If you’ve ever driven across the Bay Bridge toward the East Bay, you’ve passed through it. Most people think they’re still in Oakland. Or maybe Berkeley? It’s a common mix-up because this place is tiny—barely over one square mile of land. So, what county is Emeryville in, exactly?
It’s Alameda County.
Honestly, the confusion is fair. Emeryville is nestled so tightly between Oakland and Berkeley that the borders basically blur into one another. You can walk across a street and suddenly realize the streetlights look different or the pavement got smoother, and that’s how you know you’ve crossed the line. But while it might be small, this little slice of Alameda County packs a massive punch when it comes to business, culture, and just pure "what is going on here?" history.
Why Does Everyone Get This Wrong?
Emeryville is sort of the middle child of the East Bay. To its north, you have the intellectual, tree-lined streets of Berkeley. To the south and east, you have the sprawling, gritty, and vibrant soul of Oakland.
Because it’s so small—we’re talking about 1.2 square miles—people often assume it’s just a neighborhood. I’ve heard locals call it "North Oakland" or "West Berkeley" more times than I can count. But it’s a fully incorporated city with its own mayor, its own police force, and its own very distinct tax bracket.
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Being in Alameda County matters for a lot of reasons, from who picks up the trash to where your property taxes go. But mostly, it’s about identity. Emeryville has spent the last century trying to prove it isn’t just an extension of its neighbors.
A History of Being the "Outlaw" Town
Back in the day, Emeryville was known as the "rottenest city on the Pacific Coast." No joke. That was actually a quote from Earl Warren, who was the District Attorney of Alameda County before he became the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Why the hate? Well, because Emeryville was the place you went to do things you couldn't do in Oakland or Berkeley.
While its neighbors were trying to be respectable, Emeryville was leaning into the "vice" economy. We’re talking:
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- Gambling: Huge card rooms and racetracks.
- Speakeasies: During Prohibition, this was the place to find a drink.
- Industry: It was a town of slaughterhouses and heavy manufacturing, which earned it the nickname "Butchertown."
Because the city leaders were so independent (some might say "unregulated"), they fought hard to stay separate from the surrounding cities. They didn't want Oakland’s taxes or Berkeley’s rules. That stubbornness is exactly why Emeryville remains its own entity within Alameda County today.
The Modern Pivot: From Smokestacks to Pixels
If you visit today, you won’t see many slaughterhouses. Instead, you see the headquarters of Pixar Animation Studios. You see Peet’s Coffee. You see Clif Bar.
It’s wild to think about. This tiny patch of Alameda County transformed from a gritty industrial hub into a tech and biotech powerhouse. If you’ve ever wondered why there are so many massive shopping centers like Bay Street or the Eastbridge Mall, it’s because Emeryville’s leadership decided to lean into retail and office space when the old factories closed down.
Living in Emeryville vs. Just Passing Through
Living here is a trip. For one thing, you don’t really need a car if you’re smart about it. The city runs a free shuttle called the Emery Go-Round. It’s funded by local businesses and connects the whole town to the MacArthur BART station in Oakland.
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But there’s a catch to the "small town" vibe.
Since it’s a transit and shopping hub, the daytime population explodes. You have about 13,000 actual residents, but during work hours, that number triples. This leads to some weird stats. If you look at crime data, Emeryville sometimes looks "dangerous" on paper because the property crime rates are calculated against the small resident population, even though millions of people visit the IKEA and Target every year. It’s one of those nuances that people miss when they just look at a spreadsheet.
The Real Perks of Alameda County Life
- The Public Market: Probably the best food hall in the East Bay. You can get ramen, tacos, and Afghan bolani all in one go.
- The Marina: One of the most underrated spots for a sunset walk. You get a clear view of the San Francisco skyline without the SF prices.
- Accessibility: You are 10 minutes from everywhere. 10 minutes to SF (without traffic, which is rare, but still), 10 minutes to downtown Oakland, 10 minutes to UC Berkeley.
Practical Steps for Navigating Emeryville
If you’re moving here or just visiting for the weekend, here’s how to handle the "City of Industry":
- Check the Zip Codes: Don't get confused if your mail says "Oakland" but your lease says "Emeryville." The 94608 zip code is shared between the two.
- Use the Shuttle: Seriously, the Emery Go-Round is free. Don't pay for an Uber to BART if you don't have to.
- Watch the Parking: Because it’s a retail hub, parking enforcement is aggressive. If the sign says 2 hours, they mean 2 hours.
- Know Your Officials: If you have an issue with a pothole or a permit, you’re dealing with the Emeryville City Council, not the Oakland Mayor’s office.
Emeryville is a fascinating anomaly. It’s a tiny, high-density, corporate-yet-quirky town that refuses to be swallowed by the giants surrounding it. Next time someone asks what county is Emeryville in, you can tell them it’s Alameda—but then tell them it’s actually its own little world.