Pleasant Hill
Emeryville
Piedmont
Oakland
Alameda
San Lorenzo
Castro
Valley
Albany
Berkeley
Concord
Lafayette
Moraga
Orinda
Walnut Creek
Danville
San Ramon
Dublin
Pleasanton
Livermore
San
Leandro
Hayward
OAKLAND (population: 406,253)
Considered the most ethnically diverse City in the United States, Oakland is also the financial, cultural, and political center of the East Bay and county seat of Alameda County. Topping the list of Oakland’s many strengths is its climate, which is consistently voted best in the U. S. by a variety of sources. Some of the many neighborhoods that make up the City include:
Montclair
Home to breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay Area. Distinctive homes are nestled in the wooded hills of Oakland. Montclair has its own shopping area with a wide variety of restaurants and unique shops. Prices of homes and rentals are average to well above average.
Rockridge
Rockridge is tucked in the Northern corner of Oakland. Many people love the easy walk to great ethnic food, coffee and boutiques. One of Oakland’s favorite neighborhoods, many compare its charm to San Francisco’s.
Trestle Glen/Glen View
These highly sought after neighborhoods offer some of Oakland’s classic homes, most of which were built in 1920-30’s. These neighborhoods are great places for families to live. Close proximity to everything including some of the area’s most beautiful parks.
Laurel District
Laurel Heights is one of Oakland’s most affordable areas. Great transportation and most neighborhoods are quiet. Good availability of rentals and homes to purchase.
Jack London Square
The original waterfront is being transformed into a cultural and residential hot spot, complete with live/work lofts, night clubs, movie theaters, restaurants, and anchored by a Cost Plus and Beverages and More.
Uptown
Oakland’s highly sought after entertainment district in Downtown Oakland features lofts, condos, classic homes. Many great restaurants, entertaining and beautiful Landmarks including the Paramount Fox Theater.
Temescal
Primarily a residential area of homes built in the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s on tree lines streets with a mix of multifamily to midsize apartments. Many wonderful diverse restaurants and shops make up the commercial areas.
ALAMEDA/BAY FARM ISLAND (population: 75,467)
Once known as “The City of beaches”, Alameda is now known for maintaining small-town atmosphere in the midst of the metropolitan Bay Area. While most of Alameda consists of older homes and tree-lines streets, the Harbor Bay Development on Bay Farm Island offers 3,000± newer homes conveniently accompanied by a nearby business park. Home prices are above average and climbing, and its housing stock is not likely to grow as in 1973 voters established a ban on building anything larger than a duplex.
BERKELEY (population: 112,580)
Lively, inquiring and experimental, Berkeley exudes an atmosphere befitting its position as one of the Country’s leading educational centers. Many neighborhoods surround this magnificent University.
North Berkeley
This picturesque neighborhood offers superior views, food and housing. Many of the area’s most prominent scholars live in this lovely district. Prices are high and availability is sparse, but some feel it’s well worth the cost. Great parks for walking, riding, etc.
West Berkeley
This is one of the most up and coming locales in the Bay Area Housing is available, but prices are on the rise given the area’s huge remodeling boom.
EMERYVILLE (population: 10,080)
Situated between Oakland and Berkeley, this is a smaller city with a considerable business base. Many artists love this area for the many live/work spaces available. Great proximity to boating, fishing, & other water sports.
ALBANY (population: 18,969)
A wonderful small city and a great extension to Berkeley’s Northside, Albany has one of the state’s highest ranked school districts. Additionally, Solano Avenue features some of the Bay Area’s best restaurants.
LAFAYETTE/MORAGA/ORINDA
Once a popular getaway destination for those looking for a respite from city life, the “Lamorinda” area is still much desired for its gentrified way of life. The downtown streets are quaint — small stores and coffee shops abound — and a wonderful biking/walking trail crisscrosses the entire region. Moraga’s St. Mary’s College provides the area with a Mission ambiance as well as a calendar of cultural events. Home prices are high, but well worth it for those seeking graceful country living within a stone’s throw of major metropolitan centers.
WALNUT CREEK (population: 64,173)
Vibrant Walnut Creek features the hard to beat combination of award winning restaurants, prime shopping centers, a lively Theatre district and excellent schools. It has some adjacent Lamorinda’s woodiness, and yet is the most urbane of the area’s suburbs.
CONCORD (population: 122,067)
This homey city is the quintessential bedroom community. Many residents consider their daily drive to San Francisco a small price to pay for a great family home at an affordable rate. The Concord Pavilion, a state-of-the-art bowl-shaped outdoor theater, hosts world class caliber musicians and dance troups.
SAN LEANDRO (population: 86,869)
Located on Oakland East Border, San Leandro is a mix of single family homes built in the 1920’s forward, featuring many tree lined streets, wonderful views and a beautiful marina area. San Leandro also has a nice mix of smaller to mid-size apartments. Prices are generally cheaper than their neighbors to the West.
HAYWARD (population: 149,392) Located 25 miles East of San Francisco and 26 miles North of San Jose, Hayward is one of the most centrally located cities to its biggest job markets of San Jose and San Francisco. Comparatively affordable homes with superior freeway access is a great feature of this City.
TRI-VALLEY AREA
LIVERMORE (population: 83,547)
One of the Tri-Valley’s fastest growing cities, Livermore has new home developments opening every day. Previously known as home to cattle ranches and the Lawrence Livermore Lab, it is now gaining notoriety both as a golf mecca and as a prime wine producing region. Livermore straddles the 580 freeway, providing easy access to this major thoroughfare. Home prices are moderate though climbing, as home availability is becoming more limited in the other Tri-Valley cities.
PLEASANTON (population: 70,285)
Pleasanton literally has something for everyone. Highlighted by the Alameda County Fairgrounds and the Stoneridge Mall, exclusive to Ruby Hills Golf Course and many gated communities, Pleasanton’s appeal is universal.
DUBLIN (population: 49,890)
One of the most affordable cities in the Tri-Valley area, Dublin is also an attractive place for commuters to live. Located at the intersection of 580/680 freeways, and home to BARTs newest station, Dublin provides many ways to get to wherever you need to go. Groceries, coffee shops and shopping centers abound. You’ll find everything you need at your fingertips.
SAN RAMON (population: 73,927)
Families love San Ramon for its wealth of parks, jogging/hiking trails and excellent schools. Home prices are considered moderate when compared with those of neighboring Danville, Alamo and Blackhawk. New home developments are opening every day, offering a variety of home styles and prices. You’ll find much to choose from and fall in love with in this quietly growing city.
DANVILLE (population: 42,039)
Set in the midst of rolling hills and giant oaks, this charming town’s style reflects its Old West heritage. In addition to its many parks, which offer varied recreational activities, the city offers the Iron Horse Trail, a popular biking and walking route.