DREAM WITH YOUR EYES OPEN

Alamo

The community of Alamo is nestled in the foothills of Mt. Diablo. Located in Contra Costa County, Alamo is an unincorporated community of only 14,750 residents. The East Bay Region of the San Francisco Bay Area is city and country close to entertainment and attractions.

Berkeley

The city of Berkeley sits on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay. Home to the oldest campus in the University of California system, Berkeley is a melting pot of education, science, free spirited political debate and diversity.

Castro Valley

Climbing the gently rolling foothills of the East Bay, Castro Valley retains the flavor of a semi-rural community, yet is only minutes from San Francisco and Oakland.

Concord

The city of Concord is in Contra Costa County and has a colorful past, previously named Drunken Indian and Todos Santos. Concord has the distinction of being the largest city in the county.

Danville

The town of Danville is in The San Ramon Valley of Contra Costa Country between Mt. Diablo to the East and the Las Trampas Hills to the West. Until the arrival of the railroad, it was a tiny little village. Considered one of the wealthiest suburbs of the Bay Area and known as “The Heart of the San Ramon Valley”, the area embraces exclusivity in its country clubs and some of the most expensive real estate in the nation. Originally a farming community, the Danville area is now a great place to shop, dine and play.

Dublin

The town of Dublin sits on the eastern side of the East Bay Foothills, and is a growing city of over 35,000 people. But it wasn’t always like this. Originally this intersection was also the course of two major stagecoach routes; later the routes became Interstate 580/680. The first housing tract was built in 1960, transforming Dublin from a farming community to a suburb. Dublin was named after Dublin, Ireland who is now a sister city.

Fremont

The City of Fremont is the farthest south in Alameda County, just minutes from San Jose and the Silicon Valley. Previously known as Washington Township, Fremont was formed by joining several smaller communities. Fremont history goes back to the Gold Rush, although agriculture was the bedrock of the local economy with orchards of olive trees and acres of grapes.

Hayward

Known as the heart of the bay due to its central location, Hayward is a part of the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont Metropolitan Area. In the early decades of the 20th Century, the Hayward area became known as the “Heart of the Garden of Eden” because of its temperate climate and fertile soil. Everything – produce, chickens, cattle, flowers – grew in abundance. By the 1950’s Hayward became known as the “Apricot City”.

Lafayette

The City of Lafayette is nestled in a little valley in Contra Costa County. This little city of only 23,000 residents is known for the upscale lifestyle of its residents. Lafayette has been through several names changes – from having no name, to Brown’s Mill, Brown’s Corner, Acalanus, Dog Town and Centerville. Even after the name was decided – it was changed again, from LaFayette, to its current Lafayette.

Livermore

What do vintners, cowboys and scientists have in common? Livermore! Livermore is located in the farthest eastern reaches of Alameda County. It is the third wealthiest mid-size town in the U.S. with a population of approximately 80,000.

Martinez

Martinez is a small, cozy town cradled between the Mount Diablo foothills and the Carquinez Straights. Martinez is the county seat of Contra Costa County. It is here that you will find county offices.

Oakland

Oakland wears many hats; located in Alameda County, just across the bay from San Francisco, Oakland offers 19 miles of coastline to the west and rolling hills to the east, showcasing stunning views of a crystal clear bay, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges looking out towards the Pacific Ocean.

Orinda

The City of Orinda is situated in southwest Contra Costa County and is just 30 minutes from San Francisco. A newer city, Orinda was just incorporated in 1985 after more than 100 years of slow growth. Some think Orinda is the most beautiful city in Contra Costa County.

Moraga

Moraga, previously Rancho Laguna de los Palos, Colorados, was once Mexican land grant to Joaquin Moraga and his cousin Juan Bernal. Located in Contra Costa County, this cozy town has a population of 16,600. Joaquin Moraga’s home still stands today, on a small hill overlooking Miramonte High School. It is still a private home and is designated a California Historical Landmark.

Pleasant Hill

The city of Pleasant Hill is a vibrant community, rich in educational resources and recreational open space; proudly claiming a thriving, award winning downtown and business district. Centrally located in Contra Costa County, with Interstate 680 and BART, running north/south offering easy freeway access to Oakland and San Francisco.

Pleasanton

Located in the Tri-Valley Region of Alameda County, Pleasanton is a community of 70,000. A family oriented community with numerous parks, recreational facilities, shopping, dining and business opportunities, charming downtown area, Pleasanton has been designated as the wealthiest mid-size town in the country.

San Leandro

San Leandro is a suburb of Oakland and San Francisco, sitting on the western edge of Alameda County and the San Francisco Bay. A moderately sized city of 85,000 with a mild climate and diverse population, San Leandro is easily accessible by car, bus, BART and freeway.

San Ramon

Once a part of Mission San Jose providing grazing land for mission sheep, it later became Rancho San Ramon. American settlers arrived in 1850 when a couple named Norris purchased acreage from the owner of the land grant. Many of San Ramon’s founding families are remembered today because various hills, streets and canyons carry their names. As often happens, San Ramon has had several names including Limerick, Brevensville and Lynchville. When the first post office was establish, it was called San Ramon and the name stuck.

Union City

Named after founders John & William Horners steamboat “The Union”, Union City was settled in 1850 and began to grow during the Gold Rush. Disappointed gold miners discovered that the fertile soil was ideal for farming. Over the next generation other industries also began to thrive including salt production, beet sugar factories and flour mills.

Walnut Creek