City

Walnut Creek, CA

Neighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood Rating
3.6 /5

Neighborhood Factors

Market Conditions

  • Neighborhood Factors
    Price
    $1.59M
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Overvalued
    $34k
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Appreciation
    6%

At a glance

Walnut Creek has 30 ranked neighborhoods on Houseberry, with a citywide overall score of 3.6/5. Neighborhood overall scores range from 4.3/5 in Diablo Shadows to 2.6/5 in Countrywood. Walnut Creek scores 3.6/5 for safety, 4.2/5 for schools and 3.4/5 for amenities. The median home price across its priced neighborhoods is $1.59M.

City Reviews & Questions

City Review
Key Words: Spacious lots, Access to Walnut Creek & Lafayette, Community feel

Saranap is a quiet, unincorporated community nestled between Walnut Creek and Lafayette, offering a mix of suburban living with a touch of rural charm. The neighborhood features winding residential streets lined with mature trees, a variety of home styles, and a more spacious, laid-back feel compared to nearby urban centers. Residents enjoy convenient access to downtown Walnut Creek’s shopping and dining, while also being close to the natural beauty of Lafayette Reservoir and Shell Ridge Open Space. The area is known for its strong sense of community, with local parks and family-friendly amenities adding to its appeal. Saranap provides a unique blend of privacy and accessibility, making it ideal for those looking for a suburban retreat without sacrificing proximity to major amenities.

Key Words: Walkable downtown, Shopping & dining, Outdoor recreation

Walnut Creek blends suburban comfort with a lively downtown, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Its well-maintained parks and open spaces, like Lime Ridge Open Space and Civic Park, provide ample outdoor activities, from hiking to community events. The city is known for its walkable downtown, where Broadway Plaza and an array of restaurants create a bustling yet welcoming atmosphere. Residential areas vary from historic homes to modern developments, appealing to a wide range of residents. With easy access to BART and major highways, commuting to San Francisco and other Bay Area locations is convenient. The community is also home to top-rated schools and a thriving arts scene, including the Lesher Center for the Arts. Walnut Creek stands out for its balance of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it an attractive place for those looking for both convenience and outdoor recreation.

Top Neighborhoods in Walnut Creek, CA(30 ranked)

1st
Neighborhood Iamge
Diablo Shadows, Walnut Creek, CA
Overall Score : 4.3
Diablo Shadows is a small pocket on the east side of Walnut Creek that quietly t... See Full Page
2nd
Neighborhood Iamge
Rudgear Estates, Walnut Creek, CA
Overall Score : 4.3
Rudgear Estates occupies the southeast edge of Walnut Creek at the end of Rudgea... See Full Page
3rd
Neighborhood Iamge
Livorna, Walnut Creek, CA
Overall Score : 4.2
Livorna sits on the southwest edge of Walnut Creek right against the Alamo line,... See Full Page

City Amenities

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Near good merchants

    2.2

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Public Spaces

    3.6

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Curb Appeal

    3.7

Overall Amenities score: 3.4

City Weather

81%
of possible sunshine
Of all the daylight Walnut Creek gets in a year, 81% arrives as sunshine - clouds and fog block the rest.
That is around the 91st percentile for sunshine in the Bay Area.
Average daily high and low temperature
85°70°55°40°JFMAMJJASONDJul 85°
Avg highAvg low
Across the Bay Area
91st percentile
Rain per year
21 in
Warmest month
July
Summer day
56° → 83°F
Winter day
41° → 58°F
Averaged across the 30 neighborhoods in Walnut Creek we hold 30-year climate averages for.

City Photos

Schools serving this City

Click links for school listing

info at GreatSchools.org

Houseberry School Score Data

from CA Dept. of Education

Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.

Median Price

Walnut Creek FAQs7 answers

Is Walnut Creek safe?

Walnut Creek has a citywide safety score of 3.6/5 on Houseberry. Across its ranked neighborhoods safety scores run from 2.3/5 to 5.0/5, with Diablo Shadows the highest-scoring. 12 of its 30 ranked neighborhoods score 4.0/5 or higher for safety.

How much does a home cost in Walnut Creek?

The median home price across Walnut Creek's priced neighborhoods is $1.59M. Neighborhood medians run from $1.03M to $3.09M across the 30 neighborhoods with a recorded price.

What are school scores like in Walnut Creek?

Walnut Creek has a citywide school score of 4.2/5 on Houseberry. Neighborhood school scores run from 2.5/5 to 4.9/5, with Beacon Ridge the highest-scoring. 26 of its 30 ranked neighborhoods score 4.0/5 or higher for schools.

Which Walnut Creek neighborhoods rank highest overall?

By overall score the highest-ranked Walnut Creek neighborhoods on Houseberry are Diablo Shadows (4.3/5), Rudgear Estates (4.3/5), Livorna (4.2/5), Rancho Paraiso (4.2/5) and North Gate (4.1/5).

Which Walnut Creek neighborhoods have the lowest median prices?

The lowest neighborhood medians recorded in Walnut Creek are Diablo Hills ($1.03M), Brooktree ($1.11M), Buena Vista ($1.13M), El Dorado Park ($1.24M) and North Civic ($1.25M).

How does Walnut Creek rank among cities in Contra Costa County?

Houseberry ranks Walnut Creek #14 of the 33 places it scores in Contra Costa County for overall score. It is #11 of 33 for schools and #13 of 33 for safety.

What amenities does Walnut Creek have?

Walnut Creek scores 3.4/5 for amenities on Houseberry. That is made up of 2.2/5 for nearby merchants, 3.6/5 for public spaces and 3.7/5 for curb appeal.

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City Photos

Top Neighborhoods in Walnut Creek, CA(30 ranked)

1st
Neighborhood Iamge
Diablo Shadows, Walnut Creek, CA
Overall Score : 4.3
Diablo Shadows is a small pocket on the east side of Walnut Creek that quietly t... See Full Page
2nd
Neighborhood Iamge
Rudgear Estates, Walnut Creek, CA
Overall Score : 4.3
Rudgear Estates occupies the southeast edge of Walnut Creek at the end of Rudgea... See Full Page
3rd
Neighborhood Iamge
Livorna, Walnut Creek, CA
Overall Score : 4.2
Livorna sits on the southwest edge of Walnut Creek right against the Alamo line,... See Full Page

City Map

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Contact Houseberry's 2026 Agent Pick for Walnut Creek
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Scores updated September 2026