Emeryville residents enjoy a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles. Its prime location near San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkley gives it a lot of appeal. But Emeryville has more than just a great location. Those living in Emeryville California, will find great shopping, a wide range of diverse eateries, 15 parks, and awesome weather year-round. Residents and visitors can take advantage of the many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and beachgoing.
Let’s explore all the key things you need to know before moving to Emeryville CA.
Is Emeryville a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Emeryville is a genuinely good place to live for the right price. This compact city of about 13,081 residents has a lot of things spread over two square miles. This includes being a central East Bay location three miles from both Oakland and Berkeley and a home to major companies like Pixar Animation Studios, Clif Bar, LeapFrog, Adobe Systems, Bayer, and Electronic Arts. A mild, sunny climate with around 265 sunny days and no snow each year also makes Emeryville a great place to live.
Where Is Emeryville, CA?
Emeryville is a city located between Berkeley and Oakland and borders the shore of San Francisco Bay. Emeryville is about 3 miles north of Oakland, 3 miles south of Berkeley, and 10 miles northeast of San Francisco (SF). It also sits right next to West Oakland and has easy access via the I-580/I-80 freeway interchange that connects the city to the rest of the Bay Area.
What County Is Emeryville CA in?
Emeryville is located in Alameda County.
Map of Emeryville
Find out more about living in Emeryville CA with this map!
Emeryville CA Population and Demographics
The Emeryville population is 13,251 according to US Census 2025 estimates. Emeryville has a large Asian population, making up nearly 31% of the city’s total population. While those living in Emeryville CA saw a stark 28% growth in population from 2010 to 2025, the largest increase in population was among Asian residents.
The majority of the Asian population is Chinese American. The Chinese influence in Emeryville is evident in popular festivals like the Chinese Lunar New Year, at San Francisco’s Cherry Blossom Festival, and in the many local Chinese businesses and restaurants throughout the city.
What Is the Ethnicity of Emeryville, CA?
- White 34.1% (White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, 31%)
- Asian alone 31.4%
- Black or African American alone 20.6%
- American Indian and Native Alaskan alone 0.7%
- Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders alone 0.5%
- Two or more races 8.0%
- Hispanic 11.6%%
Here’s an overview of Emeryville’s demographics:
- Population density: 10,082.03 per square mile
- Median age: 34.5
- Sex ratio: 50.5% males, 49.5% females
- Median household income: $117,092
- Educational attainment: 97.4% high school degree or higher, 70.5% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 35.7%
- Veteran population: 315
Source: Census Reporter (ACS 2024 5-year estimates).
Is Emeryville CA Safe?
Living in Emeryville CA can be safe, but crime isn’t non-existent. The Emeryville Police Department has a team of professional, experienced sworn officers who enhance the quality of life by solving problems, upholding the law, and fostering a sense of security.
So, how safe is Emeryville CA? Based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, Emeryville recorded a total crime rate of about 14,719 offenses per 100,000 residents, which is roughly 595% higher than the national average and about 474% above the California average. Violent crime is around 1,231 per 100,000 (about 243% above the national rate), but the large majority of offenses are property crimes, at roughly 13,487 per 100,000.
Encouragingly, crime in Emeryville has been falling. According to Emeryville Police Department data reported by The E’ville Eye, crime was down about 21% through the first half of 2025, after peaking in 2023.
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Although the high crime rate might suggest that Emeryville is not a safe place to live, it’s important to note that most crime in densely populated areas such as Emeryville is concentrated in specific areas that can be easily avoided. Residents generally consider the residential pockets at the northern end of the city and on the eastern side, such as Pacific Park Plaza and the Emerybay area, to be among the quieter spots.
Why Is Emeryville So Dangerous?
Emeryville’s high per-capita crime rate is driven mostly by property and retail theft, not violent crime. Emeryville’s crime rate also seems inflated because of its small residential population against a dense concentration of shopping centers.
Emeryville CA Cost of Living
The nighttime skyline of Emeryville CA
The cost of living in Emeryville CA is 69% higher than the national average. Housing costs make up the biggest piece of the cost of living pie in Emeryville, as the median sale price of a home in Emeryville is $334,000, which is a massive 41.4% decline from last year, and the average price per square foot is $530. Take a look at the many current Emeryville CA homes for sale.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Emeryville is $3,058 a month for an 889-square-foot apartment, according to RentCafe. By comparison, residents in San Francisco pay an average of $3,826 a month in rent, while Oakland residents pay $2,621 a month. Check out the many Emeryville CA apartments and homes for rent in Emeryville CA.
Typical Emeryville Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $25.00
- Domestic beer: $8.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $5.46
- Dozen eggs: $5.73
- 1 pound of chicken: $6.75
- Average Emeryville monthly utility bill: $243.80
Source: Numbeo, Oakland
The Best Neighborhoods in Emeryville
For those living in Emeryville CA, you’ll have a lot of different types of homes to choose from. You’ll find various neighborhoods in Emeryville that will suit any lifestyle. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Emeryville:
The Triangle
Shaped like a slice of pie, this diverse Triangle neighborhood consists of single-family homes and affordable housing complexes. An abundance of restaurants and retail outlets are within walking distance. Pixar Animation Studios and several public art galleries are in the neighborhood. Joseph Emery Skatepark, Temescal Creek Park, and the Emeryville Marina Park are close by.
