$770,820Average Value$437Average Price per Sq Ft32Homes For Sale
Hercules: a dynamite past and a dynamic future
Ten miles north of Richmond, the city of Hercules straddles Refugio Creek as it flows from the Contra Costa County hills and empties into the San Pablo Bay. The city’s namesake, Hercules Powder Company, took its name from the Roman god to signify the power of the dynamite the company produced. By 1974, the TNT factories had shut down, and the land around them was developed. Over the next 50 years, Hercules grew from a tiny town of 252 to a city of 26,000. Businesses such as the Powder Keg restaurant and Dynamite Donuts give a nod to its explosive past.
Biotech company Bio-Rad is the city’s biggest employer. Plus, with Interstate 80 running through town, Hercules is close enough to commute to Richmond or Oakland, which is 22 miles away. The city plans to build a multi-modal transportation hub to make that commute even easier. City leaders are also working to make the most of the natural areas in and around Hercules so that residents who leave the city to work may come home to play.
Hercules suburbs are not far from the beautiful coastline.
The Powder Keg in The Waterfront is a great place for Happy Hour.
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An eye toward commercial development with the Hercules Hub Project
In 2006, the city of Hercules used eminent domain to block Wal-Mart from opening a store near its waterfront, signifying its commitment to backing local businesses and developing a waterfront district with a small-town vibe. Since then, the city has continued to proactively develop the flavor of the community, and has secured $4 million toward a $12 million goal for the Hercules Hub Project. The plan is to build a station for buses, passenger trains and ferries to connect Hercules to regional hotspots and cut down on traffic, and to support a future mixed-use development of retail, office, housing and industrial spaces along the waterfront.
In the meantime, Hercules has a handful of restaurants overlooking the bay, and a commercial area around the intersection of I-80 and San Pablo Avenue has grocery stores and casual eateries. Shoppers and diners also have easy access to stores and restaurants along San Pablo Avenue in nearby Pinole and San Pablo.
West Cat bus stops are found frequently throughout Hercules and they have pick ups every hour.
The Waterfront's Leila by the Bay has a wonderful outdoor seating area.
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Distinct neighborhoods with New Pacific and Waterfront by the bay
Homes in Hercules range from about $400,000 to $1.5 million, with a median price of $700,000. Condos are on the low end of that range. Homes priced over $1 million are closer to the shore. The first neighborhoods in Hercules were built in the 1970s and 1980s on the inland side of I-80, including Foxboro, where single-family homes are generally under 1,400 square feet and condos and townhomes are under 1,000 square feet. Developers built townhomes and condos in the Village Park area between I-80 and San Pablo Avenue in the late 1980s and early 1990s, while custom homes were built along the shoreline in the early 2000s. The New Pacific area, which includes the Victoria by the Bay neighborhood, has contemporary and Victorian revival homes of 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. The Waterfront neighborhood has Craftsman, Victorian and contemporary homes up to about 4,000 square feet.
Trees line the streets of Hercules, but few are the towering trees common in other East Bay neighborhoods. Dry conditions in the region can create a challenge for landscaping. “There are well-manicured lawns in the neighborhood when we have water in California,” says Jonathan Davis, Realtor with the JD Management Group Inc., who has sold homes in the area for 12 years. With water restrictions enforced by fines, homeowners have had to become creative. “In the 90s, people used decorative rocks in their yards — that fad has passed,” he says. Now, drought-resistant plants and mulch are common.
A row of homes nestled in the hills of Hercules
Beautiful homes with well manicured lawns are frequently found in Hercules.
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Refugio Valley Park a center for recreation and community events
This year, the city completed a master plan to invest in its parks and recreation facilities. Refugio Valley Park, an image that is featured on the new city logo, is a centerpiece of Hercules and one of the parks targeted for improvement. With community involvement, the city removed trees that had become a hazard and planted new ones. Shade structures are next on the plan. The park features playgrounds, picnic tables, a pond, tennis courts and well-used walking, biking and jogging trails. A June Cultural Festival takes place in the park and celebrates the diversity of Hercules with reggae, Latin and blues music as well as local food trucks.
Hercules also has several community parks with playgrounds, picnic tables and sports facilities, and Railroad Park on the bay has a display describing Hercules’ history. Under six miles away, Crockett Hills Regional Park offers hiking trails and views of Mount Diablo and Mount Tamalpais. And Wildcat Canyon is 8 miles away, where equestrians can join hikers and bikers on the 25 miles of trails. On the shoreline, the Bay Front Festival & Run is held on the first Sunday in October near the Hercules Farmer’s Market.
Refugio Park in Hercules in the perfect place to play soccer.
