Brentwood, California

Brentwood is historically an agricultural town and some of that culture still exists here. If you want to go to farms and pick cherries or strawberries you still can - and it’s really fun. More importantly though is the way in which Brentwood is at the intersection of a growth-mode suburb and a rural, outdoor experience. Some of that outdoor experience comes from the farms that surround the area, some from the many parks and 63 miles of bike lanes within the city, some from the many wineries in and around the city and some from an outstanding Farmer’s Market that offers the local grower’s produce. Altogether the city offers both the best of a suburb and country living that comes from its rural, agricultural, outdoor-centric history.

If you are commuting from Brentwood to San Francisco or Oakland every weekday then that will be the worst thing about Brentwood for you. If you’re not then it’s probably going to be the heat. It gets toasty out here and all signs point to it just getting hotter over the coming years.

The lifestyle of Brentwood is for many about the integration of a suburban and country living -- with tons of integrated green spaces within the city and amazing outdoor activity opportunities outside the city. Living here you are close to the Delta and Discovery Bay so many locals take advantage of access to the beaches and boating and all the other water-based fun you can have. You’re also close to plenty of wineries and participatory farms and amazing bike/hiking trails. Families who live here take advantage of all the outdoors has to offer.

Outside of all that fresh air and exercise or leisure time, most of Brentwood is built for raising families. Good schools, big homes that are affordably priced by Northern California standards, lots of parks and sports and extracurricular activities dominate the time for families here.
Brentwood also has a cool, historic downtown district that is filled with 50 or so casual and upscale restaurants, a dozen bars/pubs, another ½ dozen groovy cafes and plenty of boutique shopping. Downtown also plays host to the many community events that happen throughout the year. This includes the popular Farmer’s Market, Wine Walks & Tastings, holiday celebrations for all the majors, and just general community gatherings in the center of town, solidifying the strong community vibe you get living here.