69,695
Population
Sunny Days: 262
75100 Affordability
95100 Schools
38100 Diversity
81100 Safety
Walnut Creek, California
Arroyo de las Nueces
The Worst Thing About Walnut Creek?
Traffic
The East Bay is guilty of lousy traffic and Walnut Creek is not the worst offender but if you need to drive to Oakland, San Francisco or Berkeley for work, or really anywhere that requires using the major freeways and you’re going to be glum. It’s one of the worst areas for congestion in the country so if you can work from home, work in Walnut Creek, or take BART to work then you’re going to want to make that choice.
The Best Thing About Living in Walnut Creek
Climate and Setting
It’s hard to beat Walnut Creek’s Mediterranean climate, which except when there is a drought means mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. It’s not as hot as the cities farther east and doesn’t get the fog of the coastal cities. That means nearly year round hiking, biking and general outdoor play. It doesn’t hurt that you get this weather amidst stunning natural landscapes. A beautiful day while nestled in the foothills of Mount Diablo just makes things that much nicer.
Lifestyle of Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek has more families than another other demographic but there are some youngsters who take advantage of the small but decent selection of restaurants, pubs, cafes and shopping that make up the downtown neighborhood. That said, Walnut Creek is for sure more family-focused though and the lifestyle here is much more about little league games (soccer is big too) and burgers and shakes after. The outdoor experiences available both in-town and up on Mt Diablo and Shell Ridge make this a place where everyone has some of the best hiking, biking and camping available throughout the year. That pleasant climate means you can spend 12 months a year playing sports as a kid or a grownup.
There’s also a wonderful performing arts center, the Lesher Center for the Arts, that hosts theater events, concerts and dance performances when you want to enjoy the arts. The city also plays host to year-round Festivals, farmers’ markets, and a Summer Concert Series. Finally, the beautiful weather means that workout and fitness activities for groups are available both indoor and outdoors, where running, hiking and biking clubs enjoy fitness on the city’s trails and social play once the workout is done!
Why You Should Move Here Now?
Quality of Life
Walnut Creek has amazing weather, an incredible outdoor lifestyle, is in a perfect location, has great schools, a tight-knit community and is near but not right on top of the area's big cities. All of this makes the quality of life pretty darn perfect.
Living in Walnut Creek
Neighborhoods in Walnut Creek
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Downtown
Young Professionals/Families/Retirees
Downtown is ground zero for social fun in Walnut Creek. It’s a mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment spots. There are upscale condos/apartments and townhouses for young professionals and empty nesters/retirees who want to live in the middle of the action. It’s a short walk from any of them to the Broadway Shopping Plaza, the city restaurants, theaters, and art galleries. You can also walk or bike to the The Lesher Center for the Arts, Civic Park, and the Farmer’s Market. For many you’re also just a mile or two from the local BART stop so commuting or visiting Oakland or SF is simple.
Saranap
Families
Saranap is a beautiful suburban neighborhood just south of Downtown. It’s a tight-knit community with communal pools and mostly single family homes – mid-century modern, Craftsmen and cottage styles all popular. The streets are tree-lined and the area is known for its parks and recreational spots including Heather Farm Park and Larkey Park and Lindsay Wildlife Experience. These offer playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails and a community center. It’s also served by the excellent, A-rated, Walnut Creek and Acalanes Union High School Districts. It has the added benefit of being right next to Downtown so if you like a suburban vibe but easy access to the social scene then put Saranap on your short-list.
Northgate
Families
Located on the north side of Walnut Creek, Northgate is another wonderful family-centric neighborhood. It’s known for being part of the excellent Mount Diablo Unified School District, and the top-rated Northgate High School, Foothill Middle School and Walnut Acres Elementary School. The area is mostly single-family homes, many ranch-style, cottage and much larger contemporary styles. The homes are bigger in Northgate and the yards and tree-lined streets are as well.
Northgate has plenty of outdoor play options, including Heather Farm Park which has a a playground, sports fields, walking trails, a fishing pond, and a petting zoo so pretty much everything for the family. Additionally, the Boundary Oak Golf Course is nearby for the golf enthusiasts. It also has a popular community facility, the Northgate Community Park and Swim Club, where locals flock in summer months to cool off and play.