Walnut Creek

Welcome to Walnut Creek

Ranked by Niche as one of Contra Costa County’s best places to live, Walnut Creek is known as a relaxed suburb with stellar schools, conveniently located near major cities like Berkeley, Richmond, Oakland, and San Francisco.

Originally an 1800s-era Mexican land grant, this area was settled later in the century and came to be referred to as Walnut Creek. The town gradually grew to include a blacksmith’s shop and various stores; during the 1950s, Walnut Creek’s population boomed after the addition of a shopping center. Today, Walnut Creek has become a commuter hub for the Bay Area.

Typical for the Bay Area suburbs, Walnut Creek’s cost of living is high. Many homes are located on sprawling acreage overlooking Mount Diablo, and updated California ranch-style houses are common as well. With convenient shops, restaurants, schools, and parks nearby, this is the perfect town for homebuyers searching for the typical suburban experience.

Commute

Located along Highway 24, Walnut Creek offers a quick commute around the East Bay, with a 20-minute drive to Oakland and a 45-minute drive to San Francisco.

Local Events

Locals love attending events like the Walnut Festival, held each September for the past 85 years, this community event serves as a fundraiser for the town, providing attendees with delicious food and entertainment. The community also puts on regular parades, art exhibits, and an annual crab feast.

Schools

Walnut Creek is home to several excellent schools that rank in the top 10% of California public schools. The Walnut Creek School District has elementary schools; Buena Vista, Walnut Heights, Indian Valley, Murwood, & Parkmead - middle schools; Tice Creek & Walnut Creek Intermediate - and Las Lomas & Northgate High School.

Outdoors

Outdoorsy residents love spending time at Heather Farm 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. Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas have an abundance of nature to experience.

Weather

In Walnut Creek, there is a warm Mediterranean climate with long, warm, arid, and mostly clear summers. The winters are short, wet, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 40°F to 83°F and is rarely below 32°F or above 94°F.

Shopping

The iconic Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek is a high-end outdoor mall featuring a mix of familiar and unique shopping experiences, including Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel, J. Crew, Kiehl’s, LUSH, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and many more.

Local Favorite Spots