the Souza & Niroomand Team Presents:

A diamond in the rough set on one of the best blocks in albany

$899,000

Property Details

Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 1
Square Feet 2,248 sq ft
Neighborhood Albany

Welcome to a cosmetic fixer, where the past and the future meet

For over four decades, 609 San Carlos has been more than a house — it’s been the heart of a family. You can almost hear the echoes of two boys running through the halls, playing pranks, and filling every corner with laughter. The living room, with its original tiled fireplace and beautiful mantle, has held countless gatherings. The formal dining room has seen holidays, birthdays, and family dinners — and now it’s ready for you to make your own memories.

This home has incredible bones and a soul you can feel the moment you step inside. The hardwood floors still shine with their inlaid design, the vintage kitchen is perfectly functional and has so much potential to be even more, and upstairs, the attic reveals a dreamy surprise — a hideaway that could become a teen lounge, a hobby room, or even a cozy movie space.* Off that attic, an office offers even more potential.* With four bedrooms and 1 bathroom, you have space to reconfigure your perfect floor plan (and yes, room to add another bathroom if you’d like). The backyard is wide and welcoming — perfect for gardening, entertaining, or simply stretching out on a sunny Albany afternoon. Notice all of the amazing succulents? These were the owner's prized possessions, and they even won some awards over the years.

And then there’s the location: one of Albany’s most sought-after streets. From here, you can walk to Solano Avenue’s coffee shops, pizza joints, and boutiques, wander down to Memorial Park for concerts and tennis matches, or head to the Albany Aquatic Center for a swim. Top-rated Albany schools, beloved parks, and a strong sense of community are all right outside your front door.


The Home
  • 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
  • Expansive living room with fireplace, original mantle & preserved vintage tile
  • Formal dining room (imagine opening to the kitchen for today’s flow)
  • Gleaming inlaid hardwood floors
  • Vintage kitchen—functional now, ready for your creative facelift
  • Bonus attic retreat with skylights, perfect for teens, hobbies, or a movie lounge*
  • Separate office space off the attic with room to add a bathroom*

The Lot
  • A wonderful backyard for play, gardening, or entertaining
  • Room to expand or reconfigure to suit your lifestyle

The Location
One of Albany’s most coveted streets—peaceful, neighborly, and highly walkable. Just a few blocks to:
  • Solano Avenue dining & shops (Little Star Pizza, Five Tacos & Beer, Royal Ground Coffee)
  • Memorial Park for community events, tennis, and playgrounds
  • Albany Aquatic Center for year-round swimming
  • Top-rated Albany schools (A-rated and nationally recognized)**

This is the “diamond in the rough” you’ve been waiting for. Move right in, live comfortably, with a little vision– create the home you want it to be! 

*Buyer to verify use of space. Neither seller nor listing agent has investigated or verified the accuracy of any of these sources of information nor that these spaces are or may be made into legally habitable spaces. Buyer must conduct their own investigation with the city and appropriate professionals and rely solely on that investigation.  **Any interested parties should verify the school district and availability, as attendance and attending the closest school is not guaranteed. 

Property Tour

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Why Albany?

Small town charm. Big Bay Area living.

Residents of Albany enjoy convenient access to the Bay Bridge with a fraction of the population density found in San Francisco. Just a few miles northwest of Berkeley, Albany offers a unique mix of lifestyle options — from oceanview condos to charming single-family homes within walking distance of parks and the Albany State Marine Reserve.


Community & Lifestyle
Albany consistently ranks high for livability and it’s easy to see why. Families are drawn to the top-rated Albany Unified School District, while students and faculty love the proximity to UC Berkeley— less than 3 miles away and an easy bus ride or quick BART trip.
This compact, walkable community centers around Solano Avenue, one of the East Bay’s most vibrant streets. Here you’ll find cafés, restaurants, bookstores, yoga studios, and boutique shops, all in a pedestrian-friendly setting. Annual events like the Solano Avenue Stroll bring thousands together for one of the Bay Area’s best street festivals.


Food & Culture
Albany is a food lover’s delight, with neighborhood restaurants and cafés that locals rave about:
  • Ivy Room – A historic live music lounge with craft cocktails.
  • Juanita & Maude – Seasonal California cuisine with rave reviews.
  • Zaytoon – Flavorful Middle Eastern dishes & a cozy vibe.
  • Royal Ground Coffee – A go-to for morning lattes & community buzz.
  • As You Wish Frozen Yogurt – A family favorite after school or soccer practice.
  • Five tacos and Beer- Chips, Guac and a fabulous margarita, what more could you want?
  • Little Star Pizza- The crust, it is all about that crust. 
  • Benchmark Pizza- This may be in Kensington but its literally 2 blocks away and a fan favorite (especially the butter sage pizza) 
  • Hotsy Totsy Club – Albany’s quirky, retro-cool neighborhood bar.

Location & Access
Albany’s trifecta of entertainment, community, and access makes it one of the East Bay’s best-kept secrets.
  • Easy Commute: Hop on BART, the Transbay Bus, or I-80/580 for a quick trip to San Francisco, Oakland, Marin, or beyond.
  • Lake Tahoe Made Easy: Albany sits along the I-80 corridor, making mountain getaways simpler — no Bay Bridge backup required.
  • University Access: Perfect for students and professors — UC Berkeley is just minutes away.


Outdoor Living
Nature is always close at hand:
  • Albany Hill Park – A eucalyptus-lined trail with sweeping Bay views.
  • Albany Bulb – A one-of-a-kind waterfront park filled with local art, walking trails, and sunsets over San Francisco.
  • Bay Trail – Walk, run, or bike along the shoreline with stunning views.
  • Memorial Park – Community hub with sports fields, play areas, and open space.


The Albany Advantage
Albany is a city where families thrive, neighbors connect, and culture flourishes. With excellent schools, strong real estate value, vibrant dining, and unbeatable Bay Area access, it’s not just a place to live — it’s a community to love.

Come explore Albany. Stay for the schools, the food, the community, and the lifestyle.
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Souza & Niroomand Team

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