What is life like in Berkley, California?

Question

I'm moving to Berkley in a few months, and I was hoping someone could tell me what it's like there.

Answer 1

I spent four years living in Berkeley -- from 1997-2001. I was getting my PhD at the time -- and was also in my mid-40s. Therefore, my experience may not be like yours.

I hated the place -- but loved the University.

First -- Berkeley is divided into the flat part that is west of the university, the university, and the hills above the university.

The houses in the hills are beautiful (and expensive). The views are great, the houses are great -- life could be good if you live in the hills.

The flat part is a little different. There are a lot of apartment buildings that are, frankly, crappy and overpriced. The big problem with living in this part of town is that you can't get away from the homeless people. These aren't the kind of homeless people who you feel sorry for. They are either 50 year old life-long drug addicts, or angry teenage runaways. They are aggressive -- and they want your money. It was worse than NYC during the Reagan years -- and I didn't think anything could be that bad.

Then there is the city council. I'm a pretty liberal guy -- but I have sense. Many of those on the council belong to the "Wouldn't it be nice if . . . ." club. For example:

1. Wouldn't it be nice if we could cut down on gas consumption -- so let's pass a law that says only one car per household. Fortunately, this one failed.

2. Wouldn't it be nice if we could cut down on loose dogs and cats -- so let's pass a law that REQUIRES everyone who owns a dog or cat to spay or neuter them. This one passed.

3. Wouldn't it be nice if we only had to work 35 hours -- let's pass a law that requires companies to move to a 35 hour week -- but they still have to pay people for 40 hours. This one didn't pass.

4. Wouldn't it be nice if we could attract more blue collar workers -- so they refused to let some high-tech firms take over an old canning factory -- instead, the firms moved to Silicon Valley and the old factory remains empty.

On the plus side -- the weather is abslutely wonderful in the summer. It never rains, but the temperature is perfect. There is no need for air conditioning. In the winter, it is mild and rains. It is awful in El Nino years (mold growing everywhere) -- but not so bad in other years.

The biggest problem that I have is one that may not bother you. I hate the taste of cilantro (it is a genetic thing that a small percent of the population has). And in Berkeley -- they put it in everything.

Bottom line -- if you are a student and living on campus -- most of these things will just be minor annoyances.

If you are wealthy and living in the Hills -- you can avoid almost all of these unpleasantries.

Otherwise -- good luck.

PS -- learn how the city name is spelled.

Answer 2

Its an awesome place when you get used to it. I was an undergrad student at UC Berkeley and intially I didn't like it and now I can't get enough of it. Check out Shattuck Ave and Telegraph Ave as they are the most common streets around the campus. If you are going to be a student at the university, try to live on the southside of campus because there is a lot more going on there. But don't have high expecations on the living conditions. Berkeley is an old city and you won't get high class apts with airconditioning unless you are willing to fork out the big bucks. If you like bars -- then check out Blakes (insanely busy on Thursday) and Henry's (more happening on wednesdays). Lots of food choices too -- Zachary's has absolutely the best pizza in the world. Its Chicago style deep dish pizza but the line to get seated is insane, particularly on the weekends. If you like cheap asian food, check out the Asian Ghetto which is on Durant.

Berkeley is a quaint city with a very diverse group of people. You'll see bums to hippies to students to professionals. Its just about finding the right group of friends and a niche.

Answer 3

No No - Stay Away...
Seriosuly, unless you are of the mindset of ultra-militant liberal this place will make you think you're the one who's gone nuts.
Cops will ticket YOU if a vagrant is hassling you for money.
Homeless are able peddle their wares, and street urchins are given free-roam of the streets.
The only saving grace are the under 5.00 college lunch spots, and record shops on telegraph.

Final word : Look elsewhere.

Answer 4

fairly? you elect to flow to a "college" noted as Oral? Are you nuts? UC Berkeley is the right rated public college interior the rustic, and ranked slightly below the Ivy League and Stanford. that's ranked between the very terrific colleges interior the worldwide, in demand international. yet you? you may visit Oral. Yeah. you would be happier there, surrounded with the aid of faux smiling (no longer probable happy), brainwashed American Taliban. do purely no longer plan on courting in any respect, except you elect to grant "oral" to Mr. Roberts.

Answer 5

Here...take my .357! You can use it one of two ways, either shoot the criminals that that city is inivested with (like all cites) or...an I personally would do this one if I had to momve to Berkely....SHOOT MYSELF!