Facts For Those Moving To Contra Costa County

By Madeleine Glazier


Contra Costa County, which is part of the general San Francisco Bay area, is a wonderful spot to live. Not only will you enjoy the mild climate of this area of northern California, there are plenty of attractions. This mainly suburban residential county is home to more than one million residents, and here are just a few facts about the area.

California became a state in 1850 just a few years after gold was discovered, and Contra Costa County was one of the initial 27 counties created when statehood was achieved. There are many unincorporated communities and areas in the county as well as nearly 20 incorporated cities. Among these official cities is Martinez, which not only serves as the county seat, it also is home to many historic buildings and structures including the John Muir Historic Site. The famed naturalist lived here from 1890 until his death in 1914. The largest city in the county is not Martinez, but Concord, which has more than 120,000 residents.

From just about anywhere in the Bay area you can see Contra Costa County's most prominent feature, geographically speaking, which is the peak of Mount Diablo. This mountain rises more than 3,800 feet, and California's most ancient people believed it was the source from which all life originated. Now part of Mount Diablo State Park, visitors can climb or bike to the peak or enjoy any of the many trails in the park. You can also go horseback riding in the park, enjoy a picnic or visit the museum and the interpretive center.

If you love the great outdoors, you will find plenty of it in Contra Costa County. Walnut Creek is just one example, and this city has a larger amount of open space per person than any incorporated city in California. The county is filled with parks, including several county parks and of course Mount Diablo State Park. There also are parks operated by East Bay Regional Park District. Point Isabel Regional Shoreline not only offers great water views and plenty of open space, your dog will love it, too, as it has the largest park for dogs in the country.

There are many museums and cultural activities in the county, as well. You can tour historic adobes, visit the world-famous Blackhawk Automotive Museum or check out the home of famous playwright Eugene O'Neill, which is now a National Historic Site. The Concord Jazz Festival is just one of several popular music festivals that are held annually in the county. The California Symphony has its home base in Walnut Creek, and there are many interesting concerts and special events planned throughout the year.

When you are searching for a new home, the team of realtors at 1stInSite.com can help. They are familiar with the housing market throughout both Alameda and Contra Costa County. So whether you want a home in Walnut Creek or are interested in real estate in Alamo or Lafayette, they can find the perfect place for you and your family. They specialize in finding homes in California's idyllic East Bay.




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