Nestled in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, Walnut Creek combines suburban comfort with city amenities. The city encompasses 1,800 acres of open space, featuring Shell Ridge and Lime Ridge trails for hiking and outdoor recreation. Downtown Walnut Creek features Broadway Plaza shopping district, while the Lesher Center for the Arts hosts performances and cultural events. The rental market shows a 1.7% annual increase, with one-bedroom units averaging $2,476 and two-bedroom homes typically renting for $2,953. Notable areas include Parkmead, Walnut Heights, and the Northgate district.
Established in 1849 along what early settlers called "Nuts Creek," Walnut Creek has grown into a community of over 70,000 residents. The Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for exploring outdoor spaces like Heather Farm Park and the Ruth Bancroft Garden.