What Is Berkeley, CA Known For?
Berkeley is located about 12 miles from San Francisco, the nearest metro area. Due to its university setting, the city is well known for its intellectual vigor. It's also a hub for alternative lifestyles, flourishing art scenes, and activism. Locally sourced foods are a cultural staple here.
Berkeley is quite liberal, where different ethnicities and cultures blend seamlessly. Sexual orientation is diverse and widely accepted. There is a healthy representation of various minority groups in their vibrant communities.
For families, there are a plethora of educational options and parks. Students find themselves surrounded by academic resources and youthful activities. Singles experience a rich dating scene, while couples can enjoy gourmet dining experiences. Retirees can participate in multiple social clubs and lifelong learning opportunities.
Highlights
Pros and Cons
The Pros of living in Berkeley, CA, include cultural richness, food scene, academic environment, and more. While some Cons are around cost of living, traffic, and noise levels.
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Safety and Crime
Berkeley, CA is ranked 365th out of the top 500 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 284th on safety from violent crime, and 484th on safety from property crime.
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Cost of Living
Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Berkeley, CA is 27% higher than the national average.
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Discretionary Income
A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Berkeley, CA leaves -$217 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
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Climate and Weather
The average daily temperature in Berkeley, CA in January is 52°F and 66°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average +9°F warmer in January and is on average -13°F cooler in July.
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Politics and Voting
Berkeley, CA voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 80.2% of the votes counted going to this party.
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The assessments presented on this website, including those related to crime, safety, cost of living, and other location characteristics (e.g., states, cities, towns, villages, neighborhoods, areas, landmarks), are based on various sources and our internal research methods. These assessments are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete and should not be used as the sole basis for making any decisions.