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Alhambra Hills

Alhambra Hills

Suburban Neighborhood in Martinez, California

Contra Costa County 94523, 94553

$1,027,983 Average Value
$554 Average Price per Sq Ft
18 Homes For Sale
Discovering Alhambra Hills An inviting neighborhood panorama.
Discovering Alhambra Hills An inviting neighborhood panorama.

A hillside community with a great story

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.

Hillside homes with ridgeline views

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.
Scenic living Homes nestled in the rolling hills of Alhambra Hills.
Scenic living Homes nestled in the rolling hills of Alhambra Hills.
Classic charm Mid Century ranch-style home in Alhambra Hills.
Classic charm Mid Century ranch-style home in Alhambra Hills.
Timeless beauty Traditional craftsman house in Alhambra Hills.
Timeless beauty Traditional craftsman house in Alhambra Hills.
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Exploring nature Man hiking on Mt. Wanda in Alhambra Hills.
Exploring nature Man hiking on Mt. Wanda in Alhambra Hills.

Stepping into nature is easy

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.

Martinez has highly rated schools

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.
Inspiring young minds every day at John Swett Elementary School.
Inspiring young minds every day at John Swett Elementary School.
Martinez Junior High School, shaping bright minds for a bright future.
Martinez Junior High School, shaping bright minds for a bright future.
Nurturing potential, shaping futures at Alhambra High School.
Nurturing potential, shaping futures at Alhambra High School.
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Earth Day extravaganza

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.”
Go on a long hike through the hills of Mount Wanda in Alhambra Hills, CA.
Go on a long hike through the hills of Mount Wanda in Alhambra Hills, CA.

Navigating the hills

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.

Next stop, Muir Station

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.
Grab some essentials at the local CVS in Alhambra Hills, CA.
Grab some essentials at the local CVS in Alhambra Hills, CA.
Watch a movie at Contra Costa Stadium Cinema in Alhambra Hills, CA.
Watch a movie at Contra Costa Stadium Cinema in Alhambra Hills, CA.
Stop by Muir Station Shopping for a variety of dining and shopping options in Alhambra Hills, CA
Stop by Muir Station Shopping for a variety of dining and shopping options in Alhambra Hills, CA
Head to Nob Hills Foods for your grocery needs in Alhambra Hills, CA.
Head to Nob Hills Foods for your grocery needs in Alhambra Hills, CA.
Locals enjoy a slice or dinner at Vinnie's Brooklyn Pizzeria.
Locals enjoy a slice or dinner at Vinnie's Brooklyn Pizzeria.
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Hannah Rainey
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Jean Paul Toshiro
Photography Contributed By
Jean Paul Toshiro
Jacob McAllister
Video By
Jacob McAllister

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Glenn Macayan, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Metro Oakland International

41 min drive

Bus

Alhambra Ave And Wildcroft Dr

Bus

Alhambra Ave And Heritage Oaks Dr

Bus

Alhambra Ave And Rockridge Dr

Bus

Alhambra Ave And Forest Way

Bus

Alhambra Ave And Phylis Ter

Bus

Muir Road And Center Ave - Southbound

Bus

Alhambra Ave And Starbucks

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Alhambra Hills US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Alhambra Hills Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$949,000
Median Sale Price
$960,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,100,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$799,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$454,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
128
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$554

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,062
Number of Homes for Sale
18
Median Year Built
1974
Months of Supply
1.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,003
On par with the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,686
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,098
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
821
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jun 14
    12:30 - 2:30pm

    433 Ridgeview Dr, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

    $549,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,073 Sq Ft
    • 433 Ridgeview Dr
    • New 18 days ago

    Move right into this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath end-unit townhome in the highly sought-after Ridgeview Community, set among the wooded hills and established homes of Pleasant Hill. Enjoy light-filled rooms with brand-new plush carpeting, soaring vaulted ceilings, and a chic mid-century fireplace. The cheerful kitchen boasts abundant white cabinetry, sleek granite countertops, an

    Agent Photo
    Laura Wucher
    Christie's Intl Re Sereno
    (925) 528-4446
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  • Saturday, Jun 14
    12 - 5pm

    427 Dale Rd, Martinez, CA 94553

    $875,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,286 Sq Ft
    • 427 Dale Rd
    • New 22 days ago

    SUMMER IS CALLING! SINGLE STORY PERFECTION! 3 bed 2 bath Martinez gem with a versatile separate studio and gorgeous backyard oasis. Get ready to enjoy the lazy days of summer, in the recently refinished sparkling pool, or barbequing for family and friends in the fully equipped outdoor kitchen, including a large gas grill, or relaxing on t he spacious trellised patio! Got Toys? Second driveway for

    Agent Photo
    Laura Wucher
    Christie's Intl Re Sereno
    (925) 886-2647
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  • Saturday, Jun 14
    11:30am - 2pm

    150 Blue Canyon Way, Martinez, CA 94553

    $1,299,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,962 Sq Ft
    • 150 Blue Canyon Way
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to your dream home! This beautifully updated 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath residence is perfectly situated on a quiet court, offering both privacy & gorgeous views of lush green hills. Step inside to the soaring ceilings & a spacious layout with a Formal living & Dining area with a cozy fireplace, perfect for entertaining. Updated Kitchen boasts Quartz Counters, Stainless Steel Appliances & Recessed

    Brittany Marino Windermere Diablo Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Glenn Macayan, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,640
Median Age
48
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.6%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$141,967
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$167,107

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.7%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
49.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.7%
% Population in Labor Force
65.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
19''
Average Winter Low Temperature
35°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

16 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

10 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Alhambra Hills
Glenn Macayan
My Local Realty Services, Inc
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