Why Live in Northgate
Northgate, located in Walnut Creek at the base of Mount Diablo, is a vibrant suburb known for its scenic mountainous views and excellent schools. The neighborhood includes areas like Diablo Shadows and Ranch Paraiso, featuring a mix of single-family tract houses, midcentury modern ranch-style homes, and larger contemporary residences built from the 1950s to the 2010s. Homes often showcase Craftsman and Mediterranean influences, with spacious layouts, natural light, and attached garages. Lot sizes typically exceed a quarter of an acre, and some subdivisions include 1970s-era townhomes. Northgate is home to highly rated schools such as Walnut Acres Elementary, Foothill Middle, and Northgate High, all of which have received accolades for their academic and arts programs.
Residents enjoy access to parks and open spaces, including Arbolado Park with its athletic fields and walking trails, and Diablo Shadows Park with playgrounds and trails. For more extensive outdoor activities, Lime Ridge Open Space and Mount Diablo State Park offer hiking and biking opportunities. Local shopping and dining options are plentiful, with Encina Grande shopping plaza and The Orchards at Walnut Creek providing grocery stores, restaurants, and breweries. Northgate is also just 4 miles from Walnut Creek’s downtown district, known for its dining and shopping attractions.
Commuting is convenient with Ygnacio Valley Road and the Walnut Creek BART station nearby, making it easy to travel around the Bay Area, including to Oakland (20 miles) and downtown San Francisco (28 miles). The neighborhood's crime rate is lower than the national average, contributing to its appeal for families and individuals seeking a lively yet peaceful community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northgate a good place to live?
Northgate is a good place to live. Northgate is considered very car-dependent and bikeable with minimal transit options. Northgate is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 2, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. Northgate has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 1.7 people per acre and a median age of 50. The average household income is $226,574 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 82.8% of residents. A majority of residents in Northgate are home owners, with 7.2% of residents renting and 92.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Northgate can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Northgate neighborhood guide.
Is Northgate, CA a safe neighborhood?
Northgate, CA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 2 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Northgate?
The median home price in Northgate is $465,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $93,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,410 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $103K a year to afford the median home price in Northgate. The average household income in Northgate is $227K.
What are the best public schools in Northgate?
The best public schools that serve Northgate are:
What are the best private schools in Northgate?
The best private schools that serve Northgate are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Northgate, Walnut Creek, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Northgate, Walnut Creek, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Northgate?
Yes, home prices in Northgate are down 75% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Northgate, CA
On average, homes in Northgate, Walnut Creek sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Northgate, Walnut Creek over the last 12 months is $465,000, down 64% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$465,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$465,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$975,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$330,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$302
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
32
Median List Price
$465,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-64%