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Community Information
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Community information
The cities and towns that we serve are listed below. If you would like to find out about the latest homes that have become available in these communities, please contact us at (888) 531-8532 or you can setup a Private Search!
Click on underlined cities to view a description of the city.
This small community nestled between Walnut Creek, Danville, Mt. Diablo and Las Trampas Peak in the San Francisco East Bay boasts a mix of spectacular custom estates, ranch homes, equestrian properties and contemporary homes on much larger than average lots than are usually found in the SF bay area. Alamo is Contra Costa County's second oldest township offering a unique blend of country estate living & small town atmosphere with close proximity to urban conveniences such as great shopping, restaurants & public transportation. Alamo is considered home for many business owners, physicians, professional athletes, executives and "captains" of bay area industry. Alamo is an unincorporated township, which means it is governed by county supervisors from the county seat in Martinez. Occasionally there is talk about incorporating Alamo as a city with its own city council. The Alamo Improvement Association (AIA)has the ear of the county politicians and administrators and generally has strong influence over what passes or doesn't pass with the County Planning and Zoning departments for new construction projects in Alamo. Alamo is home to the prestigious Roundhill Country Club which is a private membership golf, tennis, swimming and social organization. The golf course and surrounding ridgelines are dotted with homes ranging from 2,500 square-foot ranch homes to 10,000+ square-foot estate homes. Alamo has 2 public parks, but many homes in Alamo have yards that might be mistaken for a public park, featuring lawns, play structures, gardens, pools, spas, tennis courts, sports courts, ponds waterfalls, horse stables, etc..! The community also features miles of equestrian trails that connect between the surrounding area neighborhoods, Las Trampas ridge, Mt. Diablo and the Bay Are ridgeline trail system. The nationally awarded and highly ranked San Ramon Valley Unified School District provides elementary, intermediate and high school education to the majority of the community. Achievement test scores consistently rank in the top percentiles among California schools.
San Ramon Valley Unified School District Test Results
San Ramon Valley Unified School District Info The northwestern corner of Alamo bordering along south Walnut Creek and Tice Valley are actually served by the Walnut Creek Elementary School District for elementary & middle schools, and the Acalanes Union High School District for high school. (Click for Walnut Creek Test Scores or Acalanes Test Scores) Population in Alamo per the 1990 Census was 12,277. The new 2000 Census should indicate 20%-30% growth since 1990. Chamber of Commerce: P.O. Box 98, Alamo/Danville, 94507 (925) 837-4400
Prestigious Blackhawk Country Club, located just east of the town of Danville is a self-contained unincorporated entity of its own. Blackhawk was the brain-child of real estate developer Ken Behring (former owner of the Seattle Seahawks NFL team)in the late 1970's. To appreciate the magnitude of Ken's vision you have to see this place to believe it. Blackhawk is actually made up of 5 seperate gated communities with nearly 4,000 homes. Each community has a slightly different feel, but all are spectacular in their own way with amenities such as two 18 hole championship golf courses, uncompromised landscapes and vistas through hills and valleys at the base of majestic Mt. Diablo. Gorgeous tree-lined streets, country estates, and executive estates are everywhere, and seem to exude a feel of another era. This is a community fit for a King or Queen! Truly, Blackhawk is called home by many of the Bay Area's "captains of industry", professional athletes, and area entrepreneurs. Excellent shopping, dining, museums and services are at the edge of the development in the form of the spectacularly architected Blackhawk Plaza as well as the myriad of options in nearby Danville, San Ramon and Alamo. This is the quintessential community for the uncompromising family! The nationally awarded and highly ranked San Ramon Valley Unified School District provides elementary, intermediate and high school education to the community. Achievement test scores consistently rank in the top percentiles among California schools.
San Ramon Valley Unified School District Test Results
San Ramon Valley Unified School District Info
  
Location
Located in eastern Contra Costa County, Brentwood is an equal distance (approximately 60 miles) between San Francisco to the west and Sacramento to the northeast.
Several large business parks in Contra Costa and Alameda counties are within easy commute distance. These include the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Sandia National Labs, located in Livermore. Additionally, Brentwood is just 25 miles from the Port of Stockton, a diversified transportation center encompassing a 600 acre operating area. Located in one of the fastest growing counties in California, Brentwood has had a significant population increase in the past five years and will continue to expand into the next decade.
Brentwood is 70 feet above sea level with an average minimum temperature of 44 degrees and average maximum temperature of 95 degrees. Average annual rainfall is 14.06 inches.
Brentwood Union Elementary School District Test Results
Contra Costa County Test Results (History and images courtesy of The City of Brentwood Official Home Page.) Click here for more Brentwood Area Info
Although Danville was incorporated as a city in 1982, it has been in existence since the gold rush days. Daniel and Andrew Inman bought 400 acres in what is now Old Town Danville with their mining earnings in 1854, and the town has flourished ever since. The Town's connection to its Old West past is preserved in the downtown cluster of narrow roads and the remarkable number of early buildings that still remain. With a population of approximately 40,484, Danville is known for its small-town atmosphere and its outstanding quality of life. Eight parks, with ball fields, tennis courts, picnic facilities, playground equipment and walking trails, offer family activities all year long. The Iron Horse Trail provides miles of paths for biking and walking. Danville's weather boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine every year. Special events bring out the small-town atmosphere. The Fourth of July Parade and Light the Old Oak Tree are highlights of the year along with art festivals and holiday festivities. The Village Theatre offers live theater productions. The art gallery in the same building showcases local talent. "Music In the Park" a summer concert series, features local groups. First-rate restaurants draw people from as far away as San Francisco. A wide variety of outstanding cuisine is available. The lovely Danville Hotel Territory, with its cluster of specialty shops, has a favorite eating establishment and is a special Danville landmark. Another popular restaurant, Bridges, was made famous when segments of the movie Mrs. Doubtfire were filmed there. Danville's quaint downtown area is a natural for unique specialty shops. Parking is plentiful. The Danville Farmers' Market draws big crowds to Old Town every Saturday from ten to 1pm. Other retail stores include antiques, jewelry, and gift and art shops. Danville is governed by a mayor/council form of government with day-to-day operations performed by a Town Manager. The Town Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Town Meeting Hall - 201 Front Street at 7:30 p.m. We welcome you to discover Danville. You'll find out why it is one of the leading small communities in California - offering the feel of yesterday and the opportunities of tomorrow. The nationally awarded and highly ranked San Ramon Valley Unified School District provides elementary, intermediate and high school education to the community. Achievement test scores consistently rank in the top percentiles among California schools.
San Ramon Valley Unified School District Test Results
San Ramon Valley Unified School District Info Click here for more Danville Area Info
 
History of Dublin
Dublin has long been known as the "crossroads" of the Bay Area. Dublin now sits at the crossroads of two major highways: Interstate 580 and Interstate-680. However, the significance of the "crossroads" dates back over two hundred years when Dublin served as the crossroads of two important stage routes - one from the Bay Area to Stockton and the other from Martinez to San Jose. The Alamilla Spring, located in the Dublin area, provided a place for travelers to change horses and freshen up before continuing their journey.
Dublin has a rich history dating back to 1772 when Pedro Fages led an expedition of 16 mounted men on a journey in search of a land route to Drake's Bay which at that time was called San Francisco Bay. Their return journey brought them through the Amador Valley.
It wasn't until approximately 1822 when building began in the area. Jose Maria Amador had been paid in land for his years of service as a Mexican soldier and as administrator of Mission San Jose. He received a land grant of 16,517 acres in the Amador- Livermore Valley. He built several adobe homes and many small buildings that were used as shops where his Indian workers made soap, blankets, shoes, farm tools, etc., for use on his rancho.
In 1852 Michael Murray and Jeremiah Fallon came to this area from Ireland. They purchased 1,000 acres of land from Jose Amador and built homes for their families. The area began to grow as many settled in the area.
In 1853 Alameda County was created from parts of Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties. Both Murray and Fallon served on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Townships were established the next year and Murray's name was chosen for this area.
By 1877 the first schoolhouse in the Amador-Livermore Valley, along with a church, two hotels, Green's Store, a wagon and blacksmith shop, and a shoemaker's shop were constructed in Dublin. The Murray Schoolhouse, Green's Store, St. Raymond's Church and the old cemetery (where members of the Donner Party Expedition are buried) have been preserved and are now located on Donlan Way. Mail was delivered to the Dougherty Station Hotel. Thus the area became known as Dougherty's Station. Subsequently, the area became known as Dublin and in 1982 the City incorporated.
During the past twenty years, the rapidly expanding Tri-Valley area has become renowned as a place of prosperity, a center for internationally acclaimed business parks and home to some of the world's largest corporations.
The City of Dublin, located at the crossroads of the Tri-Valley, has contributed to the planned growth and forward thinking of the area. And the City continues to look ahead to expand and enhance the quality of life for members of the community.
Alameda County School Test Results
Dublin Unified School Info
** Much of this information has been excerpted from Virginia Bennett's book "Reflections." Copies of this book and other historical information can be found at the Dublin Library.
Click here for more Dublin Area Info
Welcome to Lafayette! Quiet residential sophistication meets hometown excitement and a flourishing downtown in one of the San Francisco Bay Area's most desirable communities.
For Living. For Business. For You.
Centrally located amongst the East Bay hills, Lafayette exudes a quiet rural atmosphere. Lush, tree-lined residential areas surround a thriving downtown which includes smaller homes, apartments, BART station, churches, a library, theaters, some of California's top schools, a flourishing retail and commercial business community and the famed Lafayette Reservoir.
Lafayette projects its distinctiveness in many ways: diverse topography, small town atmosphere, access to a variety of recreational activities and established neighborhoods. Throughout the community from downtown districts to hidden valleys, there is an obvious emphasis on preservation of the natural surroundings. There is an emphasis on maintaining a well-balanced distribution of services and products as witnessed in the town's huge variety of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and specialty stores. There is a tangible emphasis on community as seen in the services, activities and associations that support and define Lafayette's exceptional texture.
For Living. For Business. For you.
If you live or work locally, or in Lafayette itself, you'll find this site to be an invaluable resource for keeping in touch with the myriad activities, events and pastimes that welcome your participation. Here you will find information on your business and personal shopping needs, commercial needs and links to useful data.
If you're new to our community, welcome. This site will serve as an introduction for you and provide a wealth of information to explore. But keep in mind, the only true way to know and appreciate the uniqueness that is Lafayette is to see it for yourself. We look forward to welcoming you personally.
Lafayette Elementary Unified School District Test Results
Lafayette Unified School District Info
(History and photos courtesy of The City of Lafayette Official web site)
Click here for more Lafayette Area Info
 Orinda Community Center
THE ORINDA COMMUNITY Located east of Oakland and within 30 minutes of downtown San Francisco, Orinda is situated in southwest Contra Costa County, California. Orinda incorporated as a City in 1985, after more than 100 years of gradual development. Arguably the most beautiful city in Contra Costa County, Orinda is the proud host of the California Shakespeare Festival, and celebrated its ten-year anniversary over the 1995 July Fourth weekend.
The City of Orinda is a family-oriented community which offers its 17,000 residents a serene setting in contrast to the more urban existence of the surrounding area. The tree-studded hillsides of the 12.8 square-mile City contribute to Orinda's aesthetic beauty. Natural beauty, excellent schools, safety, history, culture, serenity and its proximity to major San Francisco Bay locations and activities make Orinda a delightful place in which to live, visit, and shop. (History and images courtesy of The City of Orinda Official Home Page.) Click here for more Orinda Area Info
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Pleasanton, is located in the eastern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area. Its geographic location has been one of the major factors in shaping its past and will continue to shape its future. Pleasanton has a deep agricultural heritage due to its being blessed with rich soil, it became the agricultural center for the Amador Valley and home to the oldest horse racing track in the nation. Even today, famous horses from around the country continue to be sent here to showcase their speed because of the excellent soil and facilities. The hops grown here were sought by many of the largest beer producers in the United States and Europe, making Pleasanton internationally famous. After being chosen as the background for the movie, "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm", starring Mary Pickford, the town served as the location for many films because of its historic downtown and rural flavor. Pleasanton's rural character was maintained through the late 1950's while other cities in the Bay Area grew rapidly, often routinely bulldozing blocks of historic buildings in the name of "prngress." It was only a matter of time until developers made their move on Pleasanton and the 1960s and '70s brought drastic increases in both its boundaries and population. Located at the intersection of I-580/I680, Pleasanton became a magnet for retail/commercial developers. Several business parks were constructed including Hacienda, which is the largest in northern California. Jobs multiplied rapidly. By the mid 80s, Pleasanton was the third fastest growing city in California based on economic indicators. Through the great efforts of its citizens and municipal programs, the historic downtown is once again buzzing with activity around new restaurants and retail businesses that have moved back to Main Street. Revenues from its commercial and retail centers have helped the City fund many of the essential recreational and cultural services that set Pleasanton apart from other towns of like size in the Bay Area. Pleasanton manages to preserve its "turn of the century" flavor while promoting the growth and progress necessary for the economic health of the community. Pleasanton now has the largest active sports park in northern California, a public swimming complex with three pools, a regional park with facilities for boating, fishing and swimming, a City-owned theater for live performances, state-of-the-art basketball facilities built by the joint efforts of the City and School District at both middle schools, vast open space parks connected throughout with miles of trail for horseback riding, walking, or bicycling . . . and even a skateboard park. The highly ranked Pleasanton Unified School District provides elementary, intermediate and high school education to the community. Achievement test scores consistently rank in the top percentiles among California schools.
Pleasanton Unified School District Test Results
Pleasanton Unified School District Info As Pleasanton moves into the new millineum, it remains a welcoming family town and continues to emerge as a major job center with many corporate businesses moving their headquarters here, Over 3,000 businesses and industries employing over 32,000 people are presently located in Pleasanton. Its resident population now exceeds 57,000 and is still growing. (Much of the text and images courtesy of the Official City of Pleasanton Web Site) Click here for more Pleasanton Area Info
Incorporated on July 1, 1983, the City of San Ramon is located in Contra Costa Countq on 11 square miles of the San Ramon Valley, approximately 25 miles east of the City of Oakland in the San Francisco Bay Area. The San Ramon Valley has long been considered one of the most desirable living areas in the Bay Area because of its scenic beauty, good climate, suburban charm, and proximity to the Bay Area's major employment centers. San Ramon is at the heart of the valley and is surrounded by the prosperous communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, and Diablo. Population: Since 1980, the population of San Ramon has increased by over 80% from 22,356 to an estimated 41,000 in 1995. Income and Labor Until the early 1980's the City of San Ramon was primarily a bedroom community for the major employment centers in the Bay Area: San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose/Silicon Valley. The development of Bishop Ranch, in 1982, transformed San Ramon into a significant regional employment center. With the development of major new employment centers, employees are attracted from such far away distances as Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties. The Bishop Ranch Office Park consists of 580 acres of land with 5.9 million square feet of office space. The office park currently is home to approximately 200 companies including such Fortune 500 companies as Pacific Bell, Chevron, AT&T, Toyota, and United Parcel Service. San Ramon is an attractive, expanding City and it is expected that over 16,000 jobs will be added within the next 15 years. This represents a 58% increase over the current 27,643 jobs in San Ramon. The City is also an affluent community with the average household income for 1990 estimated to be $79,245. This compares to a county-wide average of $59,432. The nationally awarded and highly ranked San Ramon Valley Unified School District provides elementary, intermediate and high school education to the community. Achievement test scores consistently rank in the top percentiles among California schools.
San Ramon Valley Unified School District Test Results
San Ramon Valley Unified School District Info Click here for more San Ramon Area Info
On Oct. 21, 1914 the original town of Walnut Creek and surrounding area, comprising 500 acres, were incorporated as the eighth city in Contra Costa County. Today Walnut Creek is Contra Costa County's central hub of activity and traffic flow. At the crossroads of major highways 680 and 24, and containing 2 BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stations, Walnut Creek is arguably Contra Costa's most urbanized city. Suprisingly, as urbanized as Walnut Creek has become, it hasn't lost its grass-roots feel. The residents are a vocal bunch, constantly wrestling for the magical balance between economic growth and the potential for uncontrolled urban sprawl. It has a charming downtown bustling with shops, markets and restaurants of the quality found in even San Francisco, but without the urban coolness of that larger city. Walnut Creek's residential areas are a throwback to its rural and suburban roots, yet convenient to the bustling downtown, numerous parks public facilities and public transportation that so many suburbs lack these days. With Mount Diablo at its Southeastern corner, many parts of the community boast spectacular views of the mountain in the background. Walnut Creek's school age children are served by schools from 4 different school districts: The Walnut Creek Elementary School District- District Information
District Test Scores
The Acalanes Union High School District- District Information
District Test Scores
The San Ramon Valley Unified School District- District Information
District Test Scores
The Mt. Diablo Unified School District- District Information
District Test Scores
Please note that the Mt. Diablo School District is one of California's largest districts and encompasses 6 other large communities besides Walnut Creek. It is best to check specific school performance in the area in which you are considering rather than district-wide data which may be skewed down by other economically challenged areas within this enormous school district. The specific schools serving Walnut Creek in each district (Images courtesy of the Official City of Walnut Creek Web Site) Click here for more Walnut Creek Area Information
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