Walnut Creek – A Quaint City That Offers Everything One Can Ask For
A small city in Contra Costa County, California, Walnut Creek rests in the East Bay region around 16 miles east of Oakland. Thanks to its position between Sacramento and San Jose and San Francisco and Oakland highways, it acts as a gateway to neighboring cities and hence a perfect option for homebuyers who don’t want to miss out on big city amenities.
With a population of over 70,000, Walnut Creek is a lively city with a bustling downtown, large shopping centers, restaurants serving global cuisine, splendid breweries, charming galleries, and more. If you are considering settling in the quaint city of Walnut Creek, here is everything you should know.
Brief Overview of Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek is home to unique neighborhoods that feature a wide array of historic properties, condo developments, and factory conversions. Parkmead is a cozy neighborhood perched on the south side of Walnut Creek. With single-story ranch homes, welcoming neighbors, outstanding public schools, and family-friendly amenities, it is a perfect place to raise a family.
Walnut Heights is another popular community in Walnut Creek that is known for its good elementary schools and vast housing lots. In the heart of downtown is the neighborhood of Almond-Shuey, which hosts young families, seniors, and empty-nesters in pre-WWII houses, townhomes, and apartments.
Woodland is a cultural center renowned for hosting the Woodlands Cabana Club and Woodland Swin Team. In addition, it is a hub for summertime activities. Then there is Rudgear Estates, which rests on the southern corner of Walnut Creek. Featuring homes constructed in 1973, it offers easy access to hiking trails and green spaces and has an active homeowner’s association. Lastly, people who prefer quiet neighborhoods should consider Walnut Knolls and Lakewood.
Homes for Sale
Education in Walnut Creek
If you decide to relocate to Walnut Creek, your children’s education will be your smallest concern. The city is served by five public school districts–the Walnut Creek School District, Mount Diablo Unified School District, Acalanes Union High School District, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, and Lafayette School District. Together these districts have over 20 schools spread across Walnut Creek. Notable schools in the area include Acalanes High School, Campolindo High School, Monte Vista High School, and Walnut Heights Elementary.
In addition to public school, Walnut Creek is also home to private schools, including Contra Costa Christian Schools, Palmer School, The Seven Hills School, and Walnut Creek Christian Academy.
Students in both public and private schools receive a top-notch education and consistently achieve higher-than-average scores in the state.
The Climate in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek residents enjoy a pleasant climate throughout the year. The 262 days of sunshine in the city compared to the national average of 205 days make it convenient for residents to enjoy the beautiful parks, trails, and views.
The summer months are warm and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 86 degrees. On the other hand, colder months are mild, and the temperature rarely dips below 40 degrees. As it doesn’t snow in Walnut Creek, you won’t have to reach for your parks during the colder months. However, the city receives 20 inches of rain annually. So, make sure you keep your umbrella ready.
Public Transportation in Walnut Creek
County Connection is a popular mode of public transportation that residents leverage to get around Walnut Creek and other cities in Central Contra Costa County. Recently, County Connection, the City of Walnut Creek, and the businesses of Shadelands Business Park have together introduced several free transportation options for Walnut Creek residents and visitors alike. This includes Route 4 Downtown Trolley, Route 5 Creekside Shuttle, and Route 7 Shadelands Shuttle.
Additionally, two BART stations serve Walnut Creek residents–the Walnut Creek BART Station and the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART Station.
Make Your Home in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek is a fantastic city to relocate to. The downtown area is splendid, with great restaurants, shopping centers, and nightlife, and Mt Diablo mountain is a brilliant spot to hike or get close to nature. Several nice homes and condos are available in the city all year round, and the neighborhoods are quite welcoming. So, you won’t have a hard time settling in.
