Commercial Districts

Albany is strategically located in the Bay Area and is served by Interstate 80 and State Route 123 (San Pablo Avenue). Along with major transportation access, it is also centrally located between dense residential areas that can easily walk and bike to its business districts. Albany also offers free parking, which is a breath of fresh air to shoppers and businesses in the Bay Area. As a result, Albany can support national retailers along with unique one of a kind mom and pop stores and restaurants.

If you are looking to open a new restaurant, retail store or personal service businesses, please check out Albany’s thriving business districts to consider for your business investment.

SOLANO AVENUE

Albany’s pedestrian-friendly and lively downtown is filled with hip shops and popular restaurants. It also provides residential and office uses for a true mixed-use experience from vinyl record and toy shops to renowned global cuisine restaurants and bottle shops, Solano sets the scene for a unique mixed-use experience in the heart of a vibrant community.

Abrams Claghorn - Artists: Natalie Mae Borges & Leah Yael Levy

Abrams Claghorn - Artist: Hilda Robinson

SAN PABLO AVENUE

By day this busy Avenue which serves as State Route 123 has an eclectic mix of outstanding automotive sales and services, destination home furnishing retailers, renowned restaurants and mixed-use developments . By night, San Pablo Ave is home to some of the best nightlife in the East Bay, from an award-winning cocktail bar and popular taprooms to a historic music venue and billiards bar.

Hotsy Totsy Club - Photo by Jeremy Brooks

CLEVELAND AVENUE

The City offers research and development, manufacturing and light industry zoning to support its diverse economy. Albany welcomes manufacturers, research and development uses as part of its economic development efforts. Cleveland Avenue is a key area that provides ready access to Interstates 80 and 580. This industrial sector of Albany is home to lumber and adhesive suppliers.

Regional Serving Zoning

Because Albany is centrally located within the Bay Area and is readily accessible to the major interstates, Albany is a successful location for national retailers, and research centers. Target developed one of its first two story stores that fronts Interstate 80. The USDA Western Regional Research Center is housed in Albany because of its proximity to University of California, and highly skilled workforce. Albany Subaru new car dealership is located in Albany again as a testament to Albany’s proximity to a strong consumer base in the East Bay.