Castro Valley

Castro Valley is located only a short drive away from the cities of San Francisco and Oakland. It is a laid-back city with parks, great shopping, numerous restaurants, and cute cafes. Most people who live in Castro Valley are working professionals in the industries of sales, management, or administrative support. Over the past few years, Castro Valley real estate has become increasingly more valuable. Giving you the best of both a small-town feel, with proximity to the big city, there are endless opportunities. Whether you want canyon or bay views, Castro Valley offers it all.

Castro Valley

Castro Valley is located only a short drive away from the cities of San Francisco and Oakland. It is a laid-back city with parks, great shopping, numerous restaurants, and cute cafes. Most people who live in Castro Valley are working professionals in the industries of sales, management, or administrative support.

Over the past few years, Castro Valley real estate has become increasingly more valuable. Giving you the best of both a small-town feel, with proximity to the big city, there are endless opportunities. Whether you want canyon or bay views, Castro Valley offers it all. 

Neighborhoods

Every neighborhood in Castro Valley is different. This is why you will need to decide what you are looking for. Whether that is somewhere for your children to play in a park nearby, amenities, land, or views. Decide what is most important to you, and you can narrow down your search a bit more, to find the perfect property for you.

Five Canyons

Known for having a wonderful recreation center nearby, you can enjoy a basketball, tennis court, and a playground for the kids that is only a walk away. Whether you are looking for a condo or single-family home, Five Canyons feels exclusive. There are over 300 acres of walking trails, and the traffic is safe enough for a child to walk to the neighbor’s house. 

 

Notable schools include Montessori School at Five Canyons, as well as Independent Elementary School which is well known for having wonderful teachers.

Palomares Hills

Having been around since the mid-80s to late 90s, Palomares Hills is a beautiful neighborhood. Although similar to Five Canyons, there is also a park in the neighborhood that allows you to rent a grill on weekends and holidays.

Palomares Hills got its name for a reason. There are plenty of trails to explore over the hills, and even hiking groups to join. One of the highest-rated schools is also nearby, Jensen Ranch School. With a huge social connection, you will be able to connect with a variety of different people in your neighborhood. 

Briar Ridge

The Briar Ridge neighborhood gives you beautiful mountainous views. With a relaxed atmosphere and extremely well-maintained properties, Briar Ridge features single-family homes and 2-3 bedroom townhomes only. Most of these have enclosed garages, and it truly feels like a community. The only downside is there are fewer recreational amenities than in other neighborhoods, but the sense of community is wonderful.

Jensen Road 

If you are looking for a large lot, customized home, and rolling canyon as well as bay views, then Jensen Road is where you need to be. Although this neighborhood doesn’t offer a recreation center or amenities, the homes make it worthwhile. If your budget allows, Jensen Road is one of the best places to be for a large and beautiful home.

One thing to note is that Jensen Road also has narrow roads. This means that it tends to feel a bit more rural than other parts of Casto Valley. Whether this is something you like or do not like, it affords more privacy and has allowed for the architecture of homes here to be non-uniform. This is truly living on an estate.

Green Ridge

This neighborhood is known for single-family, Eichler homes. This means that they are built with an emphasis on modern design. Although mid-sized, they are extremely valuable with a median sale price of $1,400,000. With beautiful open concepts, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, and large airy rooms, these are grand displays of homes. The lots are large, and there is an incredible view from most homes. 

Columbia 

The Columbia neighborhood offers both well-kept amenities and parks. With a variety of open spaces, ridge views, bay views, and a network of walking trails, these houses are mid to large-sized. Each home is individual, giving them a sense of independence. 

Known to be more expensive than other neighborhoods, Columbia offers kiddie pools, a Jacuzzi, a basketball court, and Cull Canyon Park. Overall this neighborhood offers a lot for those that reside here, and the price reflects.

Things to Do

Castro Valley Marketplace

Best Marketplace

From sustainably farmed produce to humanely raised meat and naturally fermented breads, a tremendous collection of culinary talent has been gathered together to offer food that is not only incredibly delicious, but food that you can feel good about.

