A Neighborhood Guide to Alameda & Contra Costa County
Cities & Communities of Alameda
Alameda County is home to 14 cities and numerous unincorporated communities.
Cities: Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Pleasanton, San Leandro, Union City
Unincorporated Communities: Ashland, Castlewood, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Happy Valley, Hillcrest Knolls, San Lorenzo, Sunol
Cities & Communities of Contra Costa
Contra Costa is home to 19 cities and numerous unincorporated communities.
Cities: Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Town of Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Town of Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek
Unincorporated Communities: (District 1) Bayview, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, Kensington, Montalvin Manor, North Richmond, Rollingwood, Tara Hills; (District 2) Alamo, Blackhawk, Camino Tassajara, Canyon, Castle Hill, Diablo, Norris Canyon, Reliez Valley (partial), Saranap/Parkmead; (District 3) Bethel Island/Sandmound Slough, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen; (District 4) Acalanes Ridge, Contra Costa Centre, North Gate, Reliez Valley (partial), San Miguel, Shell Ridge; (District 5) Alhambra Valley, Bay Point, Briones, Clyde, Crockett, Mountain View, Pacheco, Port Costa, Reliez Valley (partial), Rodeo, Vine Hill


Oakland
There are 131 neighborhoods in Oakland; Some include, Lake Merritt/Adams Point, Temescal, Uptown/Downtown, Rockridge, Claremont Hills, Lakeshore, Castlemont, Jingletown, Montclair, and Fruitvale.
Oakland, a city known for its diverse neighborhoods and vibrant culture, offers a unique experience in each of its districts.
North Oakland is a favorite for its food scene, nightlife, and accessibility. Neighborhoods like Rockridge, Temescal, and Piedmont Avenue draw residents from across the East Bay. Rockridge, known for its family-friendly environment, features single-family Craftsman homes and a bustling commercial center. Nearby, Lake Temescal offers a 10-acre oasis for fishing and swimming. In Temescal, food enthusiasts flock to eateries like Bakesale Betty and Cholita Linda before exploring the charming Temescal Alley. Piedmont Avenue boasts a lively restaurant and retail scene, culminating at the scenic Mountain View Cemetery.
West Oakland has become a hub for commuters and those seeking affordable living options. Situated along the waterfront and near major transportation routes, this area has a rich industrial history. The neighborhood maintains its cool, industrial vibe and cultural attractions like The Crucible and Horn Barbeque. With four BART lines converging at West Oakland, transportation is convenient for residents.
Lake Merritt, at the heart of Oakland, is renowned for its parks, culinary offerings, and nightlife. The lake, surrounded by multi-family buildings, provides a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. Grand Avenue offers a variety of dining options, including the historic Grand Lake Theater and a bustling farmers’ market.
Uptown, Downtown, and Jack London Square form a vibrant district with a mix of entertainment, dining, and residential options. This area features iconic theaters like the Fox and Paramount, numerous restaurants, and beer gardens. Jack London Square offers a blend of vintage lofts and modern apartments, overlooking a marina with ferry service to San Francisco.
East Oakland offers a diverse community with affordable housing and a global culinary scene. The area is known for its cultural diversity, reflected in its restaurants. The Oakland A’s Coliseum, soon to be redeveloped into “Coliseum City,” is a focal point of the neighborhood. Transportation options include the Fruitvale and Coliseum BART stations.
Oakland Hills/Montclair provides a peaceful retreat with a small-town feel. The neighborhood features homes with stunning views and access to parks like Joaquin Miller and Redwood Regional. Skyline Boulevard offers panoramic views of the city.
Crocker Highlands/Glenview is characterized by its charming homes and access to parks. The area offers a range of services along Park Boulevard and is adjacent to Dimond Park, popular for its pool and hiking trails.
Dimond District/Laurel offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. Dimond Park, with its pool and trails, is a local favorite. The neighborhood’s casual vibe is reflected in its eateries and community events.
Each of Oakland’s neighborhoods offers a distinct experience, from bustling city life to tranquil retreats, making it a diverse and vibrant place to call home.
Alameda
Set on a 6-mile-long island just across the channel from Oakland, Alameda is a charming city with a small-town vibe. Its historic homes, mostly built before 1939, encircle a downtown that exudes a nostalgic atmosphere. Highlights include the restored 1930s-era Alameda Theater, which offers restaurant service, and the Altarena Playhouse, the longest continuously operating community theater in the region since its founding in 1938.
Alameda is served by nine elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools. The Alameda Science and Technology Institute stands out as a magnet program where students can take college courses. The island is connected to the mainland by three bridges and tunnels, with AC Transit buses running throughout the area and ferry service linking it to Oakland and San Francisco.
On the island’s western end, the former Alameda Point navy base is undergoing redevelopment, with plans for multi-family housing. Spirits Alley, located here, features popular spots like Faction Brewing and St. George Spirits. Alameda’s waterfront includes Crown Memorial State Beach and Crab Cove, where the beach’s namesake crabs can be seen at low tide.
Residents love Alameda for its waterfront access, beautiful parks, small-town feel, and convenient commuter options, making it a desirable place to call home.
Berkeley
The blue and gold of the University of California, Berkeley, are proudly displayed throughout this university town, with the iconic Campanile clock tower—one of the tallest in the world—standing prominently.
As you enter the city, signs declaring Berkeley a “nuclear-free zone” reflect its progressive spirit, a legacy of the 1960s and ’70s that continues to influence local politics. Recently, a proposal to eliminate single-family zoning was passed, potentially leading to an increase in multi-family buildings alongside the traditional Craftsman homes.
Berkeley’s commercial areas are diverse and vibrant, from the numerous restaurants in the Telegraph District to the upscale boutiques on Fourth Street. The north side boasts Chez Panisse, the pioneering institution of California cuisine, surrounded by other culinary hotspots that have turned the area into a dining destination. In the hills, Tilden Park offers cherished memories with its Little Farm, train, and 2,000 acres of open space.
Berkeley is served by eleven elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school, ensuring educational needs are met. Residents love Berkeley for its thriving food scene, beautiful parks, rich arts and culture, and convenient commuter access, making it a highly desirable place to live.
Pleasanton
Located at the V-shaped intersection of the I-580 and I-680 freeways, Pleasanton is a sprawling city that maintains a small-town feel. Residents often remark that the city truly lives up to its name, offering a host of family-friendly amenities such as well-kept parks, a large aquatic center, tennis courts, a golf course, and a vast complex of sports fields.
The city is home to the Alameda County Fairgrounds and Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, one of the largest parks in the East Bay, which attracts hikers and equestrians alike. Pleasanton’s business-friendly environment has led to the establishment of corporate parks, with companies like Safeway, Kaiser, and Oracle setting up offices in the area.
The local school district boasts nine elementary schools that feed into three middle and three high schools. While Pleasanton shares two BART stations with neighboring Dublin, it has not experienced the same housing boom. However, the low-density housing, consisting mostly of single-family ranches or townhome-style condos, offers the benefit of spacious yards, a rare find in cities closer to the bay.
Residents appreciate Pleasanton for its commuter-friendly access and abundance of parks, making it a desirable place to live.
Piedmont
Nestled within Oakland, Piedmont is a charming 1.7-square-mile city that operates its own small police force, fire station, and city council.
Characterized by spacious single-family homes, including one built by the Ghirardelli chocolate family in the early 1900s, Piedmont has limited multi-family housing options. The city’s three public elementary schools feed into a single middle school and high school, which was recently reconstructed.
Piedmont’s small size fosters a close-knit, small-town atmosphere. Traditions like the homegrown July 4th parade and community Christmas tree lighting evoke a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting, though both were paused during the pandemic. The town’s central park, once the site of a Victorian-era resort that burned down in 1892, now hosts tennis courts, a community pool, and a small arts center. Commercial development is limited, with just a single deli/specialty grocer, so residents often venture to nearby Oakland and Berkeley for a wider range of food and shopping options.
Residents cherish Piedmont for its tight-knit community and access to parks, creating an idyllic small-town setting.
Lamorinda: Orinda/Lafayette/Moraga
With excellent public schools, charming downtowns, ample open spaces, and convenient access to San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley (by car and BART), Lamorinda — an amalgamation of Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda — has much to offer. However, these advantages come with a price: Lamorinda features some of the most expensive real estate in the East Bay. Although there have been recent efforts to increase affordable multi-unit housing, most homes are spacious single-family residences set amidst scenic rolling hills — vibrant green in the spring and turning the signature California golden brown in the dry season.
