Alamo 

The quiet, unincorporated, enclave of Alamo features a variety of custom homes, sprawling ranchers, contemporary homes and equestrian properties situated on large parcels. Alamo’s quaint downtown area has a variety of privately owned shops and restaurants that exemplify the entrepreneurial culture of this desirable address. Alamo is just minutes away from downtown Walnut Creek with its wonderful shops, restaurants, cultural activities and the BART station for commuting to San Francisco. Central to the community is Round Hill Country Club with its championship golf course, outstanding tennis and swim facilities, and elegant entertainment venues - all surrounded by wonderful homes. The Ironhorse Trail parallels Danville Boulevard the length of Alamo and is a popular jogging and hiking trail running throughout the Diablo & Tri-Valley areas. With its fabulous weather, outdoor living is key to the Alamo lifestyle with many individual homes offering a wide array of backyard entertaining options such as built-in outdoor kitchens, backyard swimming pools, tennis or sport courts. Alamo, nestled in the cozy valley between Las Trampas Ridge and the pastoral foothills of Mount Diablo, prides itself on its small town ambiance and rural character. 

Blackhawk 

The unincorporated community of Blackhawk is located within the Danville sphere of influence. Blackhawk is a recreation paradise. Within its nine square miles are two challenging 18-hole golf courses, a magnificent country club which is the epitome of elegance and comfort, 20 lighted tennis courts, and a 25-acre sports complex. Within this approximately 6500 acre luxury gated community you will find magnificent homes, estates, and tennis villas. Residents enjoy a rare blend of elegance and sophistication; the serenity of the country and all the amenities of a word-class resort. Blackhawk Plaza features a movie theater, restaurants with upscale shopping, as well as The Behring Auto Museum and the University of California Museum of Art, Science and Culture 

Clayton 

The charming city of Clayton was founded by Joel Clayton. He purchased 40 acres at the confluence of Mitchell and Diablo creeks and in 1855 built his home here. In 1857, he founded the town of Clayton and laid out the town and streets that exist to this day. Clayton has approximately 400 acres of open space with a variety of recreation activities in the area. In addition, there are 17 miles of walking and hiking trails within the Clayton Trail System. The Trail System connects to the East Bay Regional Park District's Black Diamond, Bruce Lee and Back Canyon Trails. 

Concord 

Concord, the most populous city in Contra Costa County, is a harmonious blend of quiet neighborhoods and bustling business community. Modern high rise office buildings and a redeveloped downtown area centered around Todos Santos Plaza are bring residents and visitors to the downtown area which features a movie theater complex, BART station, shops and restaurants. The Sleep Train Pavilion is one of the highlights of the city. Located on the east side of Concord, the Pavilion brings in name entertainment from jazz to rock to oldies in a wonderful outdoor environment. Concord also features fantastic trails for biking, hiking, jogging or walking. These trails connect with the 18.5 mile Iron Horse Trail that leads through Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Danville, and down to Alameda County 

Diablo 

Established in the early 1900s as a summer vacation spot for San Francisco residents wanting to escape the fog, Diablo is situated between Danville and Blackhawk at the base of Mt. Diablo. Diablo grew into a year-round community with its own post office and country club. Much of Diablo life centers around the Country Club which offers members seven tennis courts, a fabulous Jack Nevelle designed 18-hole golf course, state of the art pool and 45,000 square foot clubhouse. Reflecting the area’s rural character and charm, the post office is a fabulous place to meet and chat with neighbors as there is no mail delivery to the nearly 1000 residents. The largest and most popular event is the local Ice Cream Social which has been celebrated annually for three decades. Diablo’s past can be seen in the eclectic mix of homes found in the area. From summer cottages to modern estates, residents are adamant about preserving the area and its lifestyle.  

Martinez 

Established in 1876, Martinez is the County seat of Contra Costa County. It is located along the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers in the central part of the County. The City’s roots can be traced to the late 1840’s, when it served as a ferryboat transit point across the Carquinez straits on the way to the gold fields. Today, the City covers 12.5 square miles, 16 City parks, a Marina and has approximately 36,700 residents. As one of California’ first towns, Martinez retains a strong sense of history and family. The renowned naturalist John Muir made Martinez his home for nearly a quarter of a century and in 1915, the year after Muir’s passing, the legendary baseball great Joe DiMaggio was born here. One of the unique aspects of Martinez is its architecture. Many of the downtown shops still retain their early 20th Century look and charm, with some homes dating back more than 125 years. 

