Pleasanton is located in the East Bay at the intersection of Interstate 680 & 580. With quick access to both Silicon Valley or San Francisco, it is the perfect place to live should you want to work, but not live, in the big cities. With many nationally ranked schools such as Amador High School, families will be incredibly happy to send their children to public school.
Although Pleasanton is a somewhat large community of over 75 neighborhoods, it has a small-town feel. There is an adorable downtown area, tree-lined streets, and hundreds of acres of dedicated open space. If you enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring nature, it is a perfect place for you to be.
Downtown Pleasanton offers turn of century homes, while other gated communities offer incredible golf courses. Most people living in Pleasanton have at least a Bachelor’s degree, making it a very educated place to raise a family, or live overall. Families, couples, and single people alike can find a home throughout this city in one of the many upscale neighborhood options.
Great for families with incredible public schooling. Las Positas Gardens is a neighborhood with an urban and hip feel. There are many restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. If you want to live somewhere that is liberal and young, this is where you should be.
With an average median home value of $800,000, Pleasanton Meadows has a population of 10,312. With an urban and suburban mix, your children will enjoy running across the street to the neighbor’s house. The schools in Meadows are highly rated, with Pleasanton KinderCare as the best private school, and Amador Valley High as the best upper public school. This is a truly wonderful place to raise a family.
The average median home value in Willow West is $930,000. This has led to it being an area where most residents own their homes. It is known as the 6th most diverse neighborhood (out of 45) in Pleasanton. There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The public schools in Willow West