Contra Costa

 

 

Contra Costa County is a region east of the San Francisco Bay Area. This county boasts a varied landscape, from busy cities filled with skyscrapers to suburban towns that dot the rolling hills – the variety in Contra Costa County is sure to delight anybody. Contra Costa is one of the oldest counties in California, having the luxury of being one of the original counties created when California was granted statehood in 1850.

This county is home to both majestic bayside vistas and private, quaint countryside towns. Contra Costa County offers a wide array of living options, whether someone is looking for a home in a city, a suburban town, or even a more rural hillside option.

 

Contra Costa has exquisitely unified the modern metropolis with the quaint hillside town. Either can be found throughout this county. This East Bay community features gorgeous architecture of all types, from the clean lines of mid-century modern to ornate Victorian homes. As one of the oldest inhabited counties in California, towns in Contra Costa County have a rich history evident in their architecture.

Residents of this East Bay region enjoy the variety the county has to offer. Urban amenities are within reach, as locals of the peaceful small towns of Contra Costa can drive over to one of the bustling cities, while city folks can hop over to one of the bucolic towns for a quick getaway and some time in nature.

 

Locals of Contra Costa can indulge in a variety of delicious cuisine. The city of Lafayette is home to the upscale Italian Postino Restaurant. This hotspot features picturesque architecture, complete with charming exposed brick fireplaces. Casa Orinda is another intimate Italian restaurant with gorgeous decor. Highlights from the Casa Orinda menu include classic Italian fare like fettuccine alfredo and the decadent veal cannelloni with béchamel and marinara sauce.

Juanita & Maude in Albany features a daily-changing, seasonal menu of new American cuisine in a quaint and intimate atmosphere. Another delicious American staple of Contra Costa is the Bull Valley Roadhouse in Porta Costa. This restaurant is near the water of the Carquinez Strait and is styled in the early American aesthetic, featuring cocktails inspired by the time before Prohibition. History lovers and those with an aesthetic eye will love to dine in this upscale restaurant.

Another favorite waterfront restaurant is the Assemble Marketplace in Richmond. Located on the Bay, this restaurant features a new twist on classic American food. This Bay Area county also has delicious authentic East Asian food. Gangnam Tofu Korean Cuisine in El Cerrito is a more understated eatery focusing on Korean staples.

 

Creatives, wine lovers, and all other local residents have plenty to do in Contra Costa County. The East Bay community hosts the yearly Lafayette Art and Wine Festival every September in Downtown Lafayette. This family-friendly festival showcases fine arts and crafts from dozens of artists, local to Contra Costa and beyond. There’s also live music from local bands. Other music venues include the Concord Pavillion amphitheater, which features bands big and small throughout the year. Wente Vineyards also regularly hosts concerts for those who prefer a more intimate setting within a magnificent Spanish-style vineyard.

Contra Costa is home to the California Shakespeare Theater, a Shakespeare theater company that puts on performances throughout the year and also regularly offers thespian classes. Another theater venue is in the city of Walnut Creek at the Lesher Center for the Arts. This arts venue offers not only theatrical productions but also ballet, literary, and comedy events.

 

Contra Costa County includes some of the best private schools in the country.

Contra Costa boasts some of the best public schools in the Bay Area. Public schools are districted to specific areas within the county, specific city and often an individual neighborhood.

 

If you are seeking a specific school district we are happy to discuss your needs and help identify properties within specific districts.

• Contra Costa Public Schools Ranked