The backroads of Walnut Creek are richly painted with trees, hills, and houses. It’s quite a contrast from the bustling urban scene downtown, a landscape of detached single-family homes, breathtaking vistas and diverse wildlife. You won’t see many sidewalks or bright lights here, just nature’s open space gracing the suburban landscape. From 1950s ranchers to sprawling Tuscan mansions, the diverse housing styles in Walnut Creek blend like the people that live here. There are many reasons to applaud this city, but its residential neighborhoods top the list.

WALNUT HEIGHTS

A south Walnut Creek suburb, Walnut Heights leafy environs, ample porches, and expansive properties offer residents a private community vibe. The area butts up against the foothills of Mt. Diablo with easy access to the Shell Ridge open space for hikes on miles of scenic trails. Most of the homes here are off two main arteries: Walnut Boulevard and Mountain View Road forming an eclectic architectural mix of old bungalows, farmhouse-style craftsmen, and contemporary high-end construction. The stars of this neighborhood are its top-rated Walnut Heights Elementary School and its popular recreational swim team Walnut Heights Otters (WHO); sources of pride among the mix of young families and older residents who live here. It’s easy to forget Nordstrom, Macy’s, Pottery Barn, and a bevy of boutiques, bars, and restaurants are less than two miles away.

Home Prices: $900,000 to over $2 million.

Schools: Walnut Heights Elementary, WCI, Las Lomas High School.

Dogs: Miles of trails and back roads for many happy hours of walking.

Events: Pool parties and barbecues.

Swim: Walnut Heights Swim Club, home of the city’s champion team, WHO.

Fun Fact: Once home to ranches and farms, many roads still do not have sidewalks.