Contra Costa County enjoys an idyllic setting just beyond the San Francisco Bay area. There are forty-four separate cities and towns that comprise Contra Costa, and they range from cozy and charming to far more urban settings. The county's topography is varied, ranging from agricultural lands to industrial areas; suburban neighborhoods to port districts along the Pacific Ocean.

Contra Costa County and its residents enjoy a temperate year round climate, making this an ideal location for those who enjoy the outdoors. Visitors and residents alike can take advantage of recreational activities that range from horseback riding, hiking and camping in the spectacular Mount Diablo State Park to water activities like boating, surfing and fishing.

Contra Costa County maintains an incredibly strong local economy, and for several years running has reported one of the fastest growing work forces among all the Bay Area counties. This is a direct result of the region's popularity as a relocation destination, bringing new residents, new businesses and new jobs to Contra Costa County and the surrounding areas.

Residents here tend to be well educated, and therefore employed in professional positions. All of this comes together to result in Contra Costa residents boasting average household incomes that are well above both state and national averages. Two cities within the county that have seen the greatest increases in both population and job growth are Walnut Creek and San Ramon.

Walnut Creek, California is a close knit community on the outskirts of San Francisco. While the town has easy access to the bustling nightlife and dining options of this legendary city, it maintains a cozy feel all its own. Located in the San Ramon Valley, Walnut Creek enjoys the pleasant climate of sunshine and cool breezes. And as it is nestled at the foot of Mount Diablo, it boasts amazing views.

Walnut Creek is a highly desirable place to live, as well as a popular relocation destination. Recent real estate reports indicate that the lower end of the town's housing market starts at around $300,000 for a unit in a multi-family complex, such as a condominium or town house. In this hot real estate market, a typical three-bedroom, two-bath single-family home will generally start in the high $500,000's to low $600,000's. The median price of such a home is currently around $750,000.

With its professional population, Walnut Creek also maintains some magnificent executive-style estates. The local real estate market currently tops out at right around $2,000,000 for a gorgeous four-bedroom, five-bath estate with nearly five thousand square feet of living space.

There is a wide array of recreational options in the area. The Walnut Creek Equestrian Center features a six-acre riding and training facility. While the Olympic-sized ring is only available to members, a smaller secondary ring is open daily and free of charge. Golfers enjoy the Boundary Oak Golf Course, a 160-acre municipal course located on a scenic hilltop ridge.

Walnut Creek also hosts a number of popular festivals. Summer brings the Art and Wine Festival at Heather Farm Park. Jazz on Bonanza is offered in August and is a chance for locals to enjoy great live music while they catch up with their neighbors. The Walnut Festival is celebrated through the month of September and encompasses an arts and crafts fair, parade and fun run. It concludes with the official Walnut Festival at Heather Farm Park. The fall and winter holidays are celebrated with harvest festivals, tree lighting ceremonies and Menorah lightings at Broadway Plaza.

The nearby town of San Ramon is a part of the scenic Tri-Valley area of California. Situated amidst lush valleys, the region is renowned for its wineries and rolling hills. San Ramon is an ideal location for outdoorsmen, with easy access to public and private golf courses, horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking trails. The climate remains mild throughout the year, with pleasant breezes blowing over the hills and through the valley.

Like Walnut Creek, San Ramon homeowners have experienced a steady appreciation of their homes' values over the years. Potential buyers in this real estate market will find that prices begin at just over $400,000 for a condominium or town house. A three-bedroom, two-bath single-family home in San Ramon generally starts at around $650,000, with median real estate prices at approximately $800,000.

Recent real estate reports indicate that the higher end of San Ramon's housing market currently tops out at around $3,000,000. At this price point, potential home buyers will find a four-bedroom, four-bath home boasting impeccable craftsmanship, over four thousand square feet of living space, and nearly eleven acres of land.

With its mild climate, folks in San Ramon are able to enjoy the great outdoors year round. In their free time, it is likely that you will find residents hiking, mountain biking, or simply relaxing at Central Park, Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve, Iron Horse Regional Trail, or at the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Park. There are a vast amount of festivals and events offered throughout the year, ranging from holiday celebration to arts festivals and cultural celebrations.

With its close proximity to San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland, Contra Costa County's residents have access to a practically unlimited array of employment, education, entertainment, dining, arts and culture. Yet the upscale, genteel towns that comprise Contra Costa County each maintain a peaceful and serene feel all their own. If you are thinking about moving, consider the many benefits to living in Contra Costa County, California! To learn more about this stellar region, simply request our free relocation packet today!