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El Sobrante

El Sobrante

Located in Contra Costa County

$721,153 Average Value
$469 Average Price per Sq Ft
41 Homes For Sale

El Sobrante, a small suburban neighborhood north of Oakland, offers proximity to both urban amenities and rural recreation but has struggled to establish itself among the communities of the East Bay. As local Realtor Gordon Allen of Gordon Phillip Allen Realtors explains, El Sobrante has been caught in a power struggle between the neighboring cities of Richmond and San Pablo as well as Contra Costa County for quite some time. “It’s a complex area,” he says. “You can look on a map and see that El Sobrante has been split up into islands of land that aren’t connected in any meaningful way. Some addresses are Richmond, some are San Pablo. We just call ourselves western Contra Costa County. It’s very difficult to obtain an identity, depending on what side of the street you live on.” That confusion extends to basic services. “Police, fire and emergency are working hard to make things transparent,” says Allen, “but it’s still a challenge.”

An eclectic mix of established homes in varying shapes and sizes populates the residential areas concentrated around San Pablo Dam Boulevard. Most homes were built in the 1960s and 1970s and offer three bedrooms, although some of the oldest homes, built in the 1940s and 1950s, are two-bedroom residences. Multi-level homes on hilly streets are prominent, while ranch-style houses also stand out among the available housing. Prices typically range between $600,000 and $900,000. “I grew up in Orinda, another nearby city, and the real estate values there are twice what they are here, and that’s only 8 miles away,” says Allen. “They call us the Poor Man’s Orinda.”

Younger students can attend Murphy Elementary and Crespi Junior High. Older students can attend De Anza High, a school with a B-minus rating from Niche that offers academy programs in information technology, law and health. De Anza High also features some of the finest athletic facilities in the West Contra Costa Unified School District. “The high school has been remodeled, and it’s a good retrofit,” says Allen.

The neighborhood has an urban feel, which is typical of the communities in this area of the East Bay. However, El Sobrante is located on the doorstep of the rural areas of western Contra Costa County. Just south of the neighborhood are thousands of acres of green space filled with hiking trails and open spaces. The centerpiece is Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. It is a popular spot not only for hikers, but mountain bikers and equestrians as well. Its popularity among mountain bikers has spurred a project to increase access by identifying and establishing a dedicated corridor. “Nature still rules up in the hills,” says Allen. Located at the northern edge of Wildcat Canyon is Alvarado Park, which offers children’s play spaces and picnic areas near Wildcat Creek.

San Pablo Dam Road features a handful of dining options, including El Chalan, a family run restaurant that serves up a unique mix of Peruvian and Italian specialties. But the overall options are limited. “As far as restaurants go, you have to go to Berkeley,” says Allen of the college town about 10 miles south. Retail options are more prevalent, as a nearby collection of businesses is anchored by Raley’s, a full-service grocery store. San Pablo Dam Road provides additional convenience for work commutes and travel throughout the Bay Area. “If you don’t have a car, you have to live near San Pablo Dam Road,” says Allen. Bus stops are easily accessible throughout the neighborhood along the corridor, which connects to Interstate 80 about 2 miles outside the neighborhood. I-80 provides quick access to I-580, which crosses the northern portion of San Francisco Bay. I-80 also connects directly to Oakland only 12 miles away, and from there it can be taken directly across the bay into the heart of San Francisco. “We have easy access to a pair of on-ramps to get in and out really fast,” says Allen.

K.T. Phillips
Written By
K.T. Phillips
Sean Viray
Photography Contributed By
Sean Viray
Kellan Beaver
Video By
Kellan Beaver

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

El Sobrante Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$749,000
Median Sale Price
$760,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$779,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$422,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
239
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$469

Area Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
7,033
Number of Homes for Sale
41
Median Year Built
1962
Months of Supply
2.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,724
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,173
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,032
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
656
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Sep 7
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    1000 View Dr, El Sobrante, CA 94803

    $735,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,738 Sq Ft
    • 1000 View Dr
    • New 5 days ago

    Welcome to 1000 View Drive in Richmond's Hilltop Green. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac. This lovely renovated townhouse features four bedrooms and three full baths. The main floor features expansive living with a charming master bedroom suite that is full of light, and a wonderful place to sleep, think and create. The kitchen is bright and modern and the dining area is perfect for sharing your

    La Preal Moore Keller Williams Realty

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  • Thursday, Sep 4
    Open Thu 10:30AM - 12:30PM

    5400 Valley View Rd, El Sobrante, CA 94803

    $429,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,396 Sq Ft
    • 5400 Valley View Rd
    • New 5 days ago

    Recently updated, 5400 Valley View Road is a spacious 3 BD, 2.5 BA corner home in El Sobrante’s Oakwood Townhome Complex. From the moment you walk in, the airy interior shines with engineered floors, recessed lighting, large windows, and fresh paint. The living room is centered around a charming brick fireplace with mantel and hearth, perfect for cozy evenings, while sliding glass doors open to a

    Cheryl Berger Compass

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  • Saturday, Sep 6
    Open Sat 2PM - 4PM

    6324 Bonita Ct, San Pablo, CA 94806

    $899,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,763 Sq Ft
    • 6324 Bonita Ct
    • New 19 days ago

    TRANSPARENT PRICING! Get ready to fall in love with this light-filled 3-bedroom, 2-bath charmer where stunning water views greet you the moment you walk through the door. Freshly painted throughout with brand-new carpet and stylish lighting, this home is move-in ready and full of personality. Step into the sun-drenched living room and soak in the views from the oversized front window. The

    Desiree Bilich Keller Williams Realty

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in El Sobrante

Property Mix - Square Feet

El Sobrante Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
13,724
Median Age
43
Population under 18
20.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$103,015
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,477

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.9%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38.3%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.7%
% Population in Labor Force
63.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
24''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
73°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

13 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

25 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®®

31 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
El Sobrante