Vallejo overlooks the northwest part of San Pablo Bay, about 30 miles from the heart of San Francisco. Here, homeowners enjoy rare affordability in the Bay Area, families have fun at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and sailors participate in the annual Great Vallejo Boat Race. The city may be known for notorious reasons, like the 1969 Zodiac Killer murders, going bankrupt in 2008 or manufacturing ballistic missiles during World War II. But Vallejo’s history reflects a strong work ethic and its future points toward promising new developments. The Mare Island Shipyard brought tens of thousands of workers to Vallejo, peaking at about 50,000 in 1945 to repair ships and submarines. When the Navy shut down operations in 1996, the city struggled to find its footing, coming out of bankruptcy in 2011. “We have homeless problems, school problems and policing problems,” says Noble Griswold, Broker at Realty World and Vallejo resident of the past 40 years.
Still, “What’s really good about Vallejo is the diversity,” says Albert Acosta, assistant coach at Jesse Bethel High School and Vallejo resident since 1978. The 2020 census reflects an even mix of Hispanic, Asian, White and Black/African American populations. Residents may commute to work around the Bay Area or find work at Petrochem Insulation, a construction company and one of the city’s largest employers. Locals are united in their appreciation of the San Francisco Bay Ferry, which connects Vallejo directly to downtown San Francisco, bypassing Interstate traffic. Going forward, there is talk of completing a wine train to Napa; the tracks are already laid. And the Mare Island Site Specific Plan lays out phases of development for the coastal Vallejo community across the Napa River. Pending approval, more mixed-used buildings, single-family homes and jobs will come to the island over the next two decades.
Six Flags Amusement Park provides endless entertainment for residents in Vallejo.
Enjoy the many festivals and attractions on the Vallejo waterfront as well as the ferry.
Enjoy beautiful murals around Vallejo that celebrate a great city.
Alden Park in Vallejo on Mare Island features a Naval missile.
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A day at Six Flags and a night at the theater
Locals and tourists flock to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom for its roller coasters and zoo with land and aquatic animals. The Empress Theatre built downtown in 1911 puts on various live performances. History buffs can check out the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum next door. For more than 30 years, the Philippine Cultural Committee of Vallejo has organized the annual Pista Sa Nayon Festival; this event commemorating Philippines Independence Day draws thousands each year to celebrate Filipino cuisine, history and arts. The Saturday Vallejo Farmers’ Market attracts crowds – rain or shine – to downtown for fresh produce and locally made goods.
Some of the Bay Area’s most affordable homes
Vallejo is a rare Bay Area locale where buyers can find homes under $500,000. This is $50,000 under the average national home value and about $115,000 under the Vallejo-Fairfield metro area average. “You can buy a house for half a million that’s half decent; that’s the real benefit as to why people live here,” Griswold says. Neighborhoods such as the St. Vincent’s Historic District have examples of early 20th century Queen Anne and Italianate homes. Vallejo has a bounty of homes built between the 1930s and the 1980s in need of renovations. Prices rise in neighborhoods like Hiddenbrooke, Glen Cove and Northgate because of their luxury gated subdivisions. Interest in Vallejo will likely continue to grow as San Francisco commuters are priced out of other parts of the Bay Area. Potential homeowners looking in Vallejo might also consider Benicia, the neighboring city; however, “Water is cheaper in Vallejo than in Benicia,” Griswold says. “In a drought, there may be a state mandate, but Vallejo won’t restrict water usage – even for watering your lawn.”
Homes in Vallejo are filled with personality and surrounded by nature.
Adobe style homes sit on the Vallejo hillsides with art deco architectural details.
Hiddenbrooke homes in Vallejo look out on the natural beauty of the manicured golf greens.
A row of modern Italianate influenced homes create a quaint feeling in Vallejo.
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Freeways and ferry rides to San Francisco
Vallejo’s most beloved public transit option is the ferry to San Francisco. Commuters gather at the Vallejo ferry terminal in the morning and ride for an hour to downtown. While the San Francisco Ferry does not transport cars, it is convenient for baseball fans to catch the Giants playing at Oracle Park.
