Martinez

Martinez may not really be the home of the Martini cocktail, but don't tell the locals that. They're so proud of this questionable fact that there's a plaque in its honor right in the heart of downtown. In the East Bay city of Martinez, folks are never far from water, open green space and the rest of the Bay Area. At the meeting of Suisun and San Pablo bays, Downtown Martinez offers dreamy, dramatic blue-green views from the shoreline parks around well-preserved, area-affordable historic homes. Though most of Martinez has contemporary tract housing and high-end estates, Downtown is stocked with Craftsman, Spanish Revival and wood-and-frame homes from the 1910s and ‘20s; many have been spruced up in recent years. More simplistic midcentury bungalows and ranch-style homes joined the neighborhood in the 1950s. Well-tended gardens border well-worn sidewalks, and mature trees shade most houses; at every turn, there are glimpses of the surrounding hills. Lots are smaller, just over a tenth acre; however, the neighborhood’s walkability makes all of downtown into one’s own backyard. Overall list prices range between $359,000 and $1.1 million. St. Catherine of Siena is the only school set in Downtown Martinez proper — private, Catholic and serving Pre-K through 8th grade. That said, students in Downtown Martinez generally attend Martinez Unified School District schools. They can take the first steps of their academic journey at John Muir Elementary, rated B-plus on Niche, before attending Martinez Junior High, also rated B-plus and graduating from Alhambra High, which has a spot on Niche’s list of standout high schools in America and an A-minus rating. Alhambra students can pursue their passions through one of the school’s academies, such as the Green Construction Academy and the Academy of Health Sciences. The Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline includes three miles of trails past marsh, creeks and ponds. The Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline rises here to steep coastal hills. From either park, tugboat toots, the cries of gulls, and sometimes the moos of grazing cows can be heard, paired with views of calm water and Mounts Diablo, St. Helena and Tam. At one end of Waterfront Park, kids enjoy playgrounds and playing fields. At the opposite end, local boaters can dock at the Martinez Marina. This waterfront green space is popular among animal lovers as well. Pups can play right by the shore at Martinez Dog Park, while horses graze and get their exercise at the Tri-Cities Equestrian Arena. Just east of Downtown Martinez, a 2.2-mile piece of the 400-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail crosses the Martinez-Benicia Bridge; both carry Highway 680, as well as pedestrians and bikers, across the Carquinez Strait, which connects Suisun and San Pablo bays. With such close proximity, Benicia resident Katie Hammel spends a lot of time in Downtown Martinez. "I love the farmers market here. It's year-round on Sunday mornings through the early afternoon, with pretty much the best of everything you can get in the Bay Area," Hammel says. "The fish vendor is my favorite, though. They're really popular for their Dungeness crab and poke, and they tend to sell out quickly, so if seafood's your thing, you'll want to get here early. Fortunately, parking Downtown is always easy. " Farmers market aside, Downtown Martinez residents head to nearby Safeways and a Nob Hill Foods for grocery shopping. Breweries, local coffee roasters, and smart-casual restaurants are strung along Escobar and Main streets. One of Hammel's favorite spots is "this adorable food hall called Market & Main, with an amazing oyster place, banh mi, and really good gelato. You could spend the better part of a day here." For Bay Area commuters, Martinez is a well-connected choice. Highway 680 links with the 80 and Highway 4; the Downtown Amtrak station serves Oakland and Emeryville; and a local bus links to the North Concord/Martinez BART station, where trains get locals to Union Square in an hour.

Mountain View, anchored by a variety of quaint established homes that provides a small-town feel, is a neighborhood nestled among the rolling hills of Contra Costa County near San Pablo Bay. It is part of the city of Martinez, about an hour’s commute from San Francisco. Residents enjoy not only waterfront access but an array of recreational options in and around the neighborhood. Shopping, medical facilities and major roadways are all close by as well. “One of the most attractive things about Mountain View is that you’re close to a lot of stuff,” says Adam Dobrinich, a Realtor with Exp Realty of California, Inc. who sells homes throughout the Bay Area. “There’s a shopping center, restaurants and a movie theater just outside the neighborhood, you’re only a mile or two from downtown, and adjacent to that is the Martinez Marina and the bay, which provides a nice setting and backdrop.” The neighborhood offers a wide variety of residential options. “Mountain View is a great neighborhood, and it starts with housing,” Dobrinich says. “There are condos and townhomes, and then you transition into older, relatively smaller options that are mostly ranch-style homes, and as you get further into the neighborhood, the homes get bigger. There’s also some new construction. It’s a nice little pocket of Martinez that offers something for everyone.” Cozy remodels featuring Craftsman-influenced and bungalow-style architecture stand out among the established housing. Many of these homes include custom landscaping that adds curb appeal and complements the mature trees that dot the residential streets. Contemporary custom homes can be found mingling with the established architecture as well as in self-contained subdivision settings. Prices typically range from the low $400,000s for small pre-war traditional homes to the high $800,000s for the largest midcentury designs. “One of the main reasons the neighborhood is attractive and draws so many residents from out of the area is that it is reasonably affordable,” Dobrinich says. Potential homebuyers should be aware that there is an oil refinery adjacent to the neighborhood. “That’s the biggest drawback,” says Jessica Evans of Compass Real Estate, who adds that, “it’s still a cute area.” Thousands of acres of preserved open space, much of it concentrated on the bayfront, are located close by. Destinations include the Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline and its 3 miles of nature trails. The adjacent park features ballfields, soccer fields, an equestrian center, a dog park and a marina. The trails lead to the adjacent Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, which