can be found venturing along this path. Residents and visitors alike find it hard to resist the handmade ice creams, sorbets, candies and cookies freshly...

Beating in the heart of Berkeley’s South campus region sits the quaint neighborhood referred to by locals as “The Elmwood.” Following the great San Francisco ‘quake of 1906, rebuilding efforts gave life to the streetcar suburb as part of the 1900s housing boom. In its early years affluent business men and their families seeking quality homes near the University of California, Berkeley, comprised most of Elmwood.

Stretching along College and Ashby Avenues, the favored downtown area lies at this popular intersection. Take note: many Elmwood hotspots can be found venturing along this path. Residents and visitors alike find it hard to resist the handmade ice creams, sorbets, candies and cookies freshly served at Ici. A line can be seen even in the dead of winter; happy followers gather to taste the spectacular ice cream phenomena. Whether you’re in the mood for an intimate dining atmosphere or just some outstanding Italian cuisine, Trattoria La Siciliana is the local go-to destination.

Continue your stroll downtown and there you’ll find other food favorites such as: Espresso Roma Cafe, Nabolom Bakery, Beanery, Filippos and Dream Fluff Donuts just to name a few. Nostalgic and trendy, the local boutique and gift shopping is always fun in Elmwood. Pop into Jeremy’s, Lululemon Athletica, Sweet Dreams toy store, Mrs. Dalloways, Elmwood Garden Gallery, Vintage Berkeley Wine Shop or Dish for unique desires.

Architecturally interesting with its abundance of brown-shingled houses and tree-lined streets, the many outdoor activities in Elmwood help to shape this walkers’ paradise. Nearby Rockridge and Claremont join Elmwood as some of the East Bay’s most valued locations. Neat gardens, shingled houses, designs from the Arts and Crafts Movement and Colonial Revival homes are plentiful within Elmwood as well.

Located at 2640 College Ave., The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts is a National landmark bringing artistic development and appreciation to the community and its youth. Famously known for her captivating work at the Heart Castle, approximately 250 miles down the Pacific Coast from Elmwood, Morgan’s beautiful redwood building was originally designed as an Elmwood church and Sunday school.

Rich with artistic inspiration, Elmwood is also the resident nesting spot of celebrated Author, Michael Chabon and fellow writer wife, Ayelet Waldman. Chabon was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2001 and frequently references Elmwood's beautiful characteristics when writing.

Written by Marlene Leverette, McGuire Real Estate