Downtown Walnut Creek is the bustling heart of the city. Mostly made up of businesses and condos, the area has a lively energy but not the type that lasts until the wee hours of the morning. “They roll up the streets by 10:30,” says Ben Olsen, a Realtor with Brightwork Realty Advocates. The area lends itself to those who are looking for a new home in a self-contained city. “It tends to be young urban professionals and people moving out of big houses and slipping back into city life,” says Olsen.
The bustling Broadway Plaza in the heart of Downtown Walnut Creek is a popular shopping mall.
At night, Downtown Walnut Creek shines with charm and lively ambiance.
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Downtown Walnut Creek is known for its extensive, yet walkable, shopping district
Downtown Walnut Creek has a reserved nightlife scene, and no shortage of businesses. “There are performing arts, restaurants, shopping and coffee all within the suburban overlay of not being too crazy. But there are some bars and clubs,” says Olsen. The neighborhood is very walkable, with the bulk of shops and restaurants just a few blocks from most condos and houses. Early mornings see lines form inside Panama Bay Coffee Co. and Tellus Coffee. For lunch and dinner, Main Street Kitchen & Bar is an upscale bistro with an upstairs that provides views of the downtown area, and Il Fornaio Walnut Creek is an upscale Italian dining spot. Wine and sports bars are mostly found on Civic Drive, between North Main and Locust Streets. Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen offers whiskey rails in a laid-back setting, and Residual Sugar Wine Bar is a quiet spot with ambient lighting and snacks to pair with bottles of wine. For groceries, downtown offers Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Broadway Plaza offers a multitude of national retailers like Macy’s, Aritzia and Free People. The neighborhood is also home to a Cinemark Century Movie Theater.
Downtown Walnut Creek's Broadway Plaza is full of outdoor shops.
Downtown Walnut Creek's Broadway Plaza features a two story Nordstrom.
Water fountain at Broadway Plaza in Downtown Walnut Creek.
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Downtown Walnut Creek offers custom homes on large lots
Condos with sleek and contemporary architecture dominate housing in Downtown Walnut Creek and are close to the businesses and bustle of the commercial area between Trinity Avenue, South Broadway and Interstate 680. “There are fewer older and or tighter single-family homes, but it’s mostly a vertical neighborhood,” says Olsen. One to two-bedroom condos sell for $600,000 to $1.1 million. Units at the top of the price range tend to be on higher floors with balconies. Single-family homes with two to three bedrooms sell for $1 million to $1.7 million. Bungalow and craftsman-style homes are common and are mostly on streets lined with oak and walnut trees. Homebuyers should know that Downtown Walnut Creek scores a 9 out of 10 for motor vehicle theft and larceny, along with an 8 out of 10 for burglary on the CAP Crime Index. All these scores are higher than the national average of 4 for each category.
Downtown Walnut Creek also offers housing options beyond the single-family home.
Discover quaint bungalows offering a serene retreat in Downtown Walnut Creek.
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Civic Park spans 16 acres and offers plenty of recreation
Mature redwoods and sycamores fill the grounds of Civic Park, located on the neighborhood’s east side. It has a community center and gardens accessible with walking paths, along with an ice rating rink. The park also hosts holiday events. One mile south of Civic Park, tucked between an apartment complex and a condo building, sits Alma Park. The small grassy grounds offer a space for picnicking, walking or exploring. Fossil Hill Trail is about 2 miles east and is an entry point to the foothills of Mount Diablo. A network of different trails winds through the foothills and leads to the peak of Mount Diablo, about 20 miles away from Downtown Walnut Creek.
Civic Park provides a slice of nature for nearby residence.
Before the movie begins, families and children enjoy volleyball and other activities.
Civic Center Park has multiple playground facilities.
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Civic Park hosts popular annual events like the Walnut Creek Oktoberfest
Downtown Walnut Creek is a hub for a variety of events throughout the year. Oktoberfest, held in Civic Park, is the city’s biggest event. The park welcomes a flood of visitors at the end of September, and booths and food trucks spring up for the weekend. The annual Broadway Summer Concert series rocks the Broadway Plaza every August.
Before the movie at Walnut Creek's Civic Park, a DJ spins tunes to get everyone in the mood.
Families settle in with excitement as the movie begins, enjoying the brisk evening.
