Living in South Berkeley

Smack dab in the middle of South Berkeley lies Grove Park which consists of tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts. The park is also the setting for an adult softball league, a meetup spot for the neighborhood kids on the large play structure, and a hub for neighborhood dogs and their two-legged friends (although not legally allowed, most responsible dog owners let their dogs run “off-leash”). The Grove Park tennis courts were renamed the Joseph Charles tennis courts in 1998 after the late and great “Waving Man” who, for nearly 30 years, stood on his South Berkeley porch every morning sending a friendly wave, smile, and “Have a great day!” message to everyone who passed by.

The community presence in South Berkeley can be felt while visiting the Shotgun Players theatre company, or Funky Riddims Records store. When the mood strikes to finally attempt Pinterest inspired DIY projects, Berkeley residents can borrow tools from the Berkeley Tool Lending Library at the Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library, named after the local civil right’s activist. 

Residents have easy access to the rest of the Bay Area by hopping on one of the many bus lines available through AC Transit or by the Bay’s favorite way to get around, BART. The Ashby station is walking distance for South Berkeley residents. On weekends, local vendors transform the Ashby BART Station parking lot into the Berkeley Flea Market, a local favorite walk & shop for items like incense, jewelry, and of course food.

For more food and drinks, top South Berkeley restaurants and bars include Kirala Japanese, The Fat Fish, or the restaurant/pub/nightclub all mixed into one: The Starry Plough.