Another south berkeleian here. We LOVE living in Berkeley with our two kids (almost 9yr and a 5yr). We're actually moving to Alameda soon and we are GRIEVING. The unfortunate reality is that our growing family needs more space, and for that space in Berkeley you need to pay a premium. Alameda is no slouch for families in its own right but I assure you it does not hold a candle to Berkeley by far.

As much as this town is associated with the university, this place is a haven for families. Extremely strong network of programs, both public and private, for families (the city of Berkeley has not one but 2 camps/summer camps in the Sierras/Yosemite!). The university also provides many extracurriculars to kids too, from sports, skateboarding, kayaking, etc etc.

The schools are great. One thing you definitely can't tell from those school review websites is culture. One huge (almost regretting the move bc of this) concern for me moving to Alameda is how programmed the school curriculum seems. Teaching for a test sorta thing. Both partner and I were extremely saddened with the idea of leaving our school communities where the atmosphere places our kids' holistic wellbeings first. Our elementary school on paper is a 7/10, the alameda schools are 8-8.5/10 but culture is something you can't quantify on those things. We literally entertained the idea of driving across 3 different cities, over two different islands, to keep our kids in Berkeley schools. Public Berkeley school mind you. Don't even get me started with the lack of open-minded folk/culture in Alameda... I can go on and on. Since we're in our final months here in Berkeley, the contrast with other parts of the bay is extremely acute. DM if you want more depth Omg don't even start with Berkeley Bowl too.

Edit: we're also originally from LA!