6 Reasons Why Families Love Living in Walnut Creek

Nestled in a picturesque valley in the San Francisco East Bay Area is the charming town of Walnut Creek.

 

This peaceful California community is family-friendly, thanks to its excellent public schools, public spaces, and outdoor activities. Walnut Creek offers residents a variety of architectural styles, fine dining, and a rich social and cultural scene. This semi-rural town is also conveniently near several prominent Bay Area cities.

 

If you’re planning to move to Walnut Creek, you and your family are in for a treat. Touted as the “Jewel of the East Bay,” below are the top six reasons families love living in Walnut Creek.

From its recreational activities to public schools, Walnut Creek is a family-oriented town, and there are all types of kid-friendly pastimes to enjoy in new luxury neighborhoods.

 

Families can get active outdoors at well-manicured parks, playgrounds, splash parks, and swimming pools. Putters Putt-Putt is a miniature golf course that provides a fun yet challenging family outing—and it’s even dog-friendly. There’s the Lindsay Wildlife Experience and Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society for those who like up-close-and-personal adventures. Educational family outings include the Walnut Creek Library and Lesher Center for the Arts.

 

As mentioned above, Walnut Creek is also home to excellent public schools. Served by the Walnut Creek Elementary, Mt. Diablo Unified, and Acalanes Union High School Districts, parents in Walnut Creek are more than pleased with the town’s educational offerings. Schools in Walnut Creek cover grades K-12 and are top-rated compared to the rest of the state.

 

A quiet community, Walnut Creek offers families small-town living at its best. Neighbors are friendly and care about preserving the town’s beauty. Walnut Creek boasts a population of just over 70,000 and a mixed urban and suburban vibe. The downtown district is historic, with buildings dating back to the mid-1800s, yet it’s still home to many modern businesses. Large, rolling hills offer a picturesque backdrop to many residences and create a tranquil vibe for residents and outdoor entertainment.

Although tucked away in the peaceful East Bay countryside, Walnut Creek is within a distance of several major California cities. The town is about 20-30 minutes from both Oakland and Berkeley. For those who need to commute to work, Walnut Creek is ideally located at the intersection of I-680 and State Route 24. The town’s convenient transportation links—including two Bay Area Rapid Transit stations—make getting to the airport or traveling throughout the Bay Area a breeze.

Walnut Creek’s diverse real estate options are enticing to potential homeowners. The town has an eclectic mix of architectural styles, ranging from vintage estates to modern mansions. Downtown Walnut Creek features elegant historic architecture from the 19th century. Other neighborhoods throughout the community offer a blend of architectural styles, including traditional townhouses, California bungalows, and roomy single-family homes. Some of the most luxurious Walnut Creek properties are situated on the slopes of the iconic Mount Diablo.

Walnut Creek has an upscale dining scene, featuring many international restaurants and plenty of Californian culinary flare. Downtown Walnut Creek is where you’ll find the majority of these premier fine dining establishments—and although these restaurants are posh, they’re sure to have something on the menu for everyone in the family.

 

There are several authentic Italian restaurants in Walnut Creek. The classic Montecatini Ristorante serves Tuscan-style fare, upmarket Il Fornaio with an in-house bakery, and cozy Benvenuti Restaurant that serves plates family-style. 54 Mint Forno is a local gem, as well. This pizzeria and bakery is known for its traditional Roman pizzas, pasta, bread, and baked goods. Telefèric Barcelona is a newer Walnut Creek restaurant beloved for its authentic Spanish tapas and sangria. Another international eatery is Kacha Thai Bistro, a family-run restaurant with a contemporary twist on traditional Thai delicacies.

 

For those who like to pair a glass of red, white, or rosé with their meals, Walnut Creek has plenty of outstanding establishments offering exquisite bottles with their fare. Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar provides globally-inspired dinner, dessert, and drink menus. The chic eatery even has a European-style outdoor patio perfect for alfresco dining. Another local favorite is Bounty Hunter, which has a terrific menu of elevated American classics and an expansive list of wines.

 

Many of the restaurant’s dishes are made on a wood-fired grill or smoker, and a wine flight is a must.

 

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a great selection of ice cream shops in Walnut Creek. Lottie’s Creamery, the San Francisco Creamery Co., and O’Brien’s Ice Cream serve homemade, seasonal treats in lively parlor settings.

Walnut Creek’s rich cultural offerings include artistic performances, annual festivals, and recreational activities.

 

Situated in the heart of Downtown Walnut Creek, the Lesher Center for the Arts comprises three high-quality theaters. Artistic performances include dance, music, comedy, improv, plays, musicals, and literary events. Part of the Lesher Center, the Bedford Gallery is an art museum showcasing various artistic works. The gallery also holds regular tours, workshops, and projects perfect for the entire family to participate in.

 

Festivals are a big part of the Walnut Creek community, too. The Walnut Festival is an annual fundraising event held in Heather Farm Park every September. Neighbors get together to socialize and raise funds for the community. There are numerous carnival rides, games, food, and drink stands. Another local staple is the summer concerts held in Civic Park. It’s common to see families picnicking out on blankets while watching a live performance.

If you’re interested in purchasing Walnut Creek real estate, contact East Bay realtor Michael W. Robertson. Michael is a diligent, professional real estate agent who can help you find the right property for your family’s lifestyle. Discover the finest Walnut Creek homes for sale by working with Michael and his fantastic team of local experts.