Kay V. Lanway
DIABLO REALTY
975 Ygnacio Valley Road
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
cell: 925-519-0591
KayLanway@kvlanway.com
CONTRA COSTA COMMUNITIES--Cities of Clayton, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, & Walnut Creek
Below you will find links to information on some of the communities that I am proud to serve. If you have any specific questions regarding a community please email me.|
See the following communities below with photos and community information. Town of Clayton City Of Orinda City of Concord, City of Pleasant Hill City of Lafayette, City of Walnut Creek City of Martinez, Rossmoor Retirement Town or Moraga Community See Photos below
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To view local school information.Click here |
TOWN OF CLAYTON
CLAYTON has preserved its Old West heritage within its historic downtown area where you will find a variety of dining establishments and quaint shops.
Clayton Historical Museum City Hall
The newly renovated DeMartini Winery (built in 1885), is being used as the New City Hall. There is also the Clayton Historical Museum.
CLAYTON has a population of approximately 11,000; celebrates the Fourth of July with a grand family parade and festivities. It is bounded by Mt. Diablo State Park with lots of hiking trails and even a waterfall during the winter and Oakhurst Country Club and Golf Course.
Oakhurst Golf Course & Homes
CLAYTON had the honor of receiving "Walking Magazine's 1998 award as one of the most walkable small cities in America. It has approximatgely 400 acres of open space and affords a variety of recreational activites in the area including horseback riding, swimming, tennis and championship golf.
CLAYTON has a new library, several neighborhood shopping centers and top schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District plus a large child care facility and senior housing.
Homes in CLAYTON range in price from $600,000 to over $1,500,000 with townhomes and condos between $350,000 and $750,000. CLAYTON is located:
9 miles to Walnut Creek/BART
34 miles to Oakland International Airport
30 miles to San Francisco
73 miles to Sacramento
Schools in CLAYTON are good: Mt. Diablo Elementary School
Pinehollow Middle School
Diablo View Middle School
Clayton Valley High School
For more information see Mt. Diablo Unified School District at www.mdusd.k12.ca.us or www.greatschools.net or email Kay at mailto:KayLanway@kvlanway.com for specific schools, boundaries or programs.
CITY OF CONCORD
CONCORD is the largest of the central Contra Costa Cities with over 130,000 in population.
CONCORD was ranked as one of the best cities to raise children based on criteria such as health care, education, crime rate, economics and environment. The local lifestyle reflects a careful blending of the City's early California heritage with modern office and commercial development.
RECREATIONAL opportunities include a water theme park, public golf courses, parks, community pools, the Concord Pavilion for world class outdoor entertainment. Itis a beautiful setting near Mt. Diablo and its foothills.
View of Mt. Diablo From Concord/Pleasant Hill
SHOPPING includes the Sun Valley Mall with Sears, Macys, and Pennys, The Park & Shop Center, the Willows Shopping Cetner and many convenient neighborhood centers. The newest addition to Concor'd shopping is Costco.
TRANSPORTATION: CONCORD is centered between Highways 680, 242 and 4. The main BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station is downtown with a newer one out on Highway 4.
One of the Historical Homes in Concord
HOMES: Single Family homes in Concord in 2006 are priced between $450,000 and $1350,000 with condo and townhomes $250,000-$500,000.
SCHOOLS: See the Mt. Diablo Unified School District at www.mdusd.k12.ca.us or www.greatschools.net or email KAY at KayLanway@kvlanway.com for specific schools, boundaries or programs.
CITY OF LAFAYETTE
LAFAYETTE has the benefits of a rural hilly atmosphere, convenience for commuting and shopping plus it has excellent schools. Lafayette is situated along Highway 24 between Orinda and Walnut Creek, with its own BART Station. The population is approximately 25,000. Home prices range between $750,000 to over $3,000,000 with just a few townhomes
between $50,000 and $800,000.
