Kensington Real Estate

Kensington Real Estate

Welcome to Kensington, a charming city located in Contra Costa County, California. Situated in the heart of the Bay Area, Kensington offers a unique blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and convenient access to nearby urban centers.

Known for its tree-lined streets, well-maintained homes, and friendly community, Kensington is a highly sought-after place to live. The city's close-knit atmosphere fosters a strong sense of belonging and community engagement.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of parks and green spaces in Kensington. Tilden Regional Park, just a short drive away, offers miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Residents can also enjoy outdoor activities at Arlington Park, a local favorite for sports and recreation.

Kensington's prime location allows for easy commuting to neighboring cities. With Berkeley just a few minutes away, residents have access to world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The vibrant city of Oakland is also within close proximity, offering a thriving arts scene and a variety of cultural events.

Families with children will appreciate the excellent schools in the area, including Kensington Elementary School and Kensington Hilltop Elementary School. These schools are known for their strong academic programs and dedicated staff.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a place to raise a family, Kensington offers an idyllic setting with a strong sense of community. With its natural beauty, convenient location, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder that Kensington is considered one of the most desirable places to live in Contra Costa County.

Newest Listings in Kensington

$1,495,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 41148625 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Level-in living, spectacular unobstructed views, and an expansive private yard come together in this rare Kensington home. Peer out over Wildcat Canyon from the gorgeous front garden, then step inside to sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge and San Francisco skyline through picture windows spanning the length of the home. From the two-car garage, nearly the entire home lives on one easy, step-free level. On the entry level, you’ll find three bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths, kitchen, dining room, living room and family room. Open-beam ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors add warmth and character, while the updated kitchen and baths and numerous thoughtful improvements bring modern comfort. Upstairs, the private primary suite offers an ensuite bath, balcony and its own breathtaking Bay view. The large, level, fully fenced yard is beautifully landscaped and wonderfully private, with room to play, garden, entertain or dream up what comes next—a bocce court, play structure, vegetable garden or spa. Set on a cul-de-sac in the heart of Kensington, the home offers a wonderful connection to the community. A path at the end of the street provides access to Kensington Elementary, the community center, park and library without walking along neighborhood streets. Numerous upgrades, including a three-year-old roof, owned solar, backup generator, EV charger and remote-controlled exterior privacy shutters, complete the package.

36 Kensington Ct, Kensington
$1,245,000
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 41147612 MLS ⋅ Active Status
There's a version of you that already lives here — the one sipping sangria in the courtyard at golden hour, rosemary, lavender, and basil drifting up from the garden beds, blackberries ripening on the vine, and the three-bridges view catching the last of the light. This 4-bedroom, 2-bath Kensington Hills gem was built for a life lived between indoor and outdoor — the way it's done in the south of France or along the Amalfi Coast. Designed in an L-shape, the home wraps around the courtyard with French doors along both wings, opening each side to the garden in turn. It's a layout with real history behind it — the kind of architecture built entirely around seamless indoor-outdoor living, dining, and entertaining. The first floor of the 1,931 square foot* home holds two bedrooms and a full bath, along with a living room that wears its original character proudly — reeded moldings, built-ins, and a brick fireplace, all beneath an extra-large window framing Mt. Tam, the Bay, and three bridges like a painting that changes with the sky. The dining room, also capturing the Bay view, carries the details forward with picture-hanging moldings and chair railing, while the eat-in kitchen — outfitted with a Viking stove — keeps that view going the entire time you cook. Because why would you ever want to look away? Downstairs, two more bedrooms and a full bath open onto the garden — private, peaceful, and yours — alongside a large laundry room and storage to keep everyday life easy. And then there's the magic tucked just beyond: follow the gravel path to an approximately 535 sq. foot detached 1-bedroom, 1-bath bonus space**, known as ‘The Cottage’, with its own full kitchen and a private front gardenette — guest suite, studio, rental income, or simply your favorite corner of the property, depending on the day. A two-car garage with an EV charger and solar panels rounds things out, while the location does the rest: minutes to Arlington Village, award-winning Kensington Hilltop Elementary School, Tilden's trails, and public transit. Some properties you tour. This one, you imagine yourself into — and once you do, it's hard to imagine anywhere else.

