Walnut Creek is an attractive place to live in Contra Costa County and the entire San Francisco Bay Area. A relatively affluent city, Walnut Creek is only 16 miles east of Oakland and boasts impressive shopping and business districts, as well as vast expanses of preserved lands, giving its 66,000 residents the chance to experience the best of city living and nature.
Even with home prices on the rise, Walnut Creek housing is moderate and affordable when compared to some of the neighborhoods in surrounding cities. If you’re looking to buy or sell, this city is the place to be. Popular neighborhoods in Walnut Creek include the Almond-Shuey Neighborhood, California Gardens, Beacon Ridge Homes, Eagle Ridge-Rossmoor, Livorna Estates, Lakewood, Palos Verdes Estates, Rudgear Estates, Parkmead, Rudgear Meadows, the Woodlands and Sunnyvale West. The average price of all properties in Walnut Creek, from one-bedroom homes to four-four bedroom homes, is $485,000.
Aside from relatively affordable real estate, there are many reasons residents have chosen to live in Walnut Creek. With an unemployment rate that is almost half that of the rest of the state, this city is known as a hub for businesses, entertainment and shopping, all of which is easily accessible due to the Interstate 680 and Highway 24 running through the city.
Education is also a major attraction for families in the area. With top-rated schools and a well-developed library, children receive the very best resources for their education.
Here are some descriptions of the most popular neighborhoods in Walnut Creek.
Almond-Shuey
As the oldest residential area in downtown Walnut Creek, many of this neighborhood’s houses were built in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. However, as time brought change to the city, the neighborhood changed as well. Now the area is home to both large and small houses, apartments, townhomes, duplexes and even Heritage Pointe for Active Seniors. Many of the older structures have been upgraded and rebuilt, but the neighborhood hasn’t lost any of its old-school charm. With architectural diversity and a small-neighborhood feel all within walking distance of downtown Walnut Creek, this area is a popular place to live.
Beacon Ridge Townhouses
Developed in the 1980s, Beacon Ridge is a gated community near the BART, highways, schools and shopping areas in Walnut Creek. Connected to Acalanes Ridge Open Space, residents in this area have direct access to hiking trails, including the Brione-Mount Diablo Trail System. In addition, the neighborhood is only 6 miles from the EBMUD Lafayette Reservoir, which also has wonderful hiking and walking trails. So if you’re a lover of the outdoors but still want to experience comfortable, convenient and modern living, this neighborhood is a good fit for you.
Lakewood
Running along both sides of Homestead Drive, from Marshall Drive to Walnut Boulevard and Shell Ridge Open Space, this area is close to downtown, the lake and open space. Consisting of many homes, schools, a swim club and Shell Ridge, Lakewood offers both rustic and upscale housing opportunities. With winding streets lined with trees and the downtown shopping center nearby, the neighborhood is both charming and convenient. The neighborhood is also close to the BART and highways. Houses are higher than the city average.