Start your Berkeley, CA search
How many bedrooms do you need?
- Home/
- CA/
- Alameda County/
- Berkeley Apartments
National study of renter’s satisfaction with their cities and states
Apartment List has released results for Berkeley from the second annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. The survey, which drew on responses from over 30,000 renters, provides insight into what states and cities must do to meet the needs of the 105 million American renters nationwide.
“Renters in Berkeley are fairly well satisfied with their city,” says Andrew Woo, Director of Data Science at Apartment List. “They gave many categories above-average scores.”
Key findings in Berkeley include the following:
Industrial heritage meets creative renaissance in West Berkeley, where former factories now house distinctive apartments alongside innovative businesses. The neighborhood sits walking distance to both San Francisco Bay trails and practical shopping including Berkeley Bowl's renowned grocery, creating ideal balance between natural and urban amenities. Though some industrial operations remain active creating occasional noise considerations, significantly more reasonable rental rates than central Berkeley or San Francisco, exceptional public transportation including multiple bus and rail options, and genuine walkability typically outweigh these factors for households seeking authentic urban experiences beyond purely residential environments.
Southside embodies Berkeley's activist heritage, where historic Victorian homes surround People's Park and offer easy walking access to the Berkeley Art Museum's experimental exhibits. While the neighborhood provides authentic character and excellent university accessibility, many historic homes lack modern amenities like dishwashers, and street parking becomes extremely challenging during Cal Bears game days. This vibrant area particularly appeals to academics and students who value intellectual energy and bohemian atmosphere over modern conveniences
Academic activism thrives near UC Berkeley's People's Park. Renters score Craftsman bungalows but note 2AM noise from Telegraph Avenue's punk venues. The Thursday Farmers' Market at Derby Street temporarily overwhelms street parking.
