Walnut Creek

Ranked by Niche as one of Contra Costa County’s best places to live, Walnut Creek is known as a relaxed suburb with stellar schools, conveniently located near major cities like Berkeley, Richmond, and San Francisco.

Originally an 1800s-era Mexican land grant, this area was settled later in the century and came to be referred to as Walnut Creek. The town gradually grew to include a blacksmith’s shop and various stores; during the 1950s, Walnut Creek’s population boomed after the addition of a shopping center. Today, Walnut Creek has become a commuter hub for the Bay Area.

Typical for the Bay Area suburbs, Walnut Creek’s cost of living is high. Many homes are located on sprawling acreage overlooking Mount Diablo, and updated California ranch-style houses are common as well. With convenient shops, restaurants, schools, and parks nearby, this is the perfect town for homebuyers searching for the typical suburban experience.

What to Love

• Upscale shopping center

• Beautiful green parks

• Excellent school system

• Convenient location

People & Lifestyle

The beautiful Bay Area suburb of Walnut Creek provides plenty of green space to enjoy as well as a thriving downtown with lots to do. Walnut Creek is known for its peace and quiet, but it’s never boring; at any moment, you’re just a quick drive from major Bay Area cities.

Young professionals are increasingly attracted to Walnut Creek because of its proximity to prestigious universities and high-profile tech jobs. Urban dwellers looking for a change of pace are drawn to Walnut Creek; the BART train system makes it easy to catch a ride into the city for work. Retirees also love living in Walnut Creek because of the warm climate.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Whether you’re looking for dining or shopping opportunities, Walnut Creek has it all! Check out your favorite retail locations, or enjoy a meal with friends at one of Walnut Creek’s most delicious restaurants.

Walnut Creek’s iconic Broadway Plaza is a high-end outdoor mall that’s packed with both familiar and unique shopping experiences. Shop all of your favorite stores, such as Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel, J. Crew, Kiehl’s, LUSH, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and many more. Broadway Plaza also offers a selection of full-service restaurants.

Walnut Creek is also home to a variety of restaurants, including Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar, an eclectic restaurant featuring small plates from around the world, and Rooftop Walnut Creek, a restaurant with an outdoor terrace looking out over stunning Mount Diablo. Walnut Creek Yacht Club is the place to go for amazing seafood dishes.

Things to Do

There are plenty of great events in Walnut Creek, perfect for meeting your neighbors and making new friends. From fundraisers to festivals, there’s always something happening in town.

Locals love attending events like the Walnut Festival! Held each September for the past 85 years, this community event serves as a fundraiser for the town, providing attendees with delicious food and entertainment. The community also puts on regular parades, art exhibits, and an annual crab feast.

Outdoorsy residents love spending time at Heather Farm Park, a 102-acre preserve that offers residents incredible amenities like a dog park, garden center, skate park, swim center, multiple athletic courts, and more! There’s also the Lesher Center for the Arts, a cultural center that hosts dance, theater, and comedy performances.

Schools

Walnut Creek is home to several excellent schools within five excellent public school systems. Top educational opportunities include:

• Northgate High School, located at the entrance of Mount Diablo State Park