Lower Lakewood - Walnut Creek, CA

Lower Lakewood is established on land that was once inhabited by the Bolbones Indian Tribe. In 1860, the 529 acres of rolling hills were purchased by William and Louisa Ish Rice, and Robert and Anne Burgess. Homestead Lake was created by a dam in 1909, and the Burgesses began to develop the land. When the Caldecott Tunnel was built in 1936, demand for homes in Walnut Creek and Lakewood increased as the population moved out from the cities around the Bay. Eventually, Walnut Creek annexed Lakewood in 1957.

Lower Lakewood’s Elementary school Indian Valley’s is so named for the Native American history in the region, and Ygnacio Valley Road is named for the builder of the original mansion built as early as 1850. Some of the original adobe-style homes from the early 1900s are still standing around Homestead lake.

Lower Lakewood itself is street after street of residential homes, but mere minutes away is downtown Walnut Creek, a veritable United Nations of cuisine. No matter if you crave authentic ethnic dishes or modern fusion food the impressive diversity of restaurants may trick you into believing you have arrived in downtown San Francisco or New York City, not Walnut Creek. Peony Garden is just one example of the integration of immigrant culture into the restaurant scene. Peony Garden features an inviting and modern Asian decor with authentic Chinese dishes. This restaurant serves both dine-in and carry-out.

The Bay Area has nearly perfect weather, especially in Walnut Creek and the East Bay, therefore you can enjoy outdoor dining year round. Warmth radiates out onto the streets from each restaurant’s patios from clusters of heat lamps in the winters. Fragrant floral arrangements hang from planters on patio walls the rest of the year. Va de Vi Bistro and Wine Bar welcomes guests to their perfect patio with a beautiful pond feature and long alleyway lined with bistro tables. The eclectic menu offers small plates, cheese platters and dessert tastings.

If you want a low-key evening of drinks and conversation, most restaurants in Walnut Creek have full-scale bars in house. But, if you want to hit the dance floor and do not want to drive to Oakland or San Francisco, check out the smattering of high-energy clubs in Walnut Creek. For a cover charge of around $10, Redux Lounge hosts a DJ serving up beats on a state-of-the-art sound system. Bottle service is available for groups who plan to dance all night, and you can sign up for the guest list for Friday or Saturday nights on its website.

The roads in Lower Lakewood are almost all two lane, snaking around the foot hills of Mount Diablo. Most residents depend on a car to get around town, though the neighborhood has excellent access to Bay Area Rapid Transit, or BART, the Bay Area’s commuter train system.

The whole of the Bay Area is fairly bicycle friendly. The winding roads through Lower Lakewood will warrant some extra safety gear on your bike. Consider a blinking red light for the back of your bike, a rear-view mirror for your helmet and a headlight for your handlebars. Also, although Lower Lakewood is safer than some other areas in the East Bay, be sure to carry a bike lock if you plan to leave your bike in the racks at the BART station or carry them into the city.

It’s not easy for pedestrians in Lakewood to get into downtown Walnut Creek for the lack of sidewalks on most streets, as well as the distance on foot. But if you’re planning to have a few drinks and would like to leave your car at home, calling an Uber or hailing a cab is a simple solution.

Parks are what the East Bay does best, and Lower Lakewood has made its contribution. Right at the southwest edge of the residential neighborhood, you will find the Lime Ridge Open Space with acres upon acres of rolling hills, green in the winter to spring and golden from summer to fall. Visitors can bring their mountain bikes for a ride, or you can just plan a moderate hike. Bring along your dog, as most locals are comfortable letting their pups off-leash. Prepare yourself to see some animals on your trip, from the possible discovery of a rattlesnake to the likely discovery of grazing cattle.

As for playgrounds for children, Lower Lakeland is a little lacking. But don’t be discouraged, as Civic Park is right downtown and has fantastic play strictures for the little ones. There are also city events scheduled though out the year, so you can meet up with your neighbors and relax for a picnic or to see a concert in the park.

Northern California is one of the priciest regions in the country, and Lower Lakewood is no exception. A one-bedroom apartment in the area averages about $1,558 a month. Gas prices run about 12 percent more than the national average, and highways can be very congested, so access to BART comes with a premium. A one-way trip into Oakland on BART costs just $3.40 and San Francisco, $5.10. Even though some of the meal prices in high-end restaurants can be hefty, a bottled beer will only set you back about $5 to $6.

The Main Street area of downtown Walnut Creek is the nearest shopping location for Lower Lakewood residents. Multiple grocers give shoppers choice, from Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or Safeway. Visit the Farmers Market of Walnut Creek just a few blocks to the north on a Sunday for fresh produce, veg and goods. Many of the top retail establishments have locations downtown as well, including H&M and World Market. But these major chains are not the only gem in the neighborhood.

Independent boutique stores are peppered through the main shopping centers. All within walking distance from the parking structures, you can find vintage outfitters and European style clothing shops. If you stop into Jeu de Jupe it will seem as though you stepped into an elite French boutique in Lyon. There is no struggle to find elite clothing designers from at least ten countries displayed on the racks along the walls.