This cosmopolitan gem is the shopping mecca of the East Bay. Fountains, pedestrian zones, sculptures, and plenty of outdoor seating are one of the charms of the city and make leisurely warm afternoons a pleasure. Whether you like to peruse little boutiques or need to dash into Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus to find a special something, Walnut Creek has what you need.
If you're looking for fantastic, healthy, locally-grown and raised food, you can head to the Farmers' Market on Locust Street each Sunday morning. In addition to all the fruits, veggies, flowers, honey and more, you'll find local musicians playing and booths featuring an interesting array of healthy items entwined in the mix.
Or, if what you really want is a break from cooking, the cafes and restaurants in Walnut Creek are many, varied and lively. You can go upscale and head to Prima, the Walnut Creek Yacht Club, or Ruth's Chris Steak House (where we hear many of the Warriors like to hang out), or you can go fun and more casual and head to Roof Top,Telepheric Barcelona, or Brodericks just to name a few. If Thai, Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Mexican or Japanese food is what you're craving there are many options to choose from. And of course, we can't forget diner food: if you have a hankering you can head to Mel's, Gotts, or one of the many burger joints in town.
There are many parks, public gardens, and walking trails to be found throughout Walnut Creek including a couple of exceptionally wonderful, expansive green areas. Civic Park hosts a sprawling lawn, a gazebo, a play area for kids, picnic tables and an ice rink during the winter months. Heather Farms Park also has something for everyone, including a swim center, the Walnut Creek Tennis Club, the rose garden, classes, sporting events, a huge playground and more. The town also has parklets, dog parks, and open space for hiking that reaches all the way to Mount Diablo and beyond.
Walnut Creek has a terrific combination of public and private schools.There are half a dozen public elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools, all with stellar scores and reviews.There are also private schools for people who are looking for a learning environment tailored to their child's needs. The architecture is ranch style for the most part, but you'll find enclaves of Eichler-style homes and a smattering of modern homes tossed into the mix. If you are looking for a large yard, search no further because most of the lots are expansive and the homes come in any size: from little cottages to large and sprawling. And of course, for those who want to live in the heart of downtown, there are many lofts and condos for a more "city" lifestyle feel. But, for all of its upscale, swanky atmosphere, Walnut Creek has retained its casual-yet-elegant sensibility.
The Lesher Center for the Arts is the cultural epicenter of Walnut Creek, where plays, musicals, concerts and rotating art exhibits are in the offing.There is also an interesting ongoing speaker series if learning new things is key to your enjoyment. The Walnut Festival, The Art and Wine Festival and Art on the Main are also fun community events that occur each year.
This charming community is one of the neighborhoods we cover, and we're happy to talk to you further if you're interested in living in this vibrant city.
