As the birthplace of actor Tom Hanks, it’s no surprise that Concord, California gives off a welcoming cibe. “People love the friendliness. All the neighbors seem to know each other, but they’re also willing to give you privacy and space,” says Realtor Denisen Hartlove, who works with the Dudum Real Estate Group and has lived in Concord for over 20 years.
Situated in the outskirts of the East Bay, Concord, with around 120,000 residents, is the largest city in Contra Costa County. It sits in the shadow of Mt. Diablo, one of the tallest mountains in the San Francisco Bay area and its location makes it well-suited for nature lovers who still want big city amenities.
Concord is largely a bedroom community for San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Oakland, where many residents work. The city’s largest employers are the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and John Muir Medical Center. It was once a home to a major U.S. Navy weapons depot, but those operations have relocated over the last few decades.
This Concord neighborhood boasts tree-lined streets and friendly suburban appeal.
Exploring the hidden gems of Islandis is always a delightful adventure.
Unique home styles are abundant in the Crawford Village neighborhood in Concord.
Cowell/Canterbury is about five miles from major thoroughfares, including I 680.
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Bountiful retail in Downtown Concord
Dating back to 1868, Downtown Concord’s Main Street offers a dozen walkable blocks. From downtown, people stroll to entertainment options like a movie theater or to public transportation including Concord Station. Sunvalley Mall on the town’s western edge, is filled with clothing stores, food court options and an arcade. Nearby open-air malls with clothing and home goods stores include Willows Shopping Center and The Veranda. For a strip mall of big box stores and chain restaurants, people can head to Clayton Valley Shopping Center on the eastern side of Concord or Oak Grove Plaza in the southern part of the city. Along main road Monument Boulevard, locals can go to a retail hub of big box stores, chain restaurants and diverse local eateries.
Venture over to Todos Santos Plaza and enjoy the many shops and eateries surrounding the plaza.
Las Montañas Supermarket in Islandis is your one-stop shop for fresh produce.
Digger's Diner serves up delicious comfort food in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Enjoy classic BBQ flavors at Barney’s Hickory Pit, a local favorite in Concord.
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Todos Santos Plaza and outdoor recreation
When the city was founded it was called Todos Santos. The name changed in 1869 to honor Concord, Massachusetts, but the old name lives on at Todos Santos Plaza. The 2.5 acre plaza is the heart of the city and is equal parts playground, community green space and event venue. The city park hosts community events, including a year-round farmers market and a summer concert series.
On the city's southern border, the expansive Lime Ridge Open Space offers 1,226 acres of nature where hikers and bikers can access over 20 miles of trails with scenic views of Mount Diablo. The mountain is a regional hotspot for outdoor recreation, with plenty of trails and overlooks.
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride at the Todos Santos' Pride in the Plaza.
A Santana Tribute band plays as the crowd vibes to the rhythm of the electric guitar.
Cyclists enjoy challenging climbs and stunning views at Mt. Diablo Devil's Elbow.
Lime Ridge Open Space has benches to sit and enjoy the scenery.
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The Toyota Pavilion
At the Toyota Pavilion at Concord, locals can watch concerts in an amphitheater that can hold 12,500 people. It has seating close to the stage, a lawn section and a concessions area. The West Wind Solano Drive-in offers an old-fashioned movie experience with double features and hosts a weekend flea market. For a waterpark, residents can visit Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord, which offers a lazy river and a wave pool.
Less expensive housing within reach of the big city
Built around a historic downtown, Concord’s grid-style blocks of single-family homes from the early 1900s are on the western side of the city. As those city blocks become looser, they extend into a sea of cul-de-sac subdivisions that makes up most of the city’s housing. The median single-family home price in Concord is $815,000, making it a far more affordable option than San Francisco and Silicon Valley where prices are sky high. A few of Concord’s newer subdivisions have homes that cost more than $1 million, but prospective buyers can also find condos and manufactured homes for around $250,000. “The lower end of the price range is attractive for first-time homebuyers and those who are priced out of other areas of Contra Costa County,” Hartlove says. Homes in Concord stay on the market for 21 days in contrast to the national average of 41 days.