Martinez has modernized both its infrastructure and its downtown. The City opened an award-winning Intermodal Facility in 2001 that has become a popular stop along the Amtrak line. It also completed a major restoration of Alhambra Creek that beautifies the downtown and controls flooding, and has embarked on a program to make Martinez a cultural-historical attraction as the home of the John Muir Festival Center. An outdoor amphitheater is the first realization of this long-term program. 

Pleasant Hill 

Pleasant Hill is a charming post World War II bedroom community located just north of Walnut Creek and east of Lafayette in the shadow of Mt. Diablo. The city of Pleasant Hill is an eclectic mix of older homes on tree canopied streets – to newer developments with the latest features. Pleasant Hill offers Sunday Jazz in the Park, and many restaurants and shops on Crescent Drive – a downtown area 25 years in the making. Recreational facilities include an active Little League program, the beautiful Contra Costa Country Club. a newly renovated YMCA and endless miles of open space hiking trails. For the golf lover, 18 holes of golf are offered at the private Contra Costa Country Club as well as a quick game of nine holes at the new Grayson Woods course. 

San Ramon 

Serving as both a bedroom community and major employment center, San Ramon has seen impressive growth in both sectors beginning in the 1980s with the development of the Bishop Ranch Business Park. Here Alex Mehran foresaw the need for many San Francisco companies to shift operations from an expensive urban location to a more cost effective space in the easily accessible east bay. Over 580 acres of orchard land was transformed into a first-class office park environment housing over 20,000 workers in over 250 companies. Today there are several shopping centers, a hospital, community and senior centers, golf course, country club, and many parks to homeowners. Top Windermere schools offer a high level of education to students. Homeowners can choose from a variety of housing options from condominium developments to single family homes. Located in Central Park, the annual San Ramon Wind Festival, which features artisans from all over the Bay Area, is a highlight for many residents and their families. 

Walnut Creek 

Downtown Walnut Creek is the cultural heart of Contra Costa County. Situated at the foot of towering Mt. Diablo, Walnut Creek combines an urban flair with picturesque scenery, fabulous weather, and blocks and blocks of a vibrant downtown filled with upscale shops and restaurants. In the center of Walnut Creek is the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts entertaining area residents with top-rated plays, symphonies, operas, and ballets. The arts play a predominant role in the community including the Walnut Creek Art and Wine Festival which is a fabulous opportunity for the community to sample an array of local artists’ works and sample sumptuous dishes from local restaurateurs. The expanded shopping area around Broadway Plaza and Main Street features major national retailers coupled with award-winning and unique neighborhood boutiques and restaurants. Outdoor recreation is another community emphasis. Bicyclists, hikers and equestrians enjoy Mt. Diablo State Park, pet owner’s appreciate Shell Ridge open space off-leash dog policy and of course the popular Iron Horse Trail.  

The 101 acre Heather Farm Parks complex provides art classes, tennis, swimming including a nationally rated synchronized swim team and Masters Swim Team. Local golfers enjoy the scenic Boundary Oak Golf Course. Walnut Creek schools are consistently rated among the state’s top schools and many schools have been honored with the Distinguished School award. This active community is proud of their parent involvement and varied youth sport programs. Additionally there are several private schools in the area. The award-winning active adult community of Rossmoor is located in the city of Walnut Creek, but in their own 2,200 acre valley. Close to 10,000 residents live in a security gated community nestled among hills, open space, and golf courses. 

Dublin & Pleasanton 

Dublin enjoys an enviable location at the intersection of Interstates 580 and 680. Dublin is a community that is growing in size and diversity, and they have something to offer anyone who wants to make Dublin their home. The newer Hacienda Crossing shopping center offers wonderful restaurants, shopping, and a multiplex movie theater. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival is a time-honored tradition in the community, bringing residents from all over the bay area to Dublin. 