268 Columbia Ave, Kensington
$1,495,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 41147597 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Built in the 1930s and extensively remodeled for modern living, this enchanting Kensington residence is a masterful blend of vintage Mediterranean architecture and sophisticated contemporary design. Filled with natural light, warmth, and character, the home offers exceptional privacy and a wonderful sense of soul. A charming wooden gate opens to an arched entryway and an inviting front courtyard—a secluded outdoor retreat that sets the tone for the home. Inside, an elegant foyer leads directly to the spacious living room, the heart of the house. An iconic fireplace, dramatic gabled ceiling with period detailing, and tall French doors opening to the courtyard create a setting that is both gracious and wonderfully intimate. The open floor plan flows into a generous dining area and an oversized, sun-filled kitchen, newly custom-designed with state-of-the-art appliances, sophisticated cabinetry, abundant counter space, and exceptional storage. Modern and elegant, the kitchen is designed for both effortless daily living and memorable gatherings. Sliding glass doors connect the kitchen to a spacious and versatile family or guest suite with a closet, full bath, and direct garden access. Upstairs, four additional bedrooms are arranged across thoughtfully separated levels. Two spacious bedrooms share a beautifully updated hall bath, while the upper garden-facing wing offers a heightened sense of privacy. The expansive primary suite is a serene retreat, featuring an enormous walk-in closet, luxurious bath, and sliding doors opening to the deck and gardens. An adjoining sunny office or bedroom provides an ideal workspace, nursery, or private guest room. Outside, the gently rising gardens offer peeks of the Bay and multiple level areas for dining, relaxing, play, and future planting. A gated driveway and attached one-car garage with interior access provide convenient parking and generous storage. Close to Kensington Elementary, the neighborhood shops and cafés of Arlington Avenue and Colusa Circle, and the magnificent trails and open spaces of Tilden and Wildcat Canyon regional parks. With convenient access to UC Berkeley, the greater East Bay, and San Francisco, this distinctive home offers a rare combination of architectural romance, modern comfort, privacy, and connection to nature.

685 Oberlin Ave, Kensington
$899,000
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 41147471 MLS ⋅ Active Status
First time on the market in 52 years, this sunny, cheerful home on a quiet street has been maintained but needs much updating. It has great bones and abundant potential so bring your vision to turn this wonderful Mid-Century into a gem! Level-in and almost entirely on one level. LR w/beamed vaulted ceilings, fireplace and built-in shelves. Random plank hardwood floors, spacious eat-in kitchen, attached garage with interior access. Some bay views. Only minutes to shops and restaurants in Kensington and Solano Ave, Colusa Circle, as well as to Tilden Park. Section 1 pest report is only $2715.

206 Colgate, Kensington
$1,399,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 41146890 MLS ⋅ Active Status
A Rare Canyon Retreat, Offered for the First Time in Over 50 Years! Tucked into a peaceful canyon setting, this private and distinctive home tells the story of another era built with love, and rich with authentic Kensington character. Its mid-century flair meets the open, airy design influences of the 1970s, creating a layout that feels both grounded and free. Behind the home's bones stands Verner & Miram, a San Francisco structural engineering firm whose name carried real weight in mid-century California architecture. Partners Edwin A. Verner and Oleg V. Miram built their reputation from the 1940s through the 1960s, becoming the engineers architects turned to when a project demanded more than the ordinary. Their fingerprint here is part of what makes this home more than a relic of its era it's a piece of art! its open-concept flow to the quiet sense of privacy and retreat that defines the property. Filled with personality and possibility, this is a true canvas a rare opportunity for a buyer with vision to honor the home's original character while reimagining it for the way we live today. Homes like this seldom come to market. For the right owner, it's a chance to create something entirely their own, in a setting that feels worlds away, yet close to everything.