Interstates 80 and 780 run through Vallejo. Driving south, Oakland International Airport is 36 miles away, and San Francisco International Airport is 43 miles away. When driving to the airport, travelers should budget extra time for traffic near the tolls on I-80. Even though the drive-through tolls provide invoiced fees, the bottlenecked highway results in ten lanes of standstill traffic at rush hour. Solano County Transit has limited bus routes, but newly-acquired state funds will go towards renovating the Sereno Transit Center in Vallejo to add shade and seating.
The Great Vallejo Boat Race and other city-wide recreation
Vallejo offers waterfront recreation, community parks and nature preserves within city limits. Sailors can join hundreds of boats in the annual Great Vallejo Boat Race, hosted by the Vallejo Yacht Club and dock at the Glen Cove Marina. Glen Cove’s public pickleball courts attract enthusiastic, intergenerational players. The Bay Area Ridge Trail stretches along the Carquinez Strait, connecting Glen Cove Waterfront Park to the neighboring city of Benicia. Peacocks roam Blue Rock Springs Park, directly across from Blue Rock Springs Golf Course. The Greater Vallejo Recreation District offers sports leagues and classes for swimming, martial arts and more.
Vallejo weather is generally stable and pleasant; however, summers see triple digits and late fall brings rain. Waterfront neighborhoods like Glen Cove and Mare Island benefit from coastal breezes. Like the rest of the Bay Area, Vallejo is at risk of earthquakes and poor air quality days, but locals are not affected by this on a daily basis. Medical care and emergency services are concentrated between Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center and Sutter Solano Medical Center, located next to each other in the north-central part of the city.
The Vallejo Yacht Club is a great place to race sailboats in Vallejo.
Blue Rock Springs Park offers a great playground for families to enjoy in Vallejo.
Being right on the shoreline, Glen Cove offers residents plenty of boat storage in Vallejo.
Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center is conveniently located in Vallejo.
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Chain restaurants and big box stores at Gateway Plaza
In the northwest part of Vallejo, Gateway Plaza has the city’s largest collection of chain restaurants, stores and car dealerships. Vallejo’s dining scene is casual and diverse; options include Mexican, Vietnamese, Filipino, soul food and more. Meanwhile, fine dining and wine tastings abound in Napa, less than 15 miles north of Vallejo. Downtown Vallejo businesses include cafés and boutiques which tend to close early, so those looking for bustling nightlife may need to venture outside the city.
Gateway Plaza is the largest shopping mall in Vallejo.
Vallejo offers several car dealerships to choose from.
Vallejo has plenty of local shops and restaurants to eat at.
Pho Vallejo is a local hot spot for Vallejo neighbors.
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Improved attendance at Vallejo public schools
Vallejo City Unified School District is rated C-minus on Niche. “Public schools are below average; that’s the reality of it,” Griswold says. St. Patrick-St. Vincent Catholic High School offers an A-rated private option. One of the most significant challenges for the public school district has been high rates of chronic absenteeism, which was nearly 60% during the 2021-2022 school year. In 2023, the district announced its goal of reaching 95% attendance within three years. As of November 2024, the absentee rate has dropped to 27.5%.
Dan Mini Elementary School is colorful and inviting Vallejo public school.
Saint Vincent Ferrer School offers a historic campus in the heart of Vallejo.
Hogan Middle School is proud of it's mascot on display for all of Vallejo to see.
Vallejo students can choose to attend the private St Patrick-St Vincent High School.
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The troubled Vallejo Police Department
Vallejo has consistently higher property crime rates than state and national levels. “There are misdemeanors in Vallejo,” Griswold says. “Shoplifting is bad, auto break-ins for catalytic converters and opportunist crime. Glen Cove and Mare Island are the safest neighborhoods; Northgate is close.” According to the Vallejo Police Department, the most reported crime is larceny, with over 3,000 offenses reported in 2023 and 2024.
The Vallejo police department has had problems with its reputation over the years: “Police don’t respond unless it’s major, and it’s gotten worse since 2006.” Griswold says. “There have been at least five high profile police shootings in Vallejo. Multimillion-dollar settlements have had an effect on the budget; we have the budget for twice as many police but can’t get people to come work here. The problem is morale, not funding. We have a hard time recruiting even though we can pay for them.”
Written By
Laura Copan
Photography Contributed By
Luke George
Video By
Kevin Carter
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Viktor Manrique,
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On average, homes in Vallejo, CA sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Vallejo, CA over the last 12 months is $515,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this charming home in the desirable Hiddenbrooke Golf Community, nestled within the gated The Village neighborhood for added privacy & security. With its timeless, storybook-inspired curb appeal reminiscent of a Thomas Kinkade setting, this property offers both character and comfort. Inside, you’ll find thoughtful upgrades throughout & high ceilings. Spacious Great Room with Cozy Gas
Ready to take the next step? Get a chance to live in Vallejo, CA, one of the most desirable areas. Nice, Clean & Convenient, this is a beautiful model-like home, well maintained in a beautiful community and close to the freeway Experience modern living from the moment you step inside your front door. This property features SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH.with Living, Large Family Room, Dining in
Wonderful Hiddenbrooke home featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths, complete with a private elevator for added convenience. The spacious primary suite and a first-floor office or optional fourth bedroom are conveniently located on the main level. Upstairs offers two additional bedrooms and a versatile loft. Freshly painted interior throughout and brand-new stainless steel appliances make this home
Discover easy, coastal-inspired living at 535 Lighthouse! This light-filled, beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath upstairs end unit sits in the sought-after gated Lighthouse community. The home features an airy, open layout, abundant windows, in-unit laundry, and recently updated balcony and siding. A private one-car garage plus an additional covered carport add everyday convenience.
Welcome to 1014 Sandhurst in Vallejo a beautifully updated two-story residence offering comfort, style, and exceptional privacy. Set on a generous quarter‑acre lot with no rear neighbors, this home provides approximately 2,489 sq. ft. of well-designed living space and serene open‑space views. A charming front porch and double-door entry open to a formal foyer showcasing the sweeping
Welcome home to 155 White Pine Drive an exceptionally updated townhome that checks all the boxes! This bright and stylish two-bedroom, two bath home offers a one-car attached garage with interior access, available outdoor parking and a fresh, modern vibe throughout. Fall in love with the brand-new flooring, gorgeous new kitchen, and beautifully updated bathrooms, all complemented by fresh
Come and see this cute fully remodeled 1 bedroom and 1 bath mobile home located in East Vallejo Mobile Home Park with no age restrictions in a vibrant community. Spacious kitchen and living room space. New kitchen with sleek cabinetry, over the hood range and counter top. Bathroom installed with updated tub and a new sink vanity. New floorings and updated light fixtures throughout. Freshly
Welcome to this charming home in the desirable Hiddenbrooke Golf Community, nestled within the gated The Village neighborhood for added privacy & security. With its timeless, storybook-inspired curb appeal reminiscent of a Thomas Kinkade setting, this property offers both character and comfort. Inside, you’ll find thoughtful upgrades throughout & high ceilings. Spacious Great Room with Cozy Gas
Welcome to 7280 Willow Creek, a beautifully appointed home located in The Orchards at Hiddenbrooke, where comfort, efficiency, and breathtaking surroundings come together. Backing to open space with no rear neighbors, this property offers serene views of the rolling hills and a walnut orchard, along with ample access to nearby trails, parks, and the Hiddenbrooke golf course. This spacious
Exceptional View of Mare Island from this 2 bedroom 1 bath home in the Vallejo Heights Subdivision. Vintage amenities offer the original craftsman's design with plenty of upgrades. Original hardwood floors throughout property with the opportunity to expand a basement area. Must see to appreciate.
