The Barkley Neighborhood was formed in 2010 during a review of northern neighborhood boundaries. This review was initiated after several large annexations caused significant expansion in the north-end neighborhoods. In 2009, residents requested that the City evaluate the boundaries of the Mt. Baker, Guide Meridian/Cordata, Meridian, and King Mountain Neighborhoods. As a result, the Mt. Baker Neighborhood was divided into two new areas: Irongate and Barkley.

Covering 814 acres, the Barkley Neighborhood lies mainly south of Sunset Drive and north of the Roosevelt and Alabama Hill Neighborhoods. It supports a variety of land uses, including a prominent commercial area near the Sunset Drive and I-5 interchange, such as Sunset Square. The neighborhood’s centerpiece is the Barkley Urban Village, situated at the intersection of Woburn Street and Barkley Boulevard. As one of the city’s earliest urban villages, it combines industrial spaces, retail shops, professional offices, and residential areas.

Residential development in Barkley was enabled by the construction of Barkley Boulevard in the mid-1990s, which connected Britton Road to Orleans Street. This road provided access to the west-facing slopes of Alabama Hill, where numerous subdivisions were later established. Today, Barkley Boulevard is lined with modern homes offering panoramic views of the city and bay as it winds up the hill.

The neighborhood’s identity is shaped by its open spaces, trails, and scenic view corridors, which are cherished by residents. To maintain these qualities, careful planning and zoning oversight are essential to ensure that future development respects and preserves the area’s unique character.