The Postino Restaurant from the old Post Office Building
The community was named after the French general and was on the Pony Express Route in the mid 1800's when one of the early leaders, Elam Brown arrived with his family by wagon train.
The local shops include both Peet's Coffee & Tea and Starbucks, Trader Joes, McCaulous Department Store, numerous gourmet restaurants with a brand new center opening in early 2007. The hotel is the Lafayette Park which hosts many meetings and events. Lafayette has a new library under construction. Residents venture to Walnut Creek for major shopping--i.e. Nordstroms and theatres.
Lafayette Park Hotel
Lafayette Reservoir
Recreational opportunities include hiking and fishing at the Lafayette Reservoir and the Lafayette to Moraga Trail. There are numerous soccer, baseball and swimming programs available to young people. The Community Center supports many activities; plus the Town Hall hosts performing arts groups. The Chamber has several events including the Art & Wine Festival in September and Jazz in the Park concerts.
The number one area of excellence is the Lafayette Schools which includes the Acalanes High School District with Acalanes High School in the town. The Lafayette School District includes: Stanley Middle School and four top elementary schools. See www.greatschools.net for more details. There are also several private elementary/middle schools and private Behrean High School.
For more information and questions email KAY at www.KayLanway@kvlanway.com
CITY OF MARTINEZ
MARTINEZ was established in 1875 and is the County seat of Contra Costa County. It is a riverfront community along the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers which flow from the upper San Francisco Bay. The City's roots can be traced to the late 1840's when it served as a ferryboat point across the Carquinez straits on the way to the gold fields.
Today Martinez has approximately 37,000 residents and covers 12.5 square miles. As one of California's first towns, Martinez retains a strong sense of history. The reknown naturalist, John, Muir, made his home here as well as Joe DiMaggio, the legendary baseball player.
Martinez has a new Amtrak Station and an enjoyable waterfront park and boat marina.
Home prices range from $470,000 to over $1,500,000 with condos and townhomes $300,00 to $600,000.
Martinez includes two school districts:
Martinez Unified at www.cccoe.k12.ca.us/martinez and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District at www.mdusd.k12.ca.us or see www.greatschools.com or email KAY (www.KayLanway@kvlanway.com) for individual schools, boundaries and programs. Martinez's rebuilt Alhambra High School is pictured below.
The Martinez Alhambra High School
Moraga
Moraga's Hacienda formerly the Rheem Estate & Now Cultural & Events Center
TOWN OF MORAGA
The Town of Moraga is named for Joaquin Moraga whose relatives served in the military in establishing San Francisco and the Presidio. Joaquin Moraga built an adobe in 1841. It still stands on a hill overlooking the Moraga Valley. It was designated as a California Historical Landmark in 1954 and is probably the oldest existing building in Contra Costa County. The Moraga rancho was a cattle ranch.
The Town of Moraga is located about 18 miles east of San Francisco. It is a "semi-rural" community of over 17,000 residents. It is known for excellent schools, rolling hills, great weather and being one of the safest communities in California.
Homes in Moraga are priced between $800,000 and $1,700,000 with condos and townhomes between $330,000 to over $1,000,000. Many of the townhomes are located in Moraga Country Club which has several swimming pools, tennis and a public golf course and restaurant.
Moraga Country Club Golf Course and Homes
Moraga has excellent schools with its own Elementary School District. The high schools are part of the Acalanes Union High School District and include Compolindo and Miramonte which are tops in the county. St Marys College is also located in Moraga. See www.greatschools.net or email KAY (www.KayLanway@kvlanway.com) for more information about the schools and their programs.
CITY OF ORINDA
Orinda is located just east of Oakland and is within a half hour drive to San Francisco except during heavy commute hours. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Contra Costa with lots of tree studded hills and natural beauty. The two small shopping centers are located on each side of Highway 24 near the BART Station. The Old Orinda Theatre is The Landmark with a charming shopping center surrounding it which features Star Bucks, Restaurants and Shops.