The area is known for its hot, dry summers and mild winters. In 2024 temperatures peaked at 110 degrees Fahrenheit and then soared back over 100 degrees as late as October. Concord is also at a high risk for wildfires.
Early 1900s Craftsman homes in Concord feature wide porches and detailed woodwork.
Ellis Lake—where every sunrise is a new beginning in your dream home.
Traditional homes in Holbrook Heights showcase timeless architecture and charm.
Crawford Village is also home to some Spanish-influenced homes.
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Highly rated schools
Students attend schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, which earns a B-plus grade according to Niche. The district has A ratings in diversity and college prep. It serves approximately 29,000 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 23-to-1. Some nearby higher education options include regional campuses for Unitek College, California State University East Bay and the Gurnick Academy.
Unleash your potential in the inspiring setting of Concord High School.
El Monte Elementary School has a book-sharing system for students.
Woodside Elementary School is part of the Mount Diablo Unified school district.
Mt. Diablo High School is the Home of the Red Devils,
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Concord crime
Concord’s violent crime rate is roughly equal to the statewide average. In December 2023, for instance, the city’s violent crime rate was 100 per 100,000 residents, while California’s was 99. Its property crime rates are slightly higher however, with 217 property crimes reported for every 100,000 residents, compared to 195 statewide. The Concord Police Department offers services like the Community Impact Unit to help with quality-of-life issues and the Coordinated Outreach, Referral, & Engagement Team that supports unsheltered people with supplies and housing referrals.
Commuting around the East Bay and beyond
With easy access to Interstate 680, commuting is a breeze for Concord residents. It’s about 20 miles to Oakland, 30 miles to San Francisco and 50 miles to Silicon Valley. Public transportation includes local and regional bus routes operated by County Connection, while those who prefer traveling by rail will find a BART station just outside the downtown district. The John Muir Health, Concord Medical Center is the city’s largest hospital, and the closest major airport is Oakland International, about 30 miles west.
Welcome to your one-stop source for real estate services covering the Central Contra Costa, Alameda and Southern Solano Counties. In Solano County Chris specializes in the cities of Fairfield, Green Valley, Cordelia and Benicia. In Central Contra Costa County he specializes in the cities of Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Concord, Clayton, Martinez, Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek. Real estate is one of the most exciting investments one can make, and it should be a fun and rewarding experience. Here you'll find everything you'll need to buy or sell a home, as well as learn about the market value of homes you may own in the area. It is his goal to provide you with superior service at all times, so please tell him more about you!
Chris is a long-time resident of Central Contra Costa and Real Estate Broker who specializes in selling residential properties in Alamo, Danville, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Clayton and Concord. His straight-forward, honest style has helped bring a loyal following of clients who he has enjoyed working with over the years, many with multiple transactions. He is fortunate for their referrals, as they are a main source of my business today.
Chris has leveraged his real estate success to forge long term relationships with his past clients, friends and family. He focuses on his clients needs and serving them with the utmost care, respect and integrity. Currently Chris has expanded his coverage areas to include, Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties. During the last seven years he has completed over 750 Broker Price Opinions (market evaluations) and successfully closed 275+ transactions in the years (2007-2019). He focuses on lifelong learning and helping his clients achieve their goals.
His goals are to help others achieve wealth through Real Estate while building a single source solution company with Sales, Investment, Loan and support companies combined for client wealth management. His specialties are that he is technologically focused with high levels of competency and application understanding. Proven track record of timely reporting with informative and accurate assessments of market conditions. Extensive knowledge of service areas and local Real Estate markets and customary practices. Accessible, Ethical, Responsive, Accountable, Committed and Dedicated. Focused on clients needs and preserving capital value and highest returns
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