Lovely living in cherished Crystal Pointe Neighborhood! Enjoy this two story home filled with lots of natural light from large windows and skylights. Large living room with vaulted ceilings and dining room with recessed lighting have access to backyard patio for enjoyment. Huge upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances and extra storage and space for endless potential. New roof installed
Exceptional single family home on a quarter of an acre with room to build an ADU. Newer flooring with central heat and air. Oversize eat-in kitchen with newer appliances. This home is a must see.
Located on a corner lot in the Vista De Vallejo subdivision, this tri-level home is ideal for formal living. Full bedroom downstairs with 1/2 bath and three bedrooms upstairs with two baths. Over 2,000 square feet of living space with treasured amenities throughout home. A Must See.
Welcome home to this charming two-bedroom cottage nestled in one of Vallejo's most connected neighborhoods! This cozy 802 square foot residence offers the perfect blend of affordable living and urban convenience that savvy buyers dream about. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed single-family home that maximizes every inch of space. The one bathroom layout keeps things simple and
wow! Investors Income Opportunity, Just FInished Unique Style Front House has Rounded windows in Front Bedroom and Entry door. with New Paint, Refinishe Hardwood Floors, Lighting, Living Room Includes Barrel Rolled Ceiling with Recessed Lighting and Fireplace. Fornal Dininng Room. Kitchen Features Quartz Counters, Gas Stove, Microwave, Dishwasher, Recessed Ceiling Lights, Breakfast Area and Door
Recently renovated with updated kitchen and bathrooms. Close to everything including public transportation, schools, and shopping. Off Street parking available. Ready for immediate occupancy.
Recently renovated downstairs apartment with newer appliances, flooring and plumbing fixtures. Laundry facilities on site in common area. Off Street parking inside fully fenced apartment complex. This is a must see. Ready for immediate occupancy.
Recently renovated, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment near Saint Patrick's high school is ready for the next tenant. New interior painting and new flooring throughout unit. Call for special move-in incentive.
Fountain Plaza Hills Apartments, just a short drive from the hub of activity of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Walnut Creek/ Concord metropolitan business centers. A host of amenities await your casual Californian lifestyle such as a recreation center and a swimming pool center. Experience the ease of deluxe apartment living amid beautifully landscaped grounds. You'll have the time to pursue
Welcome to this nicely updated apartment located in the desirable gated Waterstone community in Vallejo. This bright and comfortable home offers a great combination of convenience, privacy, and community amenities. The unit features a spacious layout with a large private balcony, perfect for relaxing or enjoying fresh air. Residents enjoy the security and peace of mind of a gated community with
Nestled amongst lush trees, beautiful landscapes, and fresh ocean air, Harbor Park Apartment Homes in Vallejo, California combines the suburban neighborhood with the convenient accessibility of an urban city. Our community offers spacious two- or three-bedroom apartments and three bedroom townhomes, designed with fully appointed kitchens, hardwood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. When living
Updated Condo in Gated Community with Pool. Located in the desirable Waterstone gated community with swimming pool and spa. This bright and well maintained home features a large private balcony overlooking the pool, covered parking, and all kitchen appliances included. Community laundry is conveniently located on site. Excellent location with easy access to freeways, public transportation, and
From every point of view, your future home at Bay Village was built to solidify a seamless experience within the picturesque setting of Vallejo, California. Although the stunning, panoramic views of the Bay are certainly worth a postcard to friends and family, the quaint features within the one- and two-bedroom apartment homes are also important to note. Residents of Bay Village can easily
Welcome home to this inviting 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom rental offering approximately 1,500 sq. ft. of living space in a peaceful hillside community in Vallejo. This home features a comfortable and functional layout with plenty of natural light and spacious living areas designed for everyday living. One of the standout features of this property is the beautiful private patio with gorgeous views of
Overlooking the Carquinez Strait, Seabridge at Glen Cove Apartments invite you to make yourself at home in one of our spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Select apartment homes feature granite slab kitchen countertops, shaker-style wood kitchen cabinets, walk-in closets, wood burning fireplaces, and more. Living at Seabridge at Glen Cove you are sure to take advantage of our great
Well maintained 3 bedroom, 1 bath single family home in the Beverly Hills area of Vallejo. Close to freeways & transportation. Kitchen includes refrigerator, gas stove, dishwasher, and washer & dryer in laundry area. Dual pane vinyl windows, and extensive storage area under the house.
