California / Alameda County

Moving to Kensington, CA

Thinking of making a move to Kensington, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Kensington and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Kensington before you move.

Moving Help for Your Kensington, CA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Kensington move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Kensington, CA Piano Movers Kensington, CA Cheap Movers Kensington, CA Small Movers Kensington, CA Apartment Movers Kensington, CA Long Distance Movers Kensington, CA

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kensington, CA

Considering a move to Kensington, CA? This welcoming community of 5,100 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,250,000 and average rents near $2,650. Commute times average 34 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (67% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Kensington's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Kensington, CA

Kensington has a population of 5,100 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 45 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 74% White, 5% Black, and 16% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
5,100
Density
7,900 per sq mi
Median Age
44.8
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
74.0%
Black
4.5%
Asian
15.5%
Others
6.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Kensington, CA?

The cost of living in Kensington is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 198.0. Median home values are around $1,250,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,650. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$1,250,000
Gross Rent
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$5,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$980
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
198.0
Grocery
118.0
Housing
332.0
Utilities
108.0
Transportation
147.0
Health Care
112.0
Miscellaneous
124.0

Crime

Is Kensington, CA a safe place to live?

Kensington is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 85 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 71. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
85
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,420
Crime Index
1,505
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,176
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 71

Weather

What is the weather like in Kensington, CA year-round?

Kensington experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 72°F and cold winters dipping to 42°F. The area receives about 25 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 67% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
42°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
56°F
Max
72°F

Spring

Min
49°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
24.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
67%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $171,000 and a low poverty rate of 4.8%. Over 97% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 74% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 34 minutes, and almost 19% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$132,000
Household Income
$171,000
Family Income
$195,000
Per Capita Income
$75,000
Income Male
$95,000
Income Female
$79,000
Poverty Rate
4.8%
Non English Speakers
24.0%
Rent
$2,650
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
18.5%
Commute Time
34.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
96.5%
Bachelors or More
74.0%

Education

How are the schools in Kensington, CA?

Kensington offers quality education options, with public schools like Kensington Elementary School and Berkeley High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of California, Berkeley and Berkeley City College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Kensington Elementary School
Street
90 Highland Blvd
Phone
510-231-1415
Students
360
Student Teacher Ratio
18.0
Name
Berkeley High School
Street
1980 Allston Way
Phone
510-644-6120
Students
3,100
Student Teacher Ratio
22.5

Private Schools

Name
St. Jerome School
Street
12500 San Pablo Ave
Phone
510-526-3243
Students
280

Colleges

Name
University of California, Berkeley
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Distance
3 miles
Students
45,000
Name
Berkeley City College
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Distance
4 miles
Students
8,000

Healthcare

Kensington residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 96.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Address
2450 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705
Phone
(510) 204-4444
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center
Address
3600 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611
Phone
(510) 752-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
96.0%
Health Care Index
79.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Kensington, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,250,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 68%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Kensington offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$1,250,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate
68.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Kensington handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Kensington, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Kensington, review the core fields on this page: population 5,100, median home value $1,250,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,650, commute time 34.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 67%.

Ready to Move to Kensington, CA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes