Berkeley is well cemented in the popular imagination for its residents’ progressive values, activism, and intellectual debate. But Berkeley is much more nuanced than its reputation, with a diversity of residents who yes, do appreciate art house cinema and independent bookstores, but who also respect and embrace differences within the community. Of course, U.C. Berkeley is the heart of the city, with little division between town and gown. Cal isn’t the only institution of higher learning though, with students also attending the Graduate Theological Union and two community colleges. Berkeley is also home to Chez Panisse, one of the original restaurants where California cuisine developed and that served as a pioneer for every local, seasonal, organic farm-to-table restaurant that followed. The food scene remains superlative and where vegetarians never have to hunt for a sad side dish. Neighborhoods here are lush and green, with housing ranging from student digs to tenured professor manses.