Lafayette, the largest (though still relatively small) city, attracts visitors with its bustling downtown lined with outdoor and dog-friendly restaurants, boutique shops, and the state-of-the-art Lafayette Library and Learning Center, which serves as the area’s cultural hub. Orinda, with its smaller but charming downtown, is highlighted by the historic Orinda Theatre, whose iconic marquee is visible from Highway 24. Even the quiet town of Moraga now features a popular brewpub and beer garden. Residents and visitors alike appreciate the small-town feel and the numerous parks, including Briones Regional Park and the Lafayette Reservoir, which provide abundant and accessible outdoor options.
Danville/Blackhawk
Renowned for its top-rated schools, excellent weather, accessible open spaces, and vibrant, walkable downtown filled with restaurants, bars, bakeries, boutiques, and even a bookstore, life in the “Danville Bubble” is highly appealing. However, this quality of life comes with a hefty price tag. Real estate in Danville, along with nearby Alamo and Blackhawk (a luxurious gated community), ranks among the most expensive in Contra Costa County.
The benefits, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts, are undeniable. Mount Diablo State Park is just a short drive to the east, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness lies to the west, and the Iron Horse Regional Trail, a converted Southern Pacific Railroad route that runs from Concord to Pleasanton, provides a bike-, walk-, and jog-friendly oasis through the area. People love Danville not only for its parks but also as a food lover’s hub, making it a coveted place to live.
San Ramon
Once known as a quintessentially sleepy Contra Costa bedroom community, San Ramon has transformed dramatically over the past decade. Its proximity to the booming Silicon Valley and the development of large multi-unit housing complexes have attracted a younger and more diverse population than ever before.
A notable change is the significant growth in San Ramon’s Asian community, which is evident in the city’s lively strip malls filled with dim sum houses, biryani eateries, and Middle Eastern markets. Bishop Ranch, one of the region’s pioneering suburban business parks, supports the local economy with major companies like AT&T, Chevron, GE, and Ford, collectively employing over 30,000 people.
The City Center, an outdoor shopping and dining complex designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, has introduced a chic, downtown-style gathering spot, filling a void in the community. Despite these changes, one constant remains: the highly regarded public school system, consistently ranked among the best in California. Residents love San Ramon for its diverse food options and convenient access to retail stores.
Walnut Creek
Situated at the intersection of interstates 680 (connecting Sacramento to San Jose) and 24 (leading west to Berkeley and Oakland), Walnut Creek is the geographic and transit hub of Contra Costa County. Its convenient access to two BART stations provides a direct route to San Francisco, making it a favorite among commuters.
Walnut Creek has evolved into the county’s cultural heart, featuring a vibrant urban core with upscale dining, well-appointed condos, a performing arts center, and premier shopping options ranging from Apple to Zara. Despite its urban growth, the city retains its pastoral charm outside the downtown area, with numerous modest ranch-style homes and over 2,700 acres of open space, including the popular Mt. Diablo State Park, a haven for East Bay outdoor enthusiasts.
Residents appreciate Walnut Creek not only for its excellent commuter access but also for its parks and shopping. The city balances big-city amenities with small-town features, such as Heather Farm Park and Lindsay Wildlife Museum, and boasts top-notch schools, making it a highly desirable place to live.
Livermore
Alameda County boasts its own wine country, centered around Livermore, situated at the easternmost point beyond the Oakland Hills. Livermore’s wineries have been a fixture of the landscape for generations, with over 40 currently in operation. A recent initiative to limit development in rural areas aims to preserve the region’s agricultural character.
Home to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratory, Livermore is a hub of scientific research, affectionately referred to as “labbies.” The presence of these institutions has attracted a range of high-tech companies to the area. The Livermore school district includes two public high schools, three middle schools, two K-8 schools, and nine elementary schools. Single-family homes in Livermore often feature spacious yards, typical of suburban living.
For shopping, visitors flock to the premium outlets off the I-580. Downtown Livermore has experienced a revitalization, boasting a new movie theater, a large performing arts center, and live music on weekends. Lizzie Fountain Park, located downtown, provides a refreshing escape from Livermore’s hot summers.
Residents appreciate Livermore for its access to premium retail outlets and thriving arts and culture scene, making it a desirable place to live.
Hayward
Located just over the San Mateo Bridge from Silicon Valley, Hayward has a rich history as a farming hub and was once home to the Hunt’s Cannery, as well as celebrities like movie star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.
In recent years, Hayward’s downtown has undergone significant revitalization, with new storefronts and sidewalks lining the main thoroughfare. The city is experiencing a development boom, with multi-family housing projects, retail centers, and a new library in the works. Much of this construction is centered around Hayward’s transit hubs, which include two BART stations and both local and trans-bay bus lines.