The Meritage Apartments are located in Vallejo, California, on the eastern side of San Francisco Bay and just 7 minutes from Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Our Community amenities include a fitness center, pool and hot tub, covered parking, package lockers and more.We offer one and two bedroom apartment homes that feature in-unit washer & dryer, central heating & air, private patio or
Hugging the eastern shore of the Napa River 35 miles north of San Francisco and 60 miles south of Sacramento, the North Vallejo neighborhood is bordered by Highway 29 on the west and Interstate 10 on the east. That convenient highway access makes it an attractive neighborhood for those who commute to jobs throughout northern California. “We see a lot of people who live in the neighborhood and drive to other cities for work because North Vallejo is less expensive and has highways nearby,” says Realtor Tom Smyth, who has been representing transactions in the area for more than three decades. But the neighborhood offers residents more than just proximity to work, with multiple neighborhood parks and the North Vallejo Community Center within the neighborhood’s boundaries and abundant shopping opportunities just a few minutes’ drive away. Multiple SolTrans bus stops centrally located along Whitney Avenue and Mini Drive make it easier for those without their own transportation to get around town, and the Sutter Solano Medical Center is less than 2 miles south for any unexpected medical needs.
For the most part, North Vallejo is characterized by ranch-style single-family homes set back from sidewalk-lined streets. However, there is one condominium complex in the neighborhood, and there are many multi-floor homes available in the neighborhood. The median price of real estate in North Vallejo is $530,000, and buyers should expect to pay an average of $364 per square foot. Those numbers are less than half what buyers can expect to pay in San Francisco. A cozy two-bedroom/two-bathroom condominium can sell for $265,000, and prices can go up to $685,000 for a spacious four-bedroom/three-bathroom Mediterranean-style home.
North Vallejo is districted to the Vallejo City Unified School District, which earns an overall rating of C-minus from Niche. Students in the neighborhood can attend Dan Mini Elementary, Solano Widenmann Leadership Academy and Vallejo High School. All three schools earn a C-minus rating from Niche. Students at Vallejo High School can join any of eight different school-sponsored clubs, and they have the opportunity to play any of 24 varsity-level sports. Alternatively, parents can avail themselves of multiple private schools in the area, including Salesian College Preparatory School, which receives an A-plus rating from Niche.
When it comes to recreational opportunities in the neighborhood, residents of North Vallejo have plenty of options. “The neighborhood has a great park, and the North Vallejo Community Center is right there, too,” says Smyth. Setterquist Park offers visitors access to a playground, baseball diamonds, two basketball courts and four tennis courts. The North Vallejo Community Center provides meeting and banquet rooms and is attached to a community park with two playgrounds, a basketball court and multiple sports fields. Anglers can test their luck at the nearby Lake Chabot in Dan Foley Park, offering fishing from either the pier or a boat. The neighborhood is also less than 2 miles from Six Flags for those times when only an amusement park will satisfy the need for excitement. And oenophiles will enjoy being just 15 miles from Napa in the heart of California’s estimated $80 billion wine industry.
When it’s time to stock up on groceries, residents make their way to Vargas Market just across Highway 29. Alternatively, they can make the 2-mile trip to Walmart Neighborhood Market, where they can also pick up any home necessities. More intensive retail therapy requires a trip to Gateway Plaza, approximately 3 miles east of North Vallejo. There, shoppers will find retailers including Best Buy, Kohl’s and Target, as well as a Costco warehouse location. When it comes to dining out, Pho Huong Viet is a local favorite for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant is the neighborhood destination for those who want to take their tastebuds south of the border.
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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.