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Moving in and out of downtown
Interstate 680 borders the western and southern end of the neighborhood and merges with Route 24 to lead to Oakland. The neighborhood is also very walkable, with sidewalks throughout the residential and commercial areas. There are some opportunities for biking in Downtown Walnut Creek, mostly using the bike lane on North California Boulevard, one of the neighborhood’s main thoroughfares. John Muir Memorial Hospital is about 2 miles east, and the Oakland International Airport is 25 miles southwest. Bay Area Rapid Transit is less than a mile from most homes in the neighborhood and has routes around the Bay Area that lead to Oakland and San Francisco.
Route 24 offers smooth transit through the Caldecott Tunnel and vibrant Bay Area cities.
Walnut Creek BART station connects the city to the Bay Area’s efficient transit system.
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School choice includes the No. 7 best high school in Contra Costa County
The area is served by the Walnut Creek School District, which has an A-minus rating on Niche. Parkmead Elementary has an A rating and Walnut Creek Intermediate School has an A-minus rating. Las Lomas High School has an A rating and offers after-school activities like crochet club, Dungeons & Dragons club and robotics club.
Parkmead Elementary School is located in Walnut Creek, California.
Walnut Creek Intermediate School is a public middle school.
Las Lomas High School proivdes a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for students.
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.
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Enchanting Single-Story Carmel Cottage + Attached Casita Just steps from downtown Walnut Creek, this storybook-perfect cottage blends old-world European charm with modern convenience. Welcoming front courtyard surrounded by roses, camellias, and wildflowers—ideal for morning coffee or evening wine under the stars. Inside, discover warm hardwood floors, cozy nooks, vintage built-ins, and a
Welcome to The Riv, where elevated living meets refined design in this extraordinary two-level penthouse in the heart of Walnut Creek. This expansive corner residence is wrapped in panoramic views of Mount Diablo. It features an oversized private terrace and soaring floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interiors with natural light. Crafted for both style and function, the European-inspired
Welcome to City Living at Its Finest — Penthouse Unit at The Mercer Perched on the northwest corner, this stunning condominium is filled with natural light and enhanced by soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows in the living and dining rooms. As a rare top-floor unit, it offers a bright, open atmosphere that’s both elegant and inviting. It is beautiful! Freshly updated in July 2025, the
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! Walk to Downtown Walnut Creek and BART! This absolutely gorgeous unit has been updated throughout! Very light and bright with vaulted ceilings and high windows! End unit with no neighbor below is located in the back of the complex, gives you peace and quiet along with beautiful views. Updates include Hickory engineered hardwood floors, fresh paint throughout,
OPEN 8/2 & 8/3, 1PM-4PM! Modern Living in The Montecito! This light-filled top floor unit offers high ceilings, a spacious kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, and a private balcony overlooking the courtyard, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The generously sized bedroom includes lots of closet space, and the in-unit laundry adds ease to everyday living. Community
INCREDIBLE, ONE-OF-A-KIND MERCER property w/the most ideal location! Located on the 1ST FLOOR, this SINGLE-LEVEL, END UNIT faces the lush, grassy interior of complex & the captures the beauty of the outdoor landscape w/a sunny, private patio. This unique property offers a highly sought after & spacious OPEN FLOOR PLAN w/2 BEDROOMS PLUS A DEN that is a perfect work from home space & 2 BATHROOMS.
Spacious 1054 sq ft. 1 bedroom with Den! Newer boucle carpet, Hunter Douglas blinds, white oak floors. Kitchen has a sub-zero refrigerator, gas GE Profile range/oven, Bosch dishwasher & microwave. Unit faces courtyard & West for sunny rooms! Unit includes stackable washer/dryer. Den can be used as office, guest room, etc. Beautifully updated with balcony overlooking pool! Experience convenience
The Waymark is your sophisticated home base in the heart of Walnut Creek. Steps from BART and minutes from Mt. Diablos trails, its the perfect blend of convenience and nature. Enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, resort-style pool, frequent community events, and pet-friendly living. With studio to three-bedroom homes and parking available, The Waymark is designed for the way you live. Find
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
7,672
Median Age
39
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$123,638
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$142,113
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.5%
College Graduates
71.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
75.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
83/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
52/ 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.
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.