Orinda hosts the California Shakespeare Festival in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater plus the historic refurbished Orinda Theatre (movie) surrounded by small restaurants, shops (including Starbucks) and offices. Orinda also celebrates the 4th of July with a traditional parade and boasts a lovely newer library.
Due to Orinda's closeness to Oakland and San Francisco it is one of the priciest cities in the area. Home price range between $750,00 to over $3,000,000 with only a few condos in the under $500,000 price range. Many of the more expensive properties surround the private Orinda Country Club, Golf Course and Lake on the north side of Highway 24.
Schools in Orinda are Excellent!! Miramonte High School is tops in the Acalanes High School District. Orinda Intermediate School and several elementary schools are all part of the Orinda School District which has outstanding ratings. See www.greatschools.net or email KAY at mailto:www.KayLanway@kvlanway.com for more information about the scores, programs and locations.
CITY OF PLEASANT HILL
Pleasant Hill is one of the "newer" suburban towns that first developed following World War II. The weather is balmy with breezes from the Carquinez Straits to the north. There are rolling hills and views of Mt. Diablo (some spectacular!) with easy access to Highways 680, 24 and 4. It is close to two BART Stations (Pleasant Hill and Lafayette).
World War I Monument & Offices
Pleasant Hill has been sprucing up recently with a new city hall, new theatre complex, new downtown shopping center with restaurants, shops and a hotel. Shops include Borders Books, Michaels Crafts, Bed, Bath and More. The Sun Valley Shopping Mall in Concord and the Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek are close by. Pleasant Hill's Farmer's Market is usually held on Saturdays.
Recreation: Pleasant Hill is bordered by Briones Park (East Bay Regional Park District) and over eleven City Parks with numerous activities for children as well as seniors. When the city was a farming community it was served by a canal whch supplied the water; now East Bay Parks maintains the trail for hiking, biking and jogging. The trail runs from Martinez over 25 miles thourgh Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call KAY for a trail map! A private golf course is located near Diablo Valley College--Contra Costa County Club with over 500 members and 185 beautiful acres. There is also a smaller public course off Grayson Road on Iron Hill Street.
Most homes in Pleasant Hill were constructed in the 1950's and 60's, but there are also many newer subdivisions, as well as condiminiums and townhomes. The condo prices range from $300,000-$650,000. Homes are $500,000-$1,500,000.
Newer Pleasant Hill Homes Within Walking Distance to Shops, Theatre and Restaurants.
Mount Diablo Unified School District has four elementary schools, three middle schools and College Park High School in Pleasant Hill. See www.greatschools.net or email www.KayLanway@kvlanway.com for more information regarding locations, programs, and scores. There are also many private schools and preschools. The community college is Diablo Valley Community College which has an excellent reputation and lots of students both days and evenings. John F. Kennedy Law School is private and also located in this city.
CITY OF WALNUT CREEK
WALNUT CREEK was recognized by the National Conference of Mayors as "the most liveable small city in the nation. It intersects Highways 24 and 680 and has a BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) Station. This city is the center of Contra Costa County with lots of open space, recreational areas and a very active business and commercial community. It has the reputation for excellent planning. Walnut Creek is a major employment center for the county with easy access to San Francisco, Oakland and Pleasanton work environments.
WALNUT CREEK voters purchased and preserved many acres on the hills below Mt. Diablo (4000' apx elevation) surrounding the City.
Walnut Creek's Shell Ridge Open Space
Views from the top of the mountain are fantastic! On a clear day you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Mt. Shasta and the Sierras. There are bike races to the top and lots of rock climbing.
Borges Ranch is a living part of our Western heritage. It offers a hands-on experience for students and citizens of what it was like to live on a working ranch at the turn of the century. Hiking and camping is also available in Mt. Diablo State Park. 
Alexander Lindsay Museum (http://www.Wildlife-museum.org) allows children and their families to borrow a small pet for a week--just like a library book! The museum is located in on the the City's largest parks--Larkey Park on the Pleasant Hill border. There are stuffed animals and real ones that were rescued and nursed back to health by Lindsay volunteers. There are classes and a discovery room. It is a great place for teenage volunteers to learn about wildlife.