Located less than an hour from both Silicon Valley and San Francisco, the city of Dublin proves to be a perfect location for many commuters. Pleasanton prides itself on their numerous parks and recreation facilities and programs. Pleasanton is also home to thriving business parks and the regional Stoneridge Mall. 12 out of Pleasanton’s 14 schools have received the California Distinguished School designation. Together, the city and school district are committed to building a community of character. Downtown is the heart of the community -- the setting for festivals, street parties, parades, weekly summer concerts, Saturday farmer's market and other special events. 

Downtown offers some of the finest dining and shopping in the Tri-Valley. Pleasanton is also home to the Alameda County Fairgrounds which hosts statewide and regional events, as well as the annual Alameda County Fair. 

Fine Living in the East Bay  

Community Information
The East Bay, situated east of San Francisco, consisting of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, is known locally as the “Diablo Country”. Diablo Country - the quality of life we all seek and enjoy. Situated east of San Francisco amongst tree-studded hills and valleys with the awesome Mt. Diablo as the focus, East Bay communities boast beautiful parks, trails and sports fields, easy access to major transportation, award winning restaurants, plentiful shopping and excellent schools that are consistently rated among the highest in the state!  

East Bay Cities  

Alameda County
Alameda County occupies most of the East Bay region. It is composed of an urban area including the major cities of Oakland and Berkeley and becomes more suburban as you move south and east. With the bustling urban lifestyle of Oakland to the diversity of Berkeley to the vineyards of the Livermore Valley, Alameda County has the best of both worlds. Alameda County is home to excellent higher learning institutions including the University of California, Berkeley, Holy Names College, Cal State, East Bay and the Lawrence Hall of Science. Major sport teams include the Oakland Raiders, Oakland Athletics and the Golden State Warriors, providing many sporting venues. Also located in Alameda County is the Oakland International Airport and one of the largest shipping ports in the country.  

Contra Costa County
Contra Costa maintains a very separate culture and lifestyle from its Bay Area neighbors. The area is mostly residential although many businesses have moved to Contra Costa to avoid the high costs of being in the city. The mountains that separate Contra Costa from its neighboring counties also protect the area which is typically 10-20 degrees warmer than its neighbors to the west. Mt Diablo, the focal point of the county, towers over the region and on a clear day you can see the Sierra Nevada’s. With many parks, trails, open spaces and Mt. Diablo State Park, there are many outdoor activities available to residents. St. Mary’s College and Cal State East Bay are among the higher learning institutions residing here. The area also includes many performing arts venues and museums.  

Transportation
Highways: Interstate 80, 580, 680, 880 & 980, CA State Rte 24 & CA State Rte 4 are the main highways of the East Bay
Minor Highways include CA State Rte 13, CA State Rte 84, CA State Rte 92, CA State Rte 238 and CA State Rte 242 

Public Transportation
East Bay Mass Transit Rail Systems
 

Sports
The East bay is home to three professional sports teams. The Oakland Athletics, Oakland Raiders and the Golden State Warriors. Also within a short drive from the east bay you can be at other major sporting events within the bay Area. 

Professional
Oakland Raiders
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
Golden State Warriors
California Golden Bears
Saint Mary’s College Gaels
San Francisco Dons
San Jose State Spartans
Stanford Cardinals 

East Bay Major Employers
1. University of California, Berkeley with approximately 20,000 employees
2. AT&T with approximately 11,000 employees
3. The U.S. Postal Service with approximately 10,000 employees
4. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with approximately 8,750 employees
5. Chevron Corporation with 8,730 employees
6. The County of Contra Costa County offering 8,416 jobs
7. Safeway with 7,922 employees
8. Bank of America with 7,081 employees
9. PG&E with approximately 5,200 employees
10. New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc employing about 5100 employees
11. Kaiser Permanente with 4,730 employees
12. Albertsons with 4,631 employees
13. Bio-Rad Laboratories with 4,300 employees
14. Wells Fargo employees around 4,000 people in the east Bay
15. Mount Diablo Unified School District with 3,700 employees
16. West Contra Costa Unified School District with 3,360 employees
17. John Muir Medical Center with 3,023 employees
Other companies include Pixar, Long Drugs and Contra Costa Newspaper Group which are all headquartered in the East Bay