Spread over an area of 19.8 square miles, Walnut Creek boasts the highest open space per capita of any community in California. The city of 65,211 is located between the gorgeous Ygnacio and San Ramon valleys in Contra Costa County. With its easy accessibility and strong sense of community, Walnut Creek has emerged as a favorite among retirees. In fact, it was even ranked among the nation's top ten places to retire in by US News Magazine!
Housing Statistics The Walnut Creek housing market has performed above expectations, keeping in line with the current growth in the California housing market. Median sales price increased by 23.5% from the previous year to hit $612,500. Average listing price, meanwhile, was $759,566. The city also has a high homeownership rate of 76.8%, compared to 56.7% for the entire state of California. At $614,000, median home values are significantly higher than the state as well ($421,600). Vacancy rates hover around 8.7%, compared to 11.38% for the country as a whole. Annual residential turnover rate is 24.56%. With 32% of all accommodations occupied by renters, rent to own is a promising option for buyers.
Local Shopping Walnut Creek is close to Oakland, which lies just 16 miles to the east, and is close to the junction of the Sacramento-San Jose I-680 and San Francisco-Oakland SR-24. The city has emerged as a regional hub for shopping, especially in the latter half of the last century. Broadway Plaza, constructed in the 1950s, is the city's primary shopping area. One store in this plaza is David M. Brian, which has fine jewelry crystal, cuckoo clocks, rocking horses, appliances and picnic baskets. Filthy Gorgeous sells kids' clothing and toys. It also has items like furniture, candles and charm necklaces. Bracchiale is another store you should check out. It provides you with a wide selection of scarfs, purses, jewelry and other accessories.
School Systems Five different school districts comprise the area of Walnut Creek. These include Walnut Creek School District, Mount Diablo Unified School District, Acalanes Union High School District, Lafayette School District and San Ramon Valley Unified School District. Buena Vista Elementary, Murwood Elementary and Parkmead Elementary are all in the Walnut Creek School District. Eagle Peak Montessori is a charter elementary school within the Mount Diablo Unified School District. This particular region has several private schools such as Berean Christian High School, Contra Costa Christian Schools, Garden Gate Montessori School and Walnut Creek Christian Academy.
Neighborhoods With a median household income of $84,722, Walnut Creek is among the more affluent cities in California. Consequently, there are plenty of upscale, expensive neighborhoods in the region that attract retirees. Here are some neighborhoods you should know about: