View of Berkeley + Albany, from Indian Rock. Photo by Krista Miller.

Niche.com, a nationwide rankings and review site with information in K-12 schools, colleges, cities and neighborhoods, has recently come out with their 2017 “Best of” lists.  From “Best Cities to Raise a Family” to “Best Public Schools“, Niche.com has become a resource for discovering the schools and neighborhoods that are right for you.

Two of our East Bay cities made the top lists.  Albany, CA was ranked in the top 10 of Bay Area school districts with the best teachers.  As a parent of two children in the Albany schools, I can attest to just how amazing the teachers are.  Additionally Albany High School ranked #17 of the top 100 high schools in the Bay Area.  Way to go, Cougars!

Rounding off the top 5 best cities to live is Berkeley, CA.  Yes, top 5 of ALL cities!  I live and work in Berkeley, so of course I will agree.  Our town is walkable, bikeable, hikeable.  Best food, best farmer’s markets, best access to local meats and dairy.  Gorgeous weather, parks, kid-friendly and pet-friendly.  Sit down in any cafe and you will hear 10 languages being spoken around you.  The architecture is spectacular, from Craftsman to Cottage to Fish.  Berkeley is where the brightest of minds pass through.

Adding to the list is Cal… UC Berkeley has consistently been ranked as the #1 public university in the world!  And according to forbes.com UC Berkeley is considered the best VALUE of all universities, public and private.  Even more reason to love Berkeley!