Westbrae is a neighborhood that feels at once tucked away and right at the heart of Berkeley’s rich tapestry. While it doesn’t have the bustling energy of Downtown or the fame of the Gourmet Ghetto, Westbrae possesses a quiet heritage and enduring charm all its own. Historically layered and continually evolving, this small enclave offers a sense of community to those who live here and a window into Berkeley’s lesser-known, yet deeply meaningful, local legacy.
Origins: Railroads, Open Fields, and a Vision for Community
The area now known as Westbrae was once open farmland on the northwestern edge of Berkeley, its roots stretching back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At first, there weren’t many houses—just scattered ranches and pastures, with Codornices Creek winding as a natural border.
Development began in earnest after 1911, when the Key System, a pioneering electric railway, extended its lines up what is now Gilman Street. This set the stage for Westbrae to emerge—not as a bustling city center, but as a peaceful residential node accessible yet distinct from the downtown core.
The Name "Westbrae": A Nod to Scottish Roots
"Westbrae" carries a gentle nostalgia in its name. While there’s no single origin story, it is widely thought that the developers were inspired by Scottish language—where "brae" means "hillside" or "slope." Paired with "west," it neatly described this quadrant of northwestern Berkeley. Early promotional brochures for the neighborhood boasted of “fresh breezes, generous spaces, and direct train access,” attracting families looking for something quieter than what might be found further south in the city.
Landmarks and Legacy: What to See, Then and Now
- Gilman Street – Once the home of the streetcar tracks, Gilman has long defined the heart of Westbrae. Today, it's a vital corridor, lined with beloved local businesses like Westbrae Biergarten and the Berkeley Natural Grocery Company.
- Santa Fe Right-of-Way – This old railroad route, now transformed into the Westbrae Greenway, is a linear park beloved by walkers, joggers, and cyclists. It hints at the neighborhood’s transitory past, but today is a symbol of community and sustainability.
- Codornices Creek – Bisecting the neighborhood, the creek has been the subject of passionate local stewardship. Restoration efforts over the past decades have turned this waterway into a corridor for wildlife and a space for neighbors to reconnect with nature.
- Monterey Market – Just east of Westbrae, but central to its daily life, Monterey Market has served the area since 1961, becoming a regional draw for fresh produce and a gathering place for locals.
Key Moments in Westbrae’s History
- The arrival of the Key System train not only made the area accessible, but helped shape its layout. Stations like the one at Gilman and Santa Fe became important community hubs until passenger service ended in the 1950s.
- In the postwar boom, Westbrae grew rapidly as small bungalows and family homes sprouted along streets like Peralta, Acton, and Ordway. A sense of “village-within-the-city” took root, aided by the slow pace and green spaces embedded in the neighborhood.
- In the 1970s and 1980s, residents organized to prevent overdevelopment and to protect critical natural spaces, like the aforementioned Codornices Creek and the old railroad right-of-way. Their advocacy ensured Westbrae remained a place with room to breathe—open front yards, mature street trees, and accessible parks like Cedar Rose.
Parks, Streets, and Gathering Spaces
Walk Westbrae today and you’ll see the fruits of more than a century of stewardship:
- Cedar Rose Park – On the eastern edge, this community park is packed with life on sunny days: tot lots, picnic tables, grassy stretches, and an off-leash dog area.
- Westbrae Greenway – The transformation of this former rail line into a bicycle and walking path is a triumph of community vision. Expanding through gardens and public art installations, it knits the neighborhood together.
- Gilman and Santa Fe Intersection – Home to several cherished local businesses. Where the old Key System once rumbled by, locals now gather over coffee or picnic under the mature trees.
Evolving While Staying Rooted
Westbrae has never been static. While the homes—Craftsman, bungalow, mid-century—mostly look as they did decades ago, the neighborhood has welcomed slow but thoughtful changes:
- The revitalization of abandoned railways into greenways, emphasizing sustainability and alternative transportation.
- The rise of new businesses along Gilman, such as Westbrae Biergarten, which blend the neighborhood’s easygoing vibe with the best of contemporary Berkeley culture.
- Ongoing restoration and conservation work along Codornices Creek, where native plants and animals thrive alongside playfully painted pedestrian bridges.
Despite Berkeley’s sky-high real estate prices and citywide shifts, Westbrae remains inclusive in spirit. Backyard gardens are swapped for fruit and flowers, community bulletin boards overflow with block party invitations, and neighbors of all generations stop to chat along traffic-calmed streets like Peralta Avenue.
The Spirit of Westbrae: Community, Nature, and Connection
At its heart, Westbrae is proof that you don’t need grand boulevards or towering landmarks to make a neighborhood great. Instead, it’s the sum of little things: the calls of flickers in the morning, children biking to school along quiet sidewalks, summer picnics at Cedar Rose Park, and the ever-present sound of water flowing through Codornices Creek.
The story of Westbrae is still being written—by the gardeners tending their front yards, the shopkeepers greeting regulars by name, and new families drawn by the promise of good schools, green spaces, and that rare blend of tranquility and connection.
If you ever find yourself in Berkeley and want to experience its quieter, neighborly side, take a stroll through Westbrae. The trees, creeks, and friendly faces will tell you: you’re part of Berkeley history now, too.