Welcome to Walnut Creek
A shopping destination in a peaceful suburb.
Ranked by Niche as one of the best places to live in Contra Costa County, Walnut Creek is known for its safe neighborhoods, excellent public school system, and convenient location near Berkeley, Richmond, and San Francisco.
The area comprising Walnut Creek was initially part of an 1800s Mexican land grant. Settled later in the century, the town grew to include stores and a blacksmith’s shop, eventually experiencing a 1950s population boom due to the addition of a shopping center. Today, Walnut Creek is considered a hub for Bay Area commuters, with easy-to-navigate transportation like the BART train system.
As is the case in most Bay Area suburbs, the cost of living in Walnut Creek tends to be high; however, with great shopping, dining, schools, and parks, you certainly get what you pay for! Many homes are located on sprawling acreage that overlooks nearby Mount Diablo, and enormous California ranch-style houses are common.
What to Love
- Upscale shopping center
- Convenient location
- Plentiful green parks
- Great public schools
People & Lifestyle
Walnut Creek is a beautiful Bay Area suburb with lots of greenery to enjoy, as well as a thriving downtown with fun nightlife. The area is safe and relatively quiet while remaining a great location near major cities.
Young professionals love living in Walnut Creek due to its proximity to both stellar universities and high-profile tech jobs. Many people who want to live in a more suburban area migrate to Walnut Creek, riding the BART into the nearby cities for work. The town is also a great place to retire due to its ideal climate and entertainment opportunities.
Dining, Entertaining & Shopping
From shopping to dining, there are plenty of great things to do in Walnut Creek! Browse your favorite stores or discover something new and enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family at one of the area’s best restaurants.
Shop ‘til you drop at Walnut Creek fixture
Broadway Plaza, a high-end outdoor mall that provides a fun and exciting shopping experience. Visit your favorite retailers like Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel, J. Crew, Kiehl’s, LUSH, Macy’s, and many more! Locals especially love browsing
Nordstrom. The shopping center also offers a variety of full-service restaurants.
Have fun trying out Walnut Creek’s variety of restaurants, such as
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 that offers stunning views of Mount Diablo. You can also enjoy incredible seafood at the
Walnut Creek Yacht Club.
Things to Do
Walnut Creek offers lots of fun community events where you can mingle with your neighbors and meet new friends. With exciting local fundraisers, parks, and art centers, you’ll never be bored in Walnut Creek.
Enjoy fun local Walnut Creek events like the
Walnut Festival! Held each September for the past 85 years, this community event is a great fundraiser for the town, offering delicious food and entertainment. The community also puts on parades, art exhibits, and an annual crab feast.Walnut Creek is home to
Heather Farms 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