Emerybay Village
This community features sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Those living in Emeryville CA in this neighborhood are a mix of single-family homes built in the early 1900s, warehouse lofts, condominiums, and newly renovated residences. The headquarters of Pixar Studios, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Clif Bar, and several well-known tech companies are nearby.
If you were hoping to find great friends and food outside of the major cities, Emerybay has tons of options. Neighborhood children attend Anna Yates Elementary. Temescal Creek Park, Emeryville Center of Community Life Pool, and Dover Park are minutes away, as are local eateries and shopping.
Watergate
This is one of the best waterfront areas of the city, with low-rise condominiums on the San Francisco Bay. The neighborhood features premium dining and shopping, good schools, and waterside parks. These apartment buildings are located near Bay Street, where you have access to the public market for fresh produce and more.
Amenities in the community include a gym and recreation center, pools, saunas, 24-hour security, and much more. Watergate is bordered by Interstate 80, making commuting quick and easy. If you’re living in Emeryville CA, this is a great neighborhood to be in.
Emeryville CA Weather & Climate
For those living in Emeryville CA, you’ll find it has a welcoming climate, and it’s typically warm and sunny year-round. Summer months are mild, with temperatures generally climbing into the mid-seventies during the day. The temperature rarely gets above 90°F. The mild winters see temperatures rarely drop below 40°F. The average high temperature in winter is in the mid-50s.
Emeryville receives about 23 inches of rain per year and doesn’t get any snow, as temperatures don’t drop below freezing. The city does get a lot of sunshine, though. On average, there are 265 sunny days per year in Emeryville. If you’re living in Emeryville CA, grab your sunglasses! The best time to visit Emeryville is from late June to early October.
Things to Do in Emeryville CA
Wondering what to do in Emeryville CA? Emeryville offers a wide range of activities that cater to a wide audience, from kids to adults. In addition, enjoy convenient shopping at Bay Street Emeryville, Powell Street Plaza, and East Bay Bridge. You can also check out the Ikea Emeryville, CA location! Here are some of the top things to do in Emeryville:
Safe Harbor Emeryville
Safe Harbor is both a beautifully landscaped scenic park and a marina for boating in San Francisco Bay. The marina features 409 protected slips, modern amenities, and stunning views. Embark on a nautical adventure or enjoy a picnic on the grounds with unmatched views of the city and the bay. It’s a favorite amongst those living in Emeryville CA!
3310 Powell St, Emeryville, CA 94608, (510) 654-3716
Sandbox VR
Sandbox VR brings the ultimate futuristic VR experience for groups of up to 6. Star Trek’s Holodeck inspires the setting, and Sandbox immerses you in exclusive worlds where you feel like you’re living inside a game or movie.
5614 Bay St Suite 232, Emeryville, CA 94608, (510) 564-8664
Habitot Children’s Museum
Habitot is a perfect place for families. The museum features creative hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity in young minds and foster learning through play and social interaction. Kids are inspired to use their imaginations, solve problems, and build confidence. Don’t miss this stop if you have young kids at home.
5689 Bay St, Emeryville, CA 94608, (510) 647-1111
Additional Attractions near Emeryville, CA:
If you are still looking for things to do while living in Emeryville CA, Emeryville offers activities, special events, athletics, programs, and facilities through its Community Services Department. The city also manages 15 city parks for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. Doyle Hollis Park has picnic areas, a playground, a walking path, and a 1/2 basketball court. Shorebird Park is a great place to walk or ride a bike and enjoy the scenic views of the bay.
Emeryville CA Restaurants
For those living in Emeryville CA, you’ll be eating well! Emeryville offers a variety of dining options, from bars to tapas to pizza, classic burgers, and more. Emeryville’s diverse restaurants and cafes feature a variety of cuisines. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments in Emeryville:
Doyle Street Cafe
Doyle Street Cafe is family-owned and has served breakfast, brunch, and lunch since 1991. They use only fresh, simple ingredients and are committed to making every customer have an outstanding dining experience. For locals living in Emeryville CA, this is a favorite!
5515 Doyle St #10, Emeryville, CA 94608, (510) 547-3552
Hidden Spot Emeryville
Hidden Spot has classic hot sandwiches, an incredible selection of mouth-watering Wagyu beef burgers, Premium Wagyu burgers, Karaage Chicken burgers, chicken wings, and classic sides such as seasoned fries, tater tots, and beer-battered onion rings.
4000 Adeline St, Emeryville, CA 94608, (510) 817-4661
Pizzeria Mercato
For great pizza and a perfect atmosphere, Pizzeria Mercato is the place to go in Emeryville. The restaurant features Neapolitan-style pizzas, fresh pasta, panuozzos (Italian sandwiches), and tasty appetizers in a relaxed, casual setting.