Families enjoy playing at Refugio Valley Park in Village Park.
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Above average schools serve Hercules
The West Contra Costa Unified School District, graded B-minus by Niche, serves Hercules. It’s a large district with 54 schools that serves El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo and Pinole. Hercules High School is graded B-plus, higher than the district average. In keeping with the city’s history, the high school’s creative writing class publishes a literary magazine called The Dynamite Factory.
Hercules High School and Middle School offers high quality education and excellent athletics.
Lupine Hills Elementary offers high and safe education in Hercules.
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Oakland and other Bay Area destinations in reach
With I-80 and State Highway 4 running through Hercules, the city is connected to much of the Bay Area. I-80 goes to Oakland,18 miles south, Oakland International Airport, 29 miles south and San Francisco, 25 miles away. Within the city, WestCat buses have multiple stops, and there are express buses to the El Cerrito del Norte BART station and the San Francisco Transbay Terminal. Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center is 11 miles away.
Good weather and low crime rates
Hercules has a mild, Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Crime rates are low; both the violent crime rate and the property crime rate in Hercules are 65% lower than the national average. The property crime rate has dropped slightly since 2022.
Additional writing by Robb Crocker.
Written By
Carol Parish
Photography Contributed By
Teal Mandzik
Video By
Jacob McAllister
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Hercules, CA sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Hercules, CA over the last 12 months is $750,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in ready and beautifully maintained, this spacious townhome offers comfort, convenience, and privacy. Tucked away on a quiet court in a low-HOA community, this home features an attached 2-car garage, an open and functional floor plan, and a private backyard with no rear neighbors. Bright, inviting living spaces are filled with natural light, creating the perfect place to relax or entertain.
OPEN SATURDAY 8/1 2-4p Welcome to this beautifully updated townhouse in Hercules – A Place We Call Home. Offering a rare private driveway and an inviting floor plan, this 3-BR, 2-BA TOWNHOUSE features a desirable Ground-floor Primary Suite, providing comfort and convenience for a variety of lifestyles. The REMODELED Kitchen is beautifully appointed with BRAND-NEW Shaker Cabinetry, Quartz
Welcome Home! Rare Opportunity to own a Town House Style Condo where style, comfort, and location come together beautifully. This stunning 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath, two-story condominium offers 1,281 sq ft of thoughtfully upgraded living space in one of Hercules’ most highly desirable neighborhoods. Step inside and immediately feel the difference. The newly remodeled kitchen shines with modern
Welcome to this exquisite Victorian-style residence in the highly sought-after Bayside community of Hercules. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms & approximately 2,121 square feet of living space, this home perfectly blends timeless architectural charm with modern comfort. Thoughtfully designed to complement the original Victorian homes in the neighborhood, the property features classic details and
Welcome to Forest Run, a well-maintained condo community in the vibrant city of Hercules. This efficient single-story 2 Bedroom, 1.75 Bath unit features a no-step entry, updated kitchen with Siltstone countertops and modern cabinetry, full appliance package, tile entryway, fireplace, carpet, window treatments, Full size Wash/Dryer, Air conditioning, and a semi-attached garage w/opener. Enjoy the
Welcome to this charming, historically designated home, originally built at the turn of the century and thoughtfully relocated to its current location in 1985. Nestled on a premium 4,512-square-foot corner lot, this distinctive two-story residence offers 1,468 square feet of living space, featuring three bedrooms on the upper floor, two full bathrooms, and timeless architectural character rarely
Welcome to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condominium offering 1,067 square feet** of comfortable living space in the desirable Olympian Hills community. Built in 1984, this inviting home features fresh interior and exterior paint, a new air conditioning system, elegant granite countertops, laminate flooring, plush carpeting, stylish window treatments, and a cozy **fireplace with a
Welcome to this elegant Tiffany Ridge home, built in 1987 by renowned Tiffany Ridge Home Builders. Situated on a premium 7,000-square-foot corner lot, this beautifully updated residence offers 2,418 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, five spacious bedrooms, including a desirable guest suite on the main level, and three beautifully remodeled
Welcome to this stunning corner-lot home in the highly desirable Sycamore Villas community. Designed for both comfort and entertaining, this beautifully maintained residence features a private backyard with a level lawn and covered patio with a weather-adaptable roof system for year-round enjoyment. Inside, you'll find a bright, open floor plan with designer finishes, abundant natural light,
Nestled on a cul-de-sac in the highly desirable Victoria By the Bay community is this 4 bedroom / 2.5 bathroom 2-story home offering 2,123 square feet of living space consisting of a formal living/dining space, kitchen with center island equipped with quartz counters, GE Caf appliances and ample pantry cabinet space, cozy family room with fireplace, primary en-suite bedroom with walk-in closet,
Step into this beautifully updated, modern condo designed for comfort and easy living. The inviting living room features a cozy fireplace, creating the perfect focal point for relaxing evenings at home. Its open flow into the kitchen makes the space ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Thoughtfully designed for convenience, the washer and dryer are located just steps from the primary
Move-in ready and beautifully maintained, this spacious townhome offers comfort, convenience, and privacy. Tucked away on a quiet court in a low-HOA community, this home features an attached 2-car garage, an open and functional floor plan, and a private backyard with no rear neighbors. Bright, inviting living spaces are filled with natural light, creating the perfect place to relax or entertain.
