East Contra Costa

Unlike those in the Hercules Neighborhood of West Contra Costa who sit by the shoreline, properties in East Contra Costa are far — nearly 50 miles — from the San Francisco Bay and city. “Here’s the key though, a lot of people are working from home these days. Instead of renting somewhere small in Silicon Valley, they can buy their own big house somewhere like East Contra Costa,” says Realtor David Azimi of Intero Real Estate Services, who specializes in the Bay Area. Defined by its agricultural community and open spaces, you can find a quiet home here on lots of land in a modest-to-the-area price range.

Even though many properties in East Contra Costa — namely ranch-style mansions and sprawling Spanish Revival estates — travel toward the millions, you can still find a four-bedroom residence here for around $600,000 or a mobile home for under $200,000. Houses in the area are situated among rolling hills and within pocketed subdivisions. Though most are landlocked, one coveted suburb in East Contra Costa radiates out from Summer Lake. In this community, you’ll find modern split-levels that range from $600,000 to $800,000. If you purchase a lakefront house, it may cost upwards to $900,000, and with it you'll gain a small doc to launch a canoe or kayak from. Long driveways and privacy gates are common on larger estates which are also often surrounded by palm trees.

As the area is not short on land, parks and hiking trails are virtually everywhere. Summer Lake residences have their own small green space with a playground. The 20,000-acre Mount Diablo State Park also cuts through East Contra Costa and you’ll want to spend at least half a day there. Camp on the grounds and visit in the springtime to witness fields of wildflowers. Rock city – a one mile hike within the park often called the “trail through time” — is known for its ancient wind caves. The mountain central to Mount Diablo, from which it derives its name, takes 8 to 9 hours to hike, but you can also drive to the summit. The Black Diamond mines near Mount Diablo host naturalist programs for the whole family — including a “tarantula table talk,” “signs of fall scavenger hunt” and a “mini miners” discovery day for children under five.

Dairy, fruit and vegetables are all cultivated here on East Contra Costa’s farmlands. If you couldn’t pick something off a vine, it just wouldn’t make sense. The area has a selection of U-Pick Farms where neighbors can harvest their own produce, and locals flock there. Safeway, 5 miles away in Clayton Valley, is a safe bet when you want more options. You’ll also find a children’s dentistry there, tons of restaurants and a shopping center. La Chata Mexican Grill, known for its fresh tacos and Quesabirrias, is among Clayton Valleys restaurants. Walnut Creek, an urban anchor of Contra Costa County, is also 20-miles away. You’ll find a mix of upscale shopping along its Broadway Plaza. California State Route 4 travels through Contra Costa, taking you east to west for 197 miles – a stretch of which runs along the tranquil Sierra Nevada Mountains. You will need a car here as the area is so vast and spread out. The nearest airport is Oakland International, 40 miles east via California State Route 24.

“You’ll get a lot for your money in East Contra Costa, including a great school system,” Azimi says. One of the districts serving the area is the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. This pipeline includes Creekside Elementary School, Diablo Vista Middle School and San Ramon Valley High School. The elementary school earns an A-plus rating from Niche and the middle and high schools score an A. The high school has several clubs that improve student life, including a journalism club for aspiring writers.

If you want a quiet life with country charms outside city limits, East Contra Costa might be home.

Written By

Kathryn Ashworth

Photography Contributed By

Teal Mandzik

Video By

Anne Sheridan