5959 Shellmound St Ste#75, Emeryville, CA 94608, (510) 607-8093
Jobs in Emeryville CA
The major industries in Emeryville include professional, scientific, and technical services, healthcare, education, utilities, wholesale trade, and manufacturing. The city’s proximity to San Francisco, Oakland, and the Berkeley area offers many more employment possibilities for those living in Emeryville CA.
One of the major employers in Emeryville is Pixar Animation Studios, known for its extremely successful computer-animated feature films such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Inside Out. Pixar is a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios and has about 1,000 to 1,500 employees.
Other top employers in Emeryville include Amyris, AC Transit, Grocery Outlet, and Clif Bar. If you’re looking for a job in Emeryville, take a look at job openings on Indeed and the City of Emeryville job opportunities
One perk of living in Emeryville CA is the public transportation, thanks to the Bay Area Rapid Transit. There is also the Emery Go Round, which is free public transit to many popular BART stations. If you need to work in San Mateo or the San Francisco Bay Area, Emeryville is a strategically located small town that’s amazing for job opportunities and growth.
Schools in Emeryville CA
Emery Unified School District serves the students in Emeryville. The district consists of 2 schools: Anna Yates TK-8 and Emery High School. Emery Unified School District partners with parents to provide a forward-thinking education, emphasizing academics while nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. The district’s goal is to empower each student to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
If you’re living in Emeryville CA, and want private school options, there are many! A few of the top private and charter schools in line with strong academic reputations include East Bay German International School, Ile Omode School, and Head-Royce School.
If you are looking for post-secondary educational opportunities near Emeryville, some great options include California State University, East Bay, the University of California, Berkeley, Northeastern University Oakland, and Merritt College.
A great place to relax and enjoy the day while living in Emeryville CA is at the Oakland Public Library: Golden Gate Branch! Here, you can check out books, magazines, newspapers, ebooks, audiobooks, and more. The library also offers a full calendar of events, programs, and presentations for kids, teens, and adults.
Emeryville CA Statistics & Information
- County: Alameda County
- Area: 2.25 square miles
- Emeryville CA zip code: 94608
- Area code: 510, 341
- Elevation: 23 feet
- Time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Emeryville: Oakland International Airport
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Emeryville CA
Is Emeryville CA Safe to Live in?
Emeryville can be a safe place to live, especially in its quieter residential pockets in the north and east, such as Pacific Park Plaza and Emerybay. Most crime is concentrated around its retail corridors and is property-related. With crime trending downward in recent FBI data, many residents feel comfortable with normal urban precautions.
How Far Is Emeryville From San Francisco / Bay Area?
Emeryville sits about 10 miles northeast of downtown San Francisco across the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. By car, the trip typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic, and you can also reach San Francisco by BART (via the nearby MacArthur or Ashby stations) or by transbay bus, making it an easy commute for many residents.
How Far Is Emeryville from Oakland and Berkeley?
Emeryville is extremely central in the East Bay: it sits about 3 miles south of Berkeley and roughly 3 miles north of downtown Oakland, with both reachable in well under 15 minutes by car. This central position is one of the biggest draws for people moving to Emeryville for work or school.
Does BART Go to Emeryville?
BART does not have a station inside Emeryville itself, but the MacArthur and Ashby stations are just minutes away in neighboring Oakland and Berkeley. The free Emery Go-Round shuttle connects Emeryville neighborhoods and employers directly to the MacArthur BART station, so residents can still rely on BART for car-free Bay Area commuting.
What Is There to Do in Emeryville?
Emeryville packs a lot into a small footprint: shopping at Bay Street and Powell Street Plaza, boating and bay views at Safe Harbor Marina, immersive gaming at Sandbox VR, and family fun at the Habitot Children’s Museum. The city also maintains 15 parks, plus waterfront trails at Shorebird Park and the McLaughlin Eastshore State Seashore.
Does It Snow in Emeryville?
No, Emeryville does not get snow. Its mild Mediterranean climate keeps winter temperatures from dropping to freezing, and the city averages about 23 inches of rain and 265 sunny days per year. Expect cool, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters rather than any snowfall.
How Do You Get to Emeryville From West Oakland?
Emeryville borders West Oakland directly to the south, and the drive between the two takes only about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Most drivers use Mandela Parkway north to connect with the I-580/I-80 interchange, which feeds directly into Emeryville’s main commercial corridors near Bay Street and Powell Street.
Is Emeryville a Walkable City?
Yes, Emeryville is considered walkable, especially within a block or two of Bay Street, Powell Street Plaza, and the Triangle neighborhood. Many residents are raised to expect car-dependent suburbs, but Emeryville’s compact 2.25-square-mile footprint, sidewalk-friendly streets, and free Emery Go-Round shuttle make it possible to handle daily errands and commutes without having to drive everywhere.
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