Moving to Walnut Creek? Start Here.
A complete guide to schools, neighborhoods, housing, commute, lifestyle, and what to expect when relocating to Walnut Creek.
Why People Choose Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek blends suburban comfort with urban convenience. It’s a community where families, professionals, and retirees all find their place — thanks to strong schools, great weather, safe neighborhoods, and a ton of amenities.
Top-rated public schools
Walkable, upscale downtown
Direct access to BART, I-680, and Highway 24
Dozens of parks, open spaces, and trailheads
Vibrant arts & culture (Lesher Center, Bedford Gallery)
Strong sense of community and neighborhood identity
Cost of Living in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek offers a high quality of life, and like most of the Bay Area, housing makes up the largest part of the cost of living. The city includes a wide range of housing options: single-family homes, townhomes, condos, luxury properties, and 55+ communities like Rossmoor.
What You Can Expect
Median home prices vary by neighborhood
Condos and townhomes offer strong entry-level options
Popular with remote-hybrid workers due to location & amenities
Property taxes follow Prop 13 (with exceptions under Prop 19)
Commute, Transportation, and Access
Walnut Creek is one of the most centrally located cities in the East Bay, offering easy access in every direction. It’s especially popular with people who work in San Francisco, Oakland, Walnut Creek’s own growing business district, or who commute flexibly.
BART station in downtown
Major freeway access (680 + 24)
Excellent for hybrid commuters
Bike-friendly neighborhoods and trails
Local bus service and shuttles
Understanding the Walnut Creek Housing Market
Current inventory
Competition levels
Seasonality
New affordable housing projects
Condo/townhome laws (SB 721 + SB 326)
Schools in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek is known for its excellent public schools, which is one of the biggest reasons families choose to move here. The city is served by multiple districts depending on the neighborhood — including Walnut Creek School District, Acalanes Union High School District, Mount Diablo Unified School District, and Lafayette School District (Saranap area).
High-rated elementary & middle schools
Top-performing high schools like Las Lomas & Northgate
Strong arts, sports, and academic programs
Private school options available nearby
Walnut Creek Neighborhood Breakdown
Every neighborhood in Walnut Creek has its own character, history, and style — from hillsides with panoramic views to walkable village-style communities. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular areas.
Almond Shuey – Walkable, charming, close to BART
Parkmead – Friendly, established, strong schools
Northgate – Suburban, scenic, Mt. Diablo views
Walnut Heights – Wooded, private, hillside homes
Saranap – Tucked-away, large lots, Lafayette schools
Larkey Park – Family-friendly, parks and nature access
As a Walnut Creek Planning Commissioner and real estate broker, I closely track housing trends, new developments, zoning changes, and the broader East Bay market. This gives you a clearer picture of what’s happening and what to expect when planning your move.
What It’s Like to Live Here
Walnut Creek offers an unusually well-rounded lifestyle. With hundreds of local restaurants, boutique shopping, arts programming, regional trails, and family-friendly events, it appeals to people who want more space without losing access to urban amenities.
Broadway Plaza shopping
Lesher Center for the Arts
Civic arts education programs
Community events & festivals
Dozens of parks and rec facilities
Mt. Diablo and Shell Ridge trail access
Ready to Explore Walnut Creek Homes?
I’m here to help you understand the neighborhoods, schools, and housing options — so you can make a confident move into Walnut Creek.