El Cerrito

Fat Apples, El Cerrito Neighborhood

Plaza is a neighborhood with excellent access to multiple public transit lines, connecting to diverse destinations efficiently. The well-designed bicycling network facilitates easy and convenient travel around the area. Daily necessities are within close reach, including general and specialty grocery stores as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes, enhancing local convenience. Primary and high schools, both public and private, are easily accessible from most residences. Residents can take advantage of several green spaces thoughtfully distributed throughout the neighborhood, providing peaceful outdoor settings. Housing primarily consists of charming mid-century single detached homes and duplexes, offering two and three-bedroom layouts in a serene environment.

Plaza offers a calm atmosphere and will appeal to home buyers who enjoy spending time outdoors. This part of the city is quiet overall, as there are generally low levels of noise from traffic - although there are still several louder areas, especially closer to the railway line. Lastly, there are around 20 green spaces nearby for residents to visit, including Albany Hill Park, and they are especially well-situated, which makes them easy to get to from the majority of locations within Plaza.

Highlights of Fat Apples

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🍏 Fat Apples Restaurant & Bakery

A beloved local eatery at the corner of Fairmount Avenue and Colusa, Fat Apples is famous for its comfort food, fresh bakery treats, and its welcoming, community-oriented vibe—a staple gathering spot for El Cerrito families and local students.

🌳 Harding Park

Located just across from Fat Apples, Harding Park features a children’s playground, basketball courts, picnic tables, and open grassy areas—making it a neighborhood favorite for family outings, community gatherings, and weekend relaxation.

🏫 Harding Elementary School

Only a short walk from Fat Apples, this well-regarded public elementary school serves as an educational anchor for the area, with a vibrant parent community and regular neighborhood events on and near its campus.

🛒 Colusa Circle Shops

Colusa Circle, just down the street, is a charming retail hub featuring local boutiques, coffee shops, a flower shop, and a weekend farmers’ market, giving the neighborhood a walkable, village-like feel.

🚶 Ohlone Greenway Trail

The Ohlone Greenway, running parallel to Fairmount Avenue, is a leafy, multi-use path perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling, providing easy access through El Cerrito and handy connections to BART and nearby parks.

Fat Apples

This August in Fat Apples

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

August 1, 2026

Free Saturday Morning Meditation at Arlington Park

Arlington Park & Clubhouse, 1120 Arlington Blvd, El Cerrito • 10:00 AM

A peaceful, guided meditation session just minutes from Fat Apples, ideal for starting your weekend with calm and community in a local park setting.

August 6, 2026

Meet A Monster Truck at Five Little Monkeys!

Five Little Monkeys, 1810 Fourth St, Berkeley • 3:00 PM

A fun, up‑close truck experience perfect for families in Fat Apples, offering kids a thrilling show just over the border in nearby Berkeley.

August 1–27, 2026

Centennial Passport Activities

Various El Cerrito locations (see city resources)

Nation‑wide Centennial Passport program across El Cerrito invites residents—including Fat Apples locals—to explore city history and collect stamp‑based rewards during August.

August 12, 2026

Chamber Mixer @ Security Public Storage

Security Public Storage, 1711 Eastshore Blvd, El Cerrito • 8:30 AM–10:00 AM

Local networking event hosted by the Chamber just steps from Fat Apples—great for residents interested in meeting community members and supporting local business.

August 24–30, 2026

El Cerrito Compost Give‑Away

El Cerrito Recycling Center, 7501 Schmidt Lane • All Day

A practical, eco‑friendly opportunity for Fat Apples households to get free compost made from local yard waste—while supplies last during this weeklong event.

From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Fat Apples

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Fat Apples

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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