The city’s educational system includes twenty elementary schools, five middle schools, and one K-8 school, all feeding into three public high schools that received new football fields in 2018. Additionally, a performing arts center for the school district is currently in progress. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Hayward, from the state’s first Japanese Gardens to the stunning bay views at the Regional Shoreline Park. The Sulphur Creek Nature Center is also a popular attraction, drawing visitors from all over the Bay Area.
Residents of Hayward appreciate the city for its waterfront access, convenient commuter options, and relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive place to call home.
Fremont
Located within commuting distance of Silicon Valley on the southeast side of the bay, Fremont is the fourth-largest city in the region and has become a tech hub in its own right. It is home to offices for companies like Western Digital Corporation, Lifescan, and the Tesla factory.
The city’s educational landscape includes thirty elementary schools that feed into five middle and high schools, offering specialized programs in STEAM and for the blind. Fremont is well-connected by bus lines to the rest of the Bay Area, and for those commuting north, it serves as the terminus of the BART system. Several new developments are underway, including a master-planned community that will eventually house hundreds of units. The historic Niles neighborhood features a charming downtown area, while Mission Hills, on the northeast side, is known for its large single-family homes and higher property prices.
Fremont’s Central Park, spanning 450 acres, offers amenities such as tennis courts, a skatepark, and the picturesque Lake Elizabeth, set against a backdrop of golden hills. Quarry Lakes and Coyote Hills Regional Parks, situated on the city’s outskirts, feature sandy lakefront beaches, as well as hiking and biking trails. Residents cherish Fremont for its waterfront access and abundant parks, making it a desirable place to live.
East County
Farming, bass fishing, and wakeboarding make East County feel distinct from the rest of Contra Costa and much of the Bay Area.
This unique atmosphere is largely due to the region’s thriving agricultural industry. Brentwood and its neighboring towns act as one of the Bay Area’s key agricultural hubs, producing a wide array of fruits and vegetables. From asparagus and cherries in the spring to peaches and the renowned sweet corn in the summer and fall, much of this produce can be harvested by visitors themselves.
Additionally, East County borders the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, an ecological wonder resembling a bayou that attracts motor boaters and naturalists alike. The eastern edge includes larger, denser cities like Pittsburg and Antioch, which are the final stops on the BART line. In contrast, Brentwood and areas further east offer a more suburban and rural lifestyle, often at a lower cost.
Residents love East County for its waterfront attractions, parks, and affordability, making it a highly desirable place to live.
West County
If East County is Contra Costa’s farm country, then West County serves as its urban counterpart. This area boasts easy access to national brand stores and a rich tapestry of diversity, culture, and industry.
West County, which includes El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, Hercules, and several smaller unincorporated communities, is nestled in the northwestern crescent of the East Bay, bordered by the San Francisco Bay and Interstate 80. Despite this major thoroughfare, West County offers some of the most affordable single-family homes in the region. The area is also home to several hidden gems along the coast, such as Miller-Knox and Point Pinole regional shorelines and the Rosie the Riveter Museum, which commemorates Richmond’s World War II-era industrial history, still evident today with the massive Chevron refinery.
El Cerrito and Richmond benefit from BART connections and share the urban atmosphere of nearby Berkeley and Oakland, while the pace becomes more relaxed as you move eastward. People appreciate West County for its commuter convenience, affordable living, and scenic waterfront locations.
Concord/Pleasant Hill/Martinez
Located north of Walnut Creek, this area offers a delightful blend of Contra Costa’s small-town-feel suburban atmosphere with added diversity and affordability.
Martinez, the county seat, has undergone a renaissance in recent years. Its historic downtown, once quiet, now features a mix of cocktail bars, artisan coffee roasters, and casual lunch spots catering to the weekday work crowd, providing an urbane complement to the excellent, if underrated, Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park nearby.
Pleasant Hill offers a quieter, more suburban lifestyle, while Concord, the largest city in the area, has its own vibrant center. This includes the lively Todos Santos Plaza town square, several popular craft breweries, and a significant Latino community that supports nearly 40 independently owned Mexican restaurants. The city’s Concord Taco Trail campaign, introduced last year, has been promoting these culinary gems.
People are drawn to this area not only for its lower cost of living but also for its reputation as a food lover’s hub.