 

Westover Vineyards

Best Adult Activity

Head to Westover Vineyards where you can have a glass of wine and relax in the sun. With a variety of wines, you can choose your favorite and bring home a bottle, or bring one for dinner. They are specifically known for their port wine and sparkling. Although made for adults, Westover Vineyards allows you to bring your children as well. Be sure to ask to see the chicken coop and winery dog outback!

Castro Valley Urban Farmer’s Market

Best Outdoor Market

Hosted every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, the Castro Valley Urban Market offers everything you could ever need or want food-wise for your home. Bring the kids or friends and grab a bite to eat while listening to live music. From seafood to fresh cheese and meat, along with eggs, and a host of organic produce. Avoid the grocery store and support your local farmers and businesses. 

Castro Valley Fall Festival

Great Fall Activity

Each year the Castro Valley Fall Festival hosts 60,000 people. With 15 food booths, a children’s area, and three music stages, this even if more than you’re average county fair. Usually hosted in September and operational from 10 am‑6 pm. Fun for the whole family.

Lake Chabot Public Market

Best Year-Round Food Stall Market

Operating from 11 am to 630pm every day, this public market hosts over five food and dessert restaurants inside of a large building. Grab a beverage from inside the huge refrigerator or a Korean snack. There is a lot of parking and plenty of outdoor seating. Perfect for a quick bite or a day date. 

Castro Village Shopping Center

Best General Shopping Area

Your life is busy and this is why the Castro Village Shopping Center is so ideal. This shopping center offers great coffee, a bank, even a mortgage broker. Existing in Castro Valley for over 60 years, you will most likely make new friends or bump into old ones. With different eateries, stores, and services, this center is truly the heart of Castro Valley.

Restaurants

J.D’s Breakfast and Lunch

Best Diner Style Breakfast

Recommended by "Diablo" magazine as the best breakfast in Castro Valley, J.D.'s offers over 12 different omelet options,  as well as strawberry French toast, and other tasty delights. Known for a variety of homemade pies to take home, there are plenty of options and all are good. Whether you are heading out on a road trip with the kids, looking for a hearty breakfast, or simply looking for that diner atmosphere, J.D’s is the place to go.

Lucca’s Italian Deli

Best Italian Deli

Known as a Castro Valley “tradition,” Lucca’s Italian Deli is authentic. With Italian cookies, shaped pasta, candy, and more. Grab a frozen Italian dish to enjoy later or an incredible sandwich for now.

Genghix Asian Fusion

Best Asian

Ever notice that it can be difficult for the whole family to decide on a restaurant? One child wants sushi, the other wants Chinese food, you want Thai, it can be difficult to decide. Any time you are looking for a mixture of Asian food Genghix is your go-to. With premium food selections you can’t go wrong with any of the options available on the menu.

Doug’s Place

Best Brunch

Offering a homey atmosphere, Doug’s is known as a Castro Valley staple. Known to be more upscale than many of the other diner-style breakfast places in Castro Valley, Doug’s offers large omelets and home-brewed ice tea.

Dino’s Restaurant

Best Upscale Dinner

If you are looking for a wonderful night out then Dino’s is where to go. Specializing in Italian and American cuisine, you can find every variety of steak and seafood dishes on the menu. Whether you are looking for a classic chicken parmigiana, or prefer something like clams. Each entree comes with side dishes and offers a separate children's menu. With a full bar, wine list, and beer menu, you cannot go wrong with Dino’s.

The Doolittle

Best Bar

Offering great service and a nice atmosphere for adults, the Doolittle is the opportunity to “Do little” once in a while. Hosting a stocked bar complete with the ability to make killer cocktails, such as rum punch, lavender martini, and Hennesy sour (complete with egg white foam). Reasonable prices are something you normally don’t find in the bay area. Expect to spend around $80 per couple for three rounds.

Beauty and Relaxation

Studio W Salon

Best Salon

Offering beer and wine while you get your services, the Studio W Salon is a high-quality and top care salon. With a fair rate and fantastic stylists on deck, you are sure to have a professional experience regardless of your gender.

Holiday Spa

Best Luxury Spa

Everyone deserves a day of relaxation now and again. Holiday Spa is a luxury day spa that offers innovative and relaxing spa treatments. This establishment provides guests with the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. Holiday Spa is perfect for a day of pampering or to relieve your day-to-day stress.

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