features an observation tower. On the other side of the neighborhood, residents have access to trails and an observation tower at the 198-acre Waterbird Regional Preserve. Neighborhood recreational options include the popular Mountain View Park, where residents can enjoy a variety of traditional athletic spaces and picnic areas, and Cappy Ricks Park, a tree-filled residential green space with athletic amenities. At Hidden Lakes Park south of the neighborhood, residents can enjoy a leisurely stroll among the natural landscape. Molly’s Gourmet Market & Deli is a neighborhood staple that has everything from cheesecake to cheesesteak. Vic's nearby on Pacheco Boulevard is a highly rated American restaurant. South of the neighborhood along State Route 4, a concentration of retail stores features Walmart, Nob Hill Foods and Trader Joe’s. Contra Costa Stadium Cinemas and a medical center that includes a VA hospital are part of the surrounding area, and residents also enjoy proximity to Downtown Martinez. “One of the amazing things about the area -- which people who live in Mountain View will tell you – is that Downtown Martinez is a hidden gem of the East Bay,” Dobrinich says. “It has really transformed in recent years. There are a lot of restaurants and breweries in charming, old-school brick buildings, and it has really gotten a reputation for its live music scene. There’s just a great vibe and energy to it.” Bay Area commuters are well-connected in Mountain View. “The neighborhood is ideally situated,” Dobrinich says. “You’re very close to State Road 4, so you’ve got access to get to the BART station in Concord, and on the other side you can get to Interstate 80, which takes you into the communities of Hercules and Pinole and eventually into San Francisco.” The neighborhood is about a mile north of SR 4 and about a mile west of Interstate 680, which connects to I-80. Several bus stops are available in the neighborhood, most notably along Pacheco Boulevard, and the Concord BART Station is less than 3 miles away. Younger students can attend John Muir Elementary and Martinez Junior High, both B-plus-rated schools by Niche. Older students can attend Alhambra High, an A-minus-rated school that features a Career Pathways program. A weekly farmers’ market held each Sunday is the featured attraction among events held year-round in downtown Martinez. Open air markets are held on the second Sunday of the month from May through November. Halloween, Hannukah and Christmas celebrations are among the annual holiday events held downtown.

The neighborhood of Vine Hill gets its name from a time when its hills were flowing fields of grapes, dotted with locally owned wineries. But when the vintners moved north toward Napa Valley – the current wine mecca – they were replaced with accessible housing, outdoor recreation, and award-winning schools. Vine Hill offers value with its sense of community and proximity to the downtown areas of Oakland and San Francisco. “Vine Hill is a way into the Bay Area,” says Joe Reichert, a broker associate with Keller Williams Realty, “The neighborhood has good schools and a good sense of community.” Homes in Vine Hill are single-family, with prices ranging from $500,000 to $700,000. Flat-top ranchers from the 1950s sit next to wide streets, while contemporary, bi-level houses can be found in planned communities. Custom landscaping is common, with the shrubbery often reminiscent of a time when Vine Hill was nothing but flowing fields of grapes. Large palm trees and Italian Cypresses shade the many cul-de-sacs and courts featured prominently throughout the neighborhood. Street parking is available, but most homes come with two-car garages. The Martinez-Unified School District and Mount Diablo Unified School District represent Vine Hill. Younger students can attend Las Juntas Elementary and Martinez Junior High School, with both receiving a B minus rating or higher on Niche. Upperclassmen can attend Alhambra Senior High School, which received an A-minus rating on Niche and offers four career educational pathways in engineering, computer science, digital media arts, and medical sciences. Vine Hill is a center for oil refineries and industrial plants because of its easy connection to deep water shipping channels in the bay. Marathon Oil and PBF Energy operate major oil refineries along the neighborhood's northern border while water treatment plants and landfills are located to the East and West. The Martinez Refinery has been the subject of environmental concerns due to its growing number of spills and hazardous materials released recently. County officials have met with plant supervisors to outline paths for sustainability moving forward. Although industrial areas surround the neighborhood, there is still an abundance of preserved and protected green space. At Waterfront Park, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and boccie ball courts can all be enjoyed with the incredible views of the surrounding mountains and bays. The Shoreline Park has nearly three miles of trails winding through the area's marshes and shores. Fishermen and Boaters head to the Martinez Marina to drop a line on the fishing pier or launch their boat into the Carquinez Strait. The Waterbird Regional Preserve provides a protected habitat to various birdlife and offers good opportunities for birdwatchers to spot different species of waterbirds, eagles, and raptors. Pacheco Boulevard is the main commercial corridor for the neighborhood and features an array of businesses and shops. Located along State Route 4, Walmart and Lucky are the main area grocers. Wine enthusiasts can head to Viano Winery & Vineyards, which has operated since 1888 and continues to pay homage to the area's rich historical roots with guided tours and tastings. Some of the vineyard's original vines remain intact to this day. For lunch, locals head to La Primavera Lunch Truck which serves up authentic Mexican food and hand-made corn tortillas. On Sundays, residents head to the Martinez Farmer’s Market to shop for artisanal goods, seasonal fruits and vegetables, specialty cheeses, and even dog treats. The Market runs year-round and is a California Certified Farmers’ Market. Bay Area commuters are conveniently positioned in Vine Hill, as Interstate 680 and State Route 4 offer easy access to the greater East Bay area and the bustling downtowns of Oakland and San Francisco. Multiple bus stops line Pacheco Boulevard and the North Concord/Martinez BART station is only 5 miles away, making San Francisco accessible by train as well. The Oakland International Airport is 30 miles away and is a hub for Southwest Airlines.

Immortalized in the works of famous author and naturalist John Muir, Alhambra Hills is one of the most scenic communities in Martinez, resting at the base of Mt. Wanda. “It’s a diamond in the rough right here in south Martinez. You might not have the biggest backyard, but at least you can go walk in open space,” says Jamie Fox, who led a group that fought for the preservation of the Alhambra Hills Open Space. In some ways, not much has changed since Muir explored the hilly terrain in the late 1800s, with much of the land remaining untouched and wild. But the area has also grown exponentially since then, evolving into a coveted East Bay community with highly ranked schools, million-dollar homes and local shops. Now, locals and visitors alike can learn about the area’s history at the John Muir National Historic Site, where the writer’s grandiose Victorian mansion remains preserved amid the estate’s brushy flora. Local murals decorate the trails below the freeway, honoring the famous naturalist. “It’s just beautiful. I think we’ve embraced these murals, but it’s not just the Muir aspect, it inspires you to think about all the animals and wildlife, too,” Fox says. Named for Muir’s eldest daughter, Mt. Wanda is a sprawling, meadowy mountain studded with oak trees. The main trail begins just south of the John Muir National Historic Site, winding through more than 300 acres to reach the scenic summit. “You feel like you’re in the middle of a national park sometimes,” says Fox, who hikes these trails often. Nearby, additional trailheads lead into Briones Regional Park, a 6,200-acre wilderness park known for an elusive spiral rock maze known as the Martinez Rock Labyrinth. Closer to home, residents can spend sunny days on the tennis and pickleball courts at Nancy Boyd Park or by the fishing reserve at Hidden Lakes Park, which is also home to a small playground and community baseball and soccer fields. Natural trails snake north into Hidden Valley Park, which has a colorful playscape and dozens of picnic tables. And for duffers, Contra Costa Country Club is just a few miles away. Resting against the rising terrain of Mt. Wanda and the Alhambra Valley, homes on the western edge of Alhambra Hills sit on winding, pastoral roads with views of the ridgeline. Midcentury ranch-style homes stand out beside traditional Craftsman estates, and properties tend to list between $900,000 and $2 million. Farther east, spacious townhouses and condos provide options between $600,000 and $800,000, while the single-family selection remains in the $1 million range. Buyers should note that most of Martinez is at risk for wildfires, and insurance rates often reflect that hazard. As part of the Martinez Unified School District, students in Alhambra Hills can attend top rated local institutions such as John Swett Elementary, whose namesake is known as the father of public education in California and the founder of the California Teachers Association. Many students will move on to Martinez Junior High, which scores a B-plus on Niche, before joining their peers at Alhambra Senior High. Scoring an A-minus on Niche, this well-known high school features a 350-seat performing arts center where community members can catch biannual shows and musicals presented by the drama department. Muir Station is a one-stop shop for pharmacy items from CVS, groceries from Nob Hill Foods and pies from local favorite Round Table Pizza. Contra Costa Stadium Cinemas sits right across the street, and big box stores such as Walmart and The Home Depot are just minutes away off John Muir Parkway. Shoppers will find additional options to the south in Virginia Hills Shopping Center, including a Safeway and The UPS Store. Downtown Martinez offers a lively calendar of events, including the Hometown Fourth of July Parade, the Bay Area Craft Beer Festival and a Halloween Spooktacular. And every Sunday, a crowd gathers on Main Street to peruse fresh produce at the Martinez Farmers’ Market. But in spring, the John Muir National Historic Site comes to life during the annual Earth Day celebration. “We always do it on John Muir’s birthday. We get like 3,000 people coming from all over the world, we have environmental groups set up booths, there’s music and food, and it’s a great way to learn about how to volunteer,” Fox says. “It’s also just the best time to be in Martinez, too, April is always a really magical month.” Alhambra Hills residents will find quick routes to nearby Bay Area cities via the John Muir Parkway, also known as state Route 4. This scenic corridor snakes toward the San Pablo Bay and connects with major roads such as Interstate 80, which leads south into Oakland and across the bridge to San Francisco. County Connection, Central Contra Costa County’s premier public transportation line, provides a few stops along Alhambra Avenue, but most residents rely on cars to get around.