Some homes are special because of what they are today. Others because of what they can become. 244 Pepperwood offers both. Set on an expansive lot, this inviting single-story home welcomes you with soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, interior paint completed in 2025, and a spacious floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living. The living and dining areas flow effortlessly, while the
Nestled on a low-traffic street in the desirable Foxboro Heights, 325 Newbury offers a blend of comfort and convenience. This spacious single-story 3-bedroom and 2-bathroom home features an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, wood-burning fireplace, newer roof (4 years old), fresh interior paint, new laminate flooring, and is sewer lateral compliant. Amenities to the low HOA fee ($60/month)
Pablo Tapay BautistaEngel & Voelkers San Francisco
OPEN SATURDAY 8/1 2-4p Welcome to this beautifully updated townhouse in Hercules – A Place We Call Home. Offering a rare private driveway and an inviting floor plan, this 3-BR, 2-BA TOWNHOUSE features a desirable Ground-floor Primary Suite, providing comfort and convenience for a variety of lifestyles. The REMODELED Kitchen is beautifully appointed with BRAND-NEW Shaker Cabinetry, Quartz
Welcome to The Grand at Bayfront and discover modern living with traditional charm in the East Bay—now under new management. Enjoy spacious studio, one, and two bedroom floor plans, unique amenities, abundant outdoor recreation, and convenient access to local shops and dining, all with a sparkling waterfront backdrop. Our pet-friendly community features an expansive sports lounge, clubhouse,
Experience waterfront living at The Exchange at Bayfront, an income restricted community, offering studio, 1, 2 & 3-bedroom apartments with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, in-unit washer/dryer, hardwood-style flooring, and smart locks with Latch. Relax and unwind with premium amenities, including a rooftop Sky Lounge with bay views, state-of-the-art fitness center, game room,
Explore coastal, yet contemporary design at its best within this community thoughtfully positioned in Hercules, California. It's a place you'll want to call home – outfitted with spacious interiors and plenty of natural light. Select apartment homes are styled with refreshing views of the Bay, while every resident enjoys walkable access to shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. Style
Property Id: 2227804 $1,600/mo - Excellent Location: Private Master Room Available in Hercules, CA. with walkin closet and private bathroom A comfortable, spacious bedroom is available for rent in a highly desirable Hercules location, perfect for commuters and those who value convenience. Financial Details: Monthly Rent: $1,600 Security Deposit: $1,600 Utilities:
This property is available. Please inquire on this site to schedule a showing. Discover modern elegance at this inviting rental unit, 213 Apollo-4, nestled within a charming complex in Hercules, CA. The main level welcomes you with an open-concept layout, featuring gleaming light-toned tile flooring that extends throughout the living and dining areas. A stylish fireplace adds warmth and
Coming soon - this home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. This home is professionally managed by Tricon, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.0 bathrooms, and approximately 1,045 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living, supported by a team that puts residents first. As a
Property Id: 2725911 Private, furnished 1 bedroom available in a 3 bed room wonderful quiet house! Great location-walking distance to several coffee shops, restaurants, AC Transit Bus stops, Bayfront bike & Walking Trail, and Bayfront Park - About a 15 minute drive to El Cerrito del Norte BART Station - Convenient to Fernandez Park and major freeways to San Francisco - Only 20 minute
Room for Rent: Available NowRoom for rent in a nice home in a quiet sub-division surrounded by nature. The room is fully furnished including bedding and comes with a private bathroom including a private linen closet, access to kitchen with designated cabinet space, and laundry, all utilities included. Free Wi-Fi. It's walking distance to transit, and nearby parks, tennis courts,
Property Id: 1367969 Your Next Great MOVE!! ....Move In: First Month + Deposits ...Month-to-Month Rent 3mo, 6mo or 1year and Renewable ....Great for Live-Work.At.Home, Single, Couples or Roommates ....Great Extended-Stay Hub for Business Travel, Extended Vacations, Travelling Professionals/Workers, Travelling RNs, etc. Close To "Everything Bay Area": San
$2,350 per month
1 Bed
1 Bath
688 Sq Ft
Move-in ready! This stunning one-bedroom condominium with a spacious loft is located in the highly desirable Glenwood community of Hercules. The home features a full kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and microwave. The bathroom offers a convenient shower/tub combination, and the in-unit laundry closet includes a washer and dryer for added convenience. The bedroom boasts a
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom ground-level condo in the desirable Village Park community of Hercules. Designed for comfortable, low-maintenance living, this home features durable hard-surface flooring throughout and an updated kitchen with modern appliances.The primary suite includes an attached private bathroom, while the second bedroom and full bath
Far north of San Francisco, near the shores of the San Pablo Bay, is the small Foxboro neighborhood. Situated in the golden hills of Contra Costa County, and the city of Hercules, this community was built in the 1980s and has been slowly growing ever since. Residents here enjoy quiet suburban living with easy access to parks, shopping centers and a main freeway that leads to Oakland and San Francisco. “The community was designed to achieve an ultimate lifestyle,” says Ciela Fuentes, a local realtor with Keenan Howard Realty. “Up by hills, there are parks, walking trails, a clubhouse, a swimming pool and tennis courts.” Another part of Foxboro's appeal is its affordability, as real estate prices are lower than other city neighborhoods and Bay Area locations. “If you want to live in Hercules without having to pay the price of Hercules proper, this is the sweet spot to go.”
A subdivision with two-story, traditional single-family homes anchors the neighborhood, which also includes a small section of townhomes and condos along the parkway. The neighborhood’s wide, softly winding streets are populated with vibrant greenery, from boxwoods and California bay laurels to clusters of tall columnar trees. The most common housing styles include split-level, bungalows, mid-century, and traditional homes. Two-bedroom condos and townhouses can go for around $400,000 to $550,000, while single-family homes typically range from $500,000 to $750,000.
Students can attend Rodeo Hills Elementary School, which gets a C-plus rating from Niche, followed by Carquinez Middle School, which gets a B-minus rating. The B-plus-rated John Swett High School offers a CTE Careers Academy program, which helps students gain knowledge and skills for future careers.
The neighborhood is cradled by Interstate 80 to the west and the John Muir Parkway to the south, providing convenient and accessible routes for getting around the city and into other Bay Area hubs. Buses are available at Willow Avenue and Viewpoint Boulevard. The Oakland International Airport is located around 27 miles south.
Foxboro Park is the neighborhood’s central park, featuring a playground, basketball courts, open green spaces, picnic tables and tennis courts. It’s connected to the Foxboro Community Center, where the neighborhood holds town meetings. A few miles out to the west is Crockett Hills Regional Park, a former ranchland that’s now home to various multi-use trails that guide along grassy fields, ravines and a shoreline. The park is also a popular spot for mountain biking along its rolling hills landscape, where cow sightings are common. A few miles south is the Refugio Valley Park. Studded with willow trees, there's a picturesque lake for strolls, picnics or feeding the ducks and geese that roam around the area. Just a few miles to the west is the San Francisco Bay Trail with access Pointe, a popular fishing pier.
The Willow Shopping Grand Avenue Center is located north of the neighborhood, with a mix of fast food, stores, service shops and local restaurants. Won Thai Cuisine is a family-owned Thai eatery offering traditional Thai food classics in a laid-back, unfussy space. Indian food is the star of Zaiga Restaurant, while authentic Central American Salvadorian food can be found at El Cuscatlan. Everest Grocery offers Indian grocery items, while the national grocery chain Safeway is less than two miles west on San Pablo Avenue. For more popular dining options, residents can head less than three miles west by the shores of Hercules to spots like The Powder Keg Pub. The restaurant serves seafood dishes, including oysters, fish and chips, clam chowder and crab sandwiches.
The nearby Refugio Valley Park is where residents come together for various community events, including a summer Movies in the Park Series with outdoor movie screenings and food trucks. The park is also home to the city’s annual Cultural Festival, held on the first Sunday of June. The festival features live music, local performers, food trucks and local vendors. A Holiday Tree Lighting event is held at the Hercules Community Swim Center, a few miles out in December. The event kicks off with Santa lighting the community tree and starting the celebration for the holiday season.
A densely built Bay Area community, Village Park is a dream for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. There are multiple parks nearby and a community pool, just beckoning residents to enjoy them. This swath of Hercules has a plethora of retail and dining amenities in the area as well, and easy highway access. “There’s great weather,” says local Realtor Viktor Manrique of Realty World Regency. “It’s great for commuters.”
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