Alvarado Rd, North Claremont (Uplands)

Alvarado Road is probably the most expensive real estate in Berkeley, boasting not just the highest price home sale in the past year, but the top 2 highest priced home sales of the past year. Alvarado slips off of Highway 13 as it makes its way up towards the Caldecott Tunnel. This is a very leafy European looking area right by the section of the Berkeley hills where the Firestorm of 1991 started.

In fact the second of these homes--which sold for $2.3 million--was built in 1998, probably on the ground of a home that did not make it through the fire. In fact, Trulia estimates this 5000 ft. home at $2.8 million and given that is both newer and has the better view, I would have to agree. It is an amazing home.

But really most of the homes along the zig zag stretch of Alvarado are pretty worthy of the props I am giving them. These are large mansion like homes with half timbering and amazing yards.

This is a favorite area for super successful intellectual types, such as those who create computer languages or start environmental movements. The hills of Berkeley are filled with famous authors and Nobel prize winners.

This is a great location if you are associated with Cal or if for commuting into the city and or throughout the Bay. Overall, I would love to live here.