![]() ![]() Those are qualities, by the way, that many seem to have rediscovered during the pandemic: As shutdowns made dense city life less desirable, local real estate prices have soared. That’s exemplified everywhere you look, from some of the state’s top-ranked public schools to the exceedingly generous parks, sports fields and playgrounds, to restaurants that don’t just tolerate but actually welcome parents and their squirmy kids for dinner. (And for those drawn to high-mountain recreation, you’re that much closer to the Sierra and Lake Tahoe.)Īt its heart, however, Contra Costa is still a place that unapologetically values family above all. Among the highlights are the county’s signature landmark, (if you haven’t taken your kids to Rock City, do so immediately) east of Walnut Creek, the lovely rolling grass hills of Briones Regional Park north of Lamorinda and Martinez’s scenic waterfront area overlooking the Carquinez Strait. The East Bay parks system is one of the jewels of the nation, and much of its acreage lies in Contra Costa. One perk that hasn’t changed over the years: Easy access to the unspoiled outdoors. Search thousands of listings in the Bay Area The dining scene now reflects that with everything from quesabirria tacos and South Indian dosas to smothered oxtails. Changing migration patterns in the last few decades have brought welcome diversity to the burbs, including thriving Latino, Asian and Black communities, and new businesses to serve them. Even the county’s lily-white image is not entirely accurate. Outside of Walnut Creek, historic downtowns in the likes of Lafayette, Danville and Martinez boast character, walkability and surprisingly eclectic retail offerings, from third-wave coffee to boutique clothing. ![]() That trip, by the way, is still eminently doable by car - the completion of a fourth bore through the Caldecott Tunnel has significantly eased east-west traffic - or by public transportation via one of the county’s 11 BART stations. Upscale shopping centers in Concord (The Veranda) and San Ramon (City Center Bishop Ranch) have also brought destination retail and the kind of food previously available only by a trip to San Francisco - modern Vietnamese at the Slanted Door, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas at Doppio Zero - to the suburbs. The area is relatively rich in big city-style amenities, most notably in Walnut Creek, home to an award-winning visual and performing arts facility (the Lesher Center), a modern outdoor shopping complex (Broadway Plaza), and, thanks to a recent building boom, thousands of units of urban-style apartments and condos. ![]() While Contra Costa has traditionally been viewed (and often dismissed by hipper-than-thou city denizens) as a sleepy bedroom community, that characterization is somewhat outdated. A fledgling family can’t ask for much more. ![]() This historic eastern drift is familiar for a reason: As a general rule, the suburban East Bay offers perks like low crime, single-family homes with ample yards and excellent public schools. It’s a bit of a Bay Area cliche that young singles start out in San Francisco, move to Oakland or Berkeley upon partnering up and settle out past the East Bay hills in Contra Costa County once kids enter the picture. ![]()
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