281 Los Altos Dr, Kensington
$1,995,000
5 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 41146863 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Welcome to 38 Highgate Road, a private five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath architectural retreat in one of Kensington’s most desirable enclaves. Set down from the street on a secluded 0.38-acre lot, this 3,843-square-foot home blends Mediterranean warmth with iconic Mid-Century character. High-end windows frame unobstructed panoramas of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Mt. Tamalpais, and San Francisco skyline. Recently renovated by Berkeley’s Averyl Interior Design, the home is approached through a water-conscious garden and private brick courtyard. Inside, varying-width white oak floors unite the living room, dining room, and newly renovated chef’s kitchen, appointed with Carrara marble countertops, Fireclay tile, and Rejuvenation hardware. A classic brick hallway with rich wood ceilings opens to a tranquil central atrium. Three spacious, view-filled bedrooms and office room anchor this level, including a serene primary suite with a designer bath and double shower. The renovated lower level offers two additional bedrooms, an updated full bath, soundproofing, insulation, and Green Building Supply cork flooring for acoustic comfort. Flexible and private, it is ideal for guests, extended family, a home office, gym, media room, or short/long term rental. The landscaped, level backyard offers ample space for dining, entertaining, play, and relaxation. Its flourishing orchard includes apple, pear, peach, apricot, and fig trees, while a remarkable 75-year-old grapevine-covered trellis provides history, character, and shade. Exceptionally private and peaceful, 38 Highgate is just down the street from Berkeley’s enchanting Blake Garden, moments from shops and neighborhood favorites along The Arlington, and convenient to commuter routes serving Berkeley and San Francisco.

38 Highgate, Kensington
$995,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 41146385 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Updated, Permitted and Stylishly Move-In Ready in Kensington. THE FEELING: 267 Cambridge sits above the street in Upper Kensington, where the elevation earns real privacy and a steady wash of daylight. Years of permitted work mean there's little left to do but move in. THE HOUSE: 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1,325 SQFT. Primary suite set apart from the other bedrooms. Office nook off the primary with added closet storage. Stacked washer/dryer and utility closet nearby. New track lighting through the living room, dining room, and hallways. WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL: The dining room stretches toward large bay-facing windows. The updated kitchen sits within easy reach of both the dining room and a patio – cooking and gathering flow naturally between them. Above the home, a reworked rear yard with raised garden beds, irrigation, a fenced upper garden, and updated stair railings, all overlooking the city. GROUNDWORK ALREADY DONE: New roof, modernized electrical panel, replaced sewer lines under the home, releveled garage with new automatic door and wired for car charging, and a rebuilt retaining wall with French drains at the rear. Newer washer and dryer included — the infrastructure most buyers hope for but rarely find already done. THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Kensington keeps its small-town feel — streets named for old universities, walkability rare for the East Bay — while staying close to bigger-city convenience. Upper Kensington's own shopping strip nearby, with easy reach to a Transbay bus line, Colusa Circle shops and farmers market, Solano Avenue, and surrounding parks and trails. Views: Downtown

267 CAMBRIDGE AVE, Kensington
$1,045,000
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 41145452 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Enticing value- unexpected Kensington treasure! Tucked above serene Cerrito Creek and opposite Village shops, level into this enchanting 4BR/2BA home offers an extraordinary blend of nature, privacy, and convenience. A surprisingly expansive interior features a light-filled living room with a vaulted ceiling and fireplace, a dramatic formal dining room, breakfast area, updated kitchen and baths, plus flexible garden-level bedrooms ideal for family, guests, a home office, or creative space. But the real magic is outside: five interconnected decks create effortless indoor/outdoor living amid a lush, woodland-like garden. Enjoy morning coffee beneath the trees, alfresco dining, a heated swim spa, and a charming treehouse. Attached garage and abundant storage add practicality. Stroll to cafés, shops, and neighborhood amenities, with Berkeley next door and easy access to Transbay/BART direct bus service. Approximately 40 minutes to San Francisco by car. A rare retreat where nature and Village living meet.

318 Arlington Ave., Kensington
$995,000
41140061 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Five Contiguous Vacant Lots for sale in Kensington! Totaling just under 1 full acre these five lots offer an unprecedented opportunity to not only build you dream home minutes from Tilden but also possible development potential.

Beloit Ave., Kensington
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Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.