Contra Costa County

With 3,849-foot Mount Diablo as its focal point, Contra Costa County provides a rich mixture of upscale, semi-rural country living and authentic, small town charm. Alamo and Danville, the smaller towns in the county, offer seclusion, serenity, and tranquility; while locals flock to Walnut Creek, a vibrant suburban center, for open-air shopping in the heart of downtown. Contra Costa County’s mild weather invites year-round outdoor activities, al fresco dining and luscious farmers markets.

Wherever you choose to live in Contra Costa County, beautiful parks and trails are close at hand. The Iron Horse Trail, a 33-mile multi-use pathway enjoyed by hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians, connects the towns of Concord and Dublin. The oak studded, rolling hills of Briones, Wildcat Canyon and Las Trampas Regional Parks burst with gorgeous wildflower displays in spring. Drive to the top of Mount Diablo with a picnic lunch on a clear winter day and delight in expansive views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east and Mount Lassen to the north. The John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez preserves the Victorian home of the noted author and preservationist and is surrounded by fruit orchards and oak woodland.

With many of its residents commuting to work in San Francisco, Contra Costa County is conveniently served by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). A fourth traffic bore was just completed for the Caldecott Tunnel, improving traffic flow between Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.