Other recreational opportunities include: the Shadelands Ranch (an old home) History Museum, Heather Farms Gardens, Park, Tennis, and the Skate Board Park, The Model Railroad Museum, and the Boundary Oaks Golf Course which is owned by the City and open to the public. Diablo Hills is also open to the public but is smaller.
The City has a huge civic arts program with classes and facilities downtown and out Ygnacio Valley Road. Walnut Creek is also in partnership with two gymnasiums and has an extensive program for Seniors.
The Farmer's Markets are open Sunday mornings in the library parking lot, as well as a downtown location one evening a week during the season.
The Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts has three small theatres for live plays, musicals, lectures, etc.as well as the Bedford Art Gallery. It is devoted to exhibits of contemporary Northern California artists. The downtown area that surrounds the theatre has numerous fine multi cultural restaurants--many with sidewalk cafes. The Railroad Station is
just one of the restaurants below.
The Old Railroad Station is now an excellent Restaurant.
For more variety, San Francisco and the Napa Valley wine region are less than an hour's drive.
WALNUT CREEK'S original Broadway Shopping Center has been remodeled and boasts many botique shops plus Macys, Nordstroms and Tiffanys. The World Market and Century 14 Movie Theatre are nearby with Trader Joes scheduled to open soon. WALNUT CREEK'S "Free Bus" travels between BART and the downtown area.
BART serves most all of the Cities in Contra Costa County with commuter buses--the County Connection connecting from most neighborhoods. Trains and buses run more frequently during commute hours. BART also goes directly to San Francisco International Airport and to Oakland International Airport with a short shuttle, but soon to be direct.
Home prices range between $270,000 to $750,000 for condos and townhomes. Single family homes are priced between $750,000 to over 42,000,000 for the newer ones. Be sure to search for homes on this website.
All of the schools in WALNUT CREEK are tops--some with national and state awards. The schools system here is what drives up the prices of homes. Las Lomas High School is part of the Acalanes High School District. The Walnut Creek School District includes four elementary shcools and Walnut Creek Middle School. For more information email KAY at www. mailto:www.KayLanway@kvlanway.com. see www.greatschools.net.
Contract the Chamber at www.WalnutCreekChamber.org
ROSSMOOR RETIREMENT COMMUNITY in the CITY OF WALNUT CREEK
ROSSMOOR is located approximately 26 miles East of San Francisco in a
gorgeous valley which was formerly the Stanley Dollar Ranch. At least one owner must be at least 55 years of age. Numerous activities include: 27 holes of golf, tennis, lawn bowling, swimming pools and miles of hiking trails. Many indoor pursuits are found in the numerous clubhouses and include: wood and lapidary workshops, sewing, billliard rooms, studios for music, painting, ceramics and photography.
One of the Rossmoor Club Houses
There is a wide range of housing in Rossmoor from one bedroom cooperatives,condos, attached homes and high-rise assisting living facilities. Home prices range beween approximately $200,000 to $1,000,000. Exterior landscaping and maintenance are taken care of. Home owner dues are $500.+ per month. Excellent transportation is provided within Rossmoor to the neighborhood shopping center, to downtown Walnut Creek and the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit Station).
One of Rossmoor's many swimming pools with adjacent Club House
ROSSMOOR is a beautiful valley with many views of Mt. Diablo and the sunset and with many interesting retired professionals from many vocations.
Rossmoor's Beautiful Golf Course and Valley
For More Information of these Contra Costa Communities or others email or call KAY 925 519 0591 , www.KayLanway@kvlanway.com - www.kvlanway.com or ask for a free Relocation Package.
Kay V. Lanway, GRI, CRS, EPRO
Realtor/Broker Associate
Certified Mediator
975 Ygnacio Valley Road
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 519-0591 - Phone
www.KayLanway@kvlanway.com
Email Me