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NeighborhoodsContra Costa County, CA

Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek blends suburban comfort with vibrant city energy, offering top shopping, dining, parks, and quick access to BART and nature.

Commute to San Francisco36 minBART schedule · as of Nov 2, 2026 · BART Walnut Creek to Embarcadero, weekday 8 AM
Commute to Oakland24 minBART schedule · as of Nov 2, 2026 · BART Walnut Creek to 12th St./Oakland City Center, weekday 8 AM

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At a Glance

At a Glance

Walnut Creek offers a rare mix of suburban comfort and city energy: a modern, walkable downtown, family-friendly attractions, and easy outdoor access. Spend Sundays at the Walnut Creek Farmers’ Market on Locust Street, shop Broadway Plaza (with favorites like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Apple, and lululemon), catch a show at the Lesher Center, and explore Ruth Bancroft Garden, Lindsay Wildlife Experience, or Heather Farm Park and the trails beyond. Walnut Creek BART keeps commuting simple, and healthcare is exceptional, with John Muir Walnut Creek, recognized by U.S. News & World Report 2025–26 as a Best Regional Hospital, and Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek. It adds up to a place people move for both lifestyle and long-term livability.

County
Contra Costa County, CA
Typical home value
$990kZillow Home Value Index · as of Sep 30, 2026
Commute to San Francisco
36 minBART schedule · as of Nov 2, 2026 · BART Walnut Creek to Embarcadero, weekday 8 AM
Commute to Oakland
24 minBART schedule · as of Nov 2, 2026 · BART Walnut Creek to 12th St./Oakland City Center, weekday 8 AM
School rating
10/10GreatSchools · as of Oct 25, 2026 · Las Lomas High School
Total population
70,088U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year · as of Dec 31, 2024
Population density
3,547 / sq miU.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year · as of Dec 31, 2024 · Population ÷ land area
Households
33,072U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year · as of Dec 31, 2024
Days on market
41 daysRealtor.com · as of Oct 31, 2026 · ZIPs 94595, 94596, 94597, 94598, weighted by active listings
Land area
19.76 sq miU.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Gazetteer · as of Dec 31, 2024
Property tax rate
1.0937%Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller, Detail of Tax Rates 2025-26 · as of Jul 1, 2025 · Most common rate; 1.0816–1.1153% across the city's tax rate areas. Special assessments and Mello-Roos are extra.
Age, sex and more
Walnut Creek on the U.S. Census Bureau site (opens in a new tab) ↗Official demographic profile · data.census.gov

Walk, Hike & Enjoy

Walk, Hike & Enjoy

Iron Horse Regional Trail, Danville
Iron Horse Regional Trail, Danville

Outdoor life is a major draw in Walnut Creek, lush parks, easy neighborhood strolls, and fast access to some of the East Bay’s best trails. Locals love the Iron Horse Trail for walking and biking, plus nearby open space like Shell Ridge and the Diablo Foothills. Weekend adventures often include Mount Diablo State Park and Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area, while Heather Farm Park is a go-to for everyday play. For something uniquely Walnut Creek, Ruth Bancroft Garden offers striking desert landscapes and peaceful paths.

Real Estate Snapshot

Real Estate Snapshot

Newer mixed-use development at Broadway Plaza, downtown Walnut CreekNewer mixed-use development at Broadway Plaza, downtown Walnut Creek, Photo: FASTILY, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Newer mixed-use development at Broadway Plaza, downtown Walnut Creek

Home choices range from downtown condos near shopping and dining to established single-family neighborhoods with yards and mature trees. Demand often tracks lifestyle convenience, easy access to Broadway Plaza, weekend routines like the Farmers’ Market, and nearby parks/trails. (Neighborhood feel changes quickly by pocket, quiet streets vs. downtown energy.)

Schools & Education

Schools & Education

Front quad, Acalanes High School, LafayetteFront quad, Acalanes High School, Lafayette, Photo: Jhenderson06, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Front quad, Acalanes High School, Lafayette

Walnut Creek consistently lands on buyers’ shortlists because of the great quality of its schools. Many Walnut Creek addresses feed into the Acalanes Union High School District, which nicheranks as the #1 best school district in Contra Costa County. Las Lomas High School is frequently highlighted for strong outcomes, rated 10/10 on GreatSchools rating.

Eat, Sip & Enjoy

Eat, Sip & Enjoy

Outdoor seating and shopfronts at Broadway Plaza, downtown Walnut CreekOutdoor seating and shopfronts at Broadway Plaza, downtown Walnut Creek, Photo: FASTILY, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Outdoor seating and shopfronts at Broadway Plaza, downtown Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek’s dining scene is one of the East Bay’s best, perfect for everything from quick weeknight bites to full date-night evenings downtown. Favorites include Va de Vi Bistro for wine-forward nights, Limón for vibrant Latin flavors, and Calicraft Brewing in Shadelands for a relaxed taproom vibe. For something truly unique, Daryoush is an exotic Persian restaurant with rich, memorable flavors. And for skyline views and a fun night out, Rooftop Restaurant & Bar adds an elevated lounge-style experience.

Shop, Stroll & Explore

Shop, Stroll & Explore

Broadway Plaza, Walnut CreekBroadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, Photo: FASTILY, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek’s “stroll factor” is one of its biggest perks. Broadway Plaza anchors the upscale, open-air shopping experience, and Sundays bring extra energy with the Walnut Creek Farmers’ Market on Locust Street (walkable from downtown and near BART). For wellness, Life Time Walnut Creek is a popular luxury club option.

Local Vibes

Local Vibes

Historic Walnut Creek, Sacramento Northern Railway train 143 at a street crossing, 1960sHistoric Walnut Creek, Sacramento Northern Railway train 143 at a street crossing, 1960s, Photo: Drew Jacksich (Flickr: drewj1946), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Historic Walnut Creek, Sacramento Northern Railway train 143 at a street crossing, 1960s

Walnut Creek feels active and community-centered. Families love hands-on outings at Lindsay Wildlife Experience, and history fans enjoy the Shadelands Ranch Museum (a preserved slice of early Walnut Creek). Weekly rituals like the Sunday Farmers’ Marketgive the downtown a friendly “see-you-again” feel.

Commute-Friendly Living

Commute-Friendly Living

Walnut Creek BART stationWalnut Creek BART station, Photo: ShakataGaNai, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Walnut Creek BART station

Walnut Creek is a strong commuter base thanks to Walnut Creek BART and County Connection bus routes, plus quick freeway access via I-680 and Highway 24. By BART, a downtown San Francisco benchmark like Embarcadero is about 35 minutes (varies by time/service), and 12th St/Oakland City Center is about 23–24 minutes. For exact, day-specific timing (and any delays), use BART’s Trip Planner.

Nearby

Compare Walnut Creek with a neighbour

Aerial view of Lafayette, CaliforniaAerial view of Lafayette, California, Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Lafayette

Lafayette offers a warm, small-town feel with excellent schools, scenic hills, a charming downtown, and the beloved Lafayette Reservoir nearby.

Lafayette
Downtown Alamo, California (aerial, looking south)Downtown Alamo, California (aerial, looking south), Photo: Richard Niewiroski Jr., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Alamo

Alamo is a peaceful, upscale community surrounded by rolling hills, spacious homes, strong schools, and a relaxed, family-focused lifestyle.

Alamo
Hartz Avenue, historic downtown DanvilleHartz Avenue, historic downtown Danville, Photo: Danvilleca, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Danville

Danville combines upscale suburban living, charming downtown shops, excellent schools, and beautiful trails, offering a welcoming, community-focused lifestyle near Mount Diablo.

Danville

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