Neighborhood guide · 2026-05-01
10 things to know about Albany before you buy.
A buyer's guide written by Roger Grubb, a 18-year Bay Area realtor (DRE #01845823, Security Pacific Real Estate) who has transacted in Albany repeatedly.
- 01
The median home price
Albany median in 2026: $1,350,000. That's $895/sqft on a typical 1,500 sqft home.
- 02
How fast homes sell
12 days on market is the Albany average. A correctly priced, well-prepped listing often goes pending in 7-14 days.
- 03
Who lives here
Families who can’t (or won’t) afford Piedmont but want comparable school outcomes, in a community that’s smaller, tighter, and more accessible.
- 04
What Albany isn't
A big market — Albany is one square mile. When the right house lists, you decide in 48 hours or you lose it.
- 05
The schools
Key schools: Marin Elementary (rating 8/10). Albany Middle (rating 9/10). Albany High (rating 9/10).
- 06
What makes it special
A tightly-knit small city that punches several weight classes above its zip code — top public schools, walkable Solano corridor, and a community that treats every neighbor like a friend.
- 07
Roger's insider note
The streets between Solano and Marin have the most consistent appreciation. The hill streets above Marin trade view for a slightly longer walk to BART and Solano.
- 08
Best fit for
Top schools, Walkability, Family-anchored move-up, Long-term hold.
- 09
Notable amenities
Albany Unified School District (top in West County) · Solano Avenue walkability · Albany Hill & Memorial Park · El Cerrito Plaza BART (5-min walk)
- 10
Walk score
76/100. Walkable urban-style.
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