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
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On average, homes in Vallejo, CA sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Vallejo, CA over the last 12 months is $520,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully remodeled Villa Del Mar home showcasing breathtaking bay and Mount Diablo views. The gorgeous new kitchen features a breakfast peninsula bar and a walk-in pantry closet. The spacious living and family rooms, each with their own fireplace, are filled with natural light from soaring vaulted ceilings and expansive windows. The luxurious primary suite offers a private balcony, walk-in
Stunning, fully renovated Vallejo gem! This meticulously updated home boasts modern upgrades and permitted improvements, ensuring quality and peace of mind. Featuring all-new electrical wiring and panels, re-plumbed systems, and a luxurious new master bathroom, this home is move-in ready. The spacious kitchen shines with brand-new appliances, complemented by gleaming new floors throughout. Fresh
Welcome to your tranquil retreat in Glen Cove a charming 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo nestled among mature trees and lush landscaping. This special location offers a peaceful, tree-top vibe just steps from nature & near Waterview walkways. Step inside to soaring vaulted ceilings & a spacious open concept living, dining, and kitchen area filled with natural light. The calming color palette & two newer
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
Beautifully remodeled Villa Del Mar home showcasing breathtaking bay and Mount Diablo views. The gorgeous new kitchen features a breakfast peninsula bar and a walk-in pantry closet. The spacious living and family rooms, each with their own fireplace, are filled with natural light from soaring vaulted ceilings and expansive windows. The luxurious primary suite offers a private balcony, walk-in
Welcome home to this 2 bedroom and 1 bath home located in East Vallejo Mobile Park with no age restrictions in a vibrant community. Spacious floor plan boasting with many upgrades. Interior features updated bathroom, laminate and tile flooring, a bright and sunny kitchen with an abundance of counter space and cabinets that flows through the living room. Home comes with 2 car parking space. Easy
Beautifully updated and perfectly located, this stylish condo sits right between Kaiser and Sutter hospitals, an ideal spot for medical professionals. The open-concept layout is filled with natural light, featuring modern finishes, sleek flooring, and a private balcony to unwind. Just minutes from Six Flags, restaurants, shopping, and major freeways, this home offers the ultimate mix of comfort
Recently renovated with updated kitchen and bathrooms. Close to everything including public transportation, schools, and shopping. Off Street parking available. Ready for immediate occupancy.
Exceptional single level home in Vallejo with 3 large bedrooms, and 2 Full Baths. Nice backyard with mature landscaping throughout grounds. Wood burning fireplace with an attached 2 car garage. Close to everything, a must see.
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.
