The San Francisco Bay area, which encompasses several counties and many cities, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is also a great place to live, and millions of Californians have chosen this Northern California area as their home including the approximately one million Californians that live in the mostly suburban county of Contra Costa. For those interested in moving to Contra Costa County, here is some interesting information.
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.
The most prominent geographic feature in the county is Mount Diablo, a 3,864-foot mountain which can be seen throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. This peak is a sacred spot for descendents of the early indigenous people who lived in the area thousands of years ago, such as the Ohlone and Miwok. The mountain is part of a protected area known as Mount Diablo State Park and has plenty of hiking and biking trails as well as horseback riding facilities, an interpretive center and a museum.
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.
For those who love culture, there is plenty of that in the county, too. There are many historic homes and adobes open for tours. In addition to the aforementioned John Muir home, you also can visit another National Historic Site, the home of Eugene O'Neill, who wrote many of his famous plays in the home. Walnut Creek is the home of the California Symphony, and Concord has a world famous jazz festival each year as it was once home to "Take Five" writer Dave Brubeck. There also is a prominent car museum, the Blackhawk Automotive Museum. Of course, you can also enjoy all that San Francisco has to offer, as well.
For those relocating and searching for real estate in Walnut Creek, real estate in Alamo or real estate in cities such as Moraga, Danville or other area towns, it is best to find a realtor with a great deal of experience in the area. The staff at 1stInSite.com can help you find a fantastic home anywhere in the East Bay, including all cities in Contra Costa County and Alameda County. They will take into consideration your needs, budget and any type of home and even investment properties or commercial properties.
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.
The most prominent geographic feature in the county is Mount Diablo, a 3,864-foot mountain which can be seen throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. This peak is a sacred spot for descendents of the early indigenous people who lived in the area thousands of years ago, such as the Ohlone and Miwok. The mountain is part of a protected area known as Mount Diablo State Park and has plenty of hiking and biking trails as well as horseback riding facilities, an interpretive center and a museum.
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.
For those who love culture, there is plenty of that in the county, too. There are many historic homes and adobes open for tours. In addition to the aforementioned John Muir home, you also can visit another National Historic Site, the home of Eugene O'Neill, who wrote many of his famous plays in the home. Walnut Creek is the home of the California Symphony, and Concord has a world famous jazz festival each year as it was once home to "Take Five" writer Dave Brubeck. There also is a prominent car museum, the Blackhawk Automotive Museum. Of course, you can also enjoy all that San Francisco has to offer, as well.
For those relocating and searching for real estate in Walnut Creek, real estate in Alamo or real estate in cities such as Moraga, Danville or other area towns, it is best to find a realtor with a great deal of experience in the area. The staff at 1stInSite.com can help you find a fantastic home anywhere in the East Bay, including all cities in Contra Costa County and Alameda County. They will take into consideration your needs, budget and any type of home and even investment properties or commercial properties.
About the Author:
Madeleine Glazier likes writing about the real estate industry. If you are looking for licensed Orinda real estate agents, or to discover Moraga homes for sale, please visit the 1stInsite.com website today.
