The place you live has a direct effect on your lifestyle. If you live in a neighborhood with lots of recreational opportunities, you’ll be far more likely to strap on your running shoes or bicycle helmet and get outdoors for some exercise. If you want to live in a place that encourages an active lifestyle, check out these Bay Area neighborhoods. It’ll be difficult to be a couch potato in these areas.

Mill Valley

Mount Tamalpais

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This beautiful Marin County city is home to some of the Bay Area’s most gorgeous nature. The crown jewel of Mill Valley’s nature scene? Mount Tamalpais, the 2,571-foot mountain peak that boasts 60 miles of hiking trails and receives tens of thousands of visitors every year. The Dipsea Trail is an iconic route that gives hikers sweeping views of thick forests, rocky coastline, and lush meadows. The elevation change of this trail is about 2,200 feet, so be sure you’re ready for the challenge. Mill Valley also boasts the Muir Woods National Monument, where visitors can admire the majesty of California’s gigantic redwood trees. Also, famous beaches like Stinson Beach and Muir Beach are just a few miles away. 

Palo Alto

Baylands Nature Preserve

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It’s easy to be outdoorsy in a city like Palo Alto, which offers many places where residents can hike, run, and bike while enjoying nature scenes. At the Baylands Nature Preserve, residents can enjoy one of the largest plots of marshland that still remains undisturbed in the Bay Area. The Pearson Arastradero Preserve is a nice place to admire rolling grasslands and lush evergreen forests while breaking sweat, and the Stanford Dish is a popular loop trail that many Palo Alto and Stanford residents visit regularly. The hilly trail is just over three miles, making for a challenging run or a refreshing hike.

Downtown Berkeley

UC Botanical Garden photo courtesy of Stan Shebs

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If you feel you’re too busy to maintain a regular fitness routine, you might be surprised how many calories you can burn just by walking. Downtown Berkeley is very conducive to getting everywhere via your own two feet. Boasting a Walk Score of 96, this neighborhood is home to popular restaurants and stores, including Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen and Pegasus Bookstore Downtown. Downtown Berkeley is also the home of UC Berkeley, and you’ll find plenty of student housing, as well as apartments, condos, and single-family homes. The presence of the leading institution means you’ll have some cool places to check out on the weekends, such as the UC Botanical Garden and the UC Berkeley Art Museum.