A quiet, yet conveniently located neighborhood minutes from the bay
Tara Hills, nestled into the suburban communities northwest of San Francisco near where San Pablo and San Francisco bays converge, offers an appealing place to settle down at an attractive price compared to the neighboring city that separates it from the bayfront. “The prices in Tara Hills are slightly lower than in Pinole, but you still get that Pinole feel,” says Roxanne Adams, a Realtor with eXp Realty who sold a home in the neighborhood in May 2023, “so a lot of people move there for that reason. It’s a nice little neighborhood that’s reasonably priced.” The attractive mix of midcentury homes populating quiet, truncated streets is broken up only by a pair of conveniently located schools – one public, one private. “You’re also close to all the shopping in Pinole,” adds Adams.
Find your forever home in Tara Hills, CA.
Tara Hills is located just minutes away from San Pablo Bay.
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Midcentury homes feature private driveways, attached garages and ample yard space
Ranch-style homes are prominent among the neighborhood’s established housing, which also includes midcentury-modern homes and their noticeable angular designs. The typical Tara Hills home includes a private driveway and attached garage, important features for a neighborhood that does not offer access to public transportation. “The houses are cute, mostly three-bedroom, 2-bath single-level homes with big yards,” says Adams. “A lot of families live there.” Given the prevalence of traditional ranch homes, the occasional multi-level home stands out. Prices typically range from the high 400,000s to the high 700,000s. Homeowners enjoy an additional benefit when it comes to purchasing a home in Tara Hills instead of Pinole or San Pablo, another other nearby city. “It’s unincorporated, so you don’t have to deal with the city for renovations or other work on your home.”
One of the many California Ranchers dotting the streets of Tara Hills.
A nicely manicured lawn and landscaping surround this charming California Rancher in Tara Hills.
One of the many styles of homes in the Tara Hills neighborhood is Craftsman.
Craftsman style homes in Tara Hills are predominant.
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Nieghborhood includes a public elementary and a specialized private school
Students can attend Tara Hills Elementary, a C-minus-rated school by Niche located in the neighborhood, nearby Pinole Middle, a C-rated school, and Pinole Valley High, a B-rated school that offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate program. The neighborhood also is home to the Spectrum Center School Tara Hills Campus, a state-certified private school that specializes in serving students with special needs.
An elevated view of Tara Hills Elementary School in San Pablo.
Tara Hills Elementary School is a public elementary school located in the San Pablo, California.
The Spectrum Center School, Tara Hills Campus, is a state-certified special needs school.
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Plenty of nearby retail and dining options are available
Tara Hills’ residential focus means that residents don’t have to deal with the traffic that normally accompanies large commercial areas, yet the community is surrounded by retail and dining options. Just outside the neighborhood, Safeway anchors the small Pinole Square shopping center, which also includes China Delights, a popular local restaurant. Target, T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods are featured stops among the many stores that are found at the nearby Pinole Vista Crossing shopping mall. The Original Mel’s Diner, known for creative treats such as cotton candy shakes, highlights the array of nearby eateries concentrated along the Interstate 80 corridor.
Tara Hills residents can shop at Pinole Square.
Pinole Square is home to many department stores including Target.
Tara Hills residents can find tasty Chinese food at China Delights.
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I-80 provides convenient commutes to nearby metropolitan areas
The neighborhood is partially bordered by I-80, which connects directly to the outskirts of Oakland about 10 miles away, and from there residents can easily access San Francisco about 5 miles across the bay. Bus stops and park-and-ride locations are located along I-80 in either direction, and the BART commuter rail station in Richmond is only 7 miles away. “So whether you want to drive or take public transportation, you have access to the major employment hubs in the Bay Area, and that’s another factor in what makes the area attractive,” says Adam Dobrinich, a Realtor with Exp Realty who lives in nearby Pinole. San Pablo Avenue and Richmond Parkway also border the neighborhood, allowing for convenient travel throughout the nearby cities and suburbs.
Tara Hill residents can commute easily on highway I-80.
Find your forever home in Tara Hills, CA.
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Bayfront recreation is a highlight of the many nearby options
Hilltop Lake Park adjacent to the neighborhood features walking trails around the lake, while larger recreation centers are found just north along the shores of San Pablo Bay. Point Pinole Regional Shoreline is a unique waterfront destination known for its walking trails and scenic views. A paved path popular with runners, bike riders and skaters winds its way alongside the iconic railroad tracks at Bayfront Park in neighboring Old Town Pinole. Visitors also can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Pinole Creek Trail. Fernandez Park, also in Old Town Pinole, features children’s playscapes and traditional athletic amenities that include ballfields and basketball courts. It also is home to community events such as movie nights and an annual holiday festival.
The waterfront in Point Pinole Regional Park is breathtaking.
An elevated look at the Hilltop Lake Park in Tara Hills, California.
The San Francisco Bay Trail will take you to the waters edge for scenic water views.
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Written By
Alexander Hubbard
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Hipsley
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
O'Lanre Owoborode,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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Discover this lovingly maintained gem in the heart of Tara Hills! Owned and cared for by the same family for many years, this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home shows true pride of ownership throughout. The charming Mid-Century Ranch design offers a warm, comfortable layout with great natural light and an easy flow. Enjoy beautifully designed low-maintenance landscaping, complete with hardscaping,
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Exceptional home seeks exceptional Tenants. Beautiful 4 bedroom home with A/C, refinished hardwood floors, updated kitchen, beautifully landscaped yard with maintenance paid for by Owner. Owner also pays for trash service. Wheel chair ramps front and back. No pets and No smoking and No bad credit.
Coming to Bella Vista at Hilltop is like coming home. Our newly-renovated apartments feature one and two-bedroom layouts, enjoy the panoramic view of the San Pablo Bay from your new penthouse. Our residents will enjoy extravagant interior features like hardwood cabinets, brushed nickel accents, inviting wood-burning fireplaces*, full-size washers/dryers in each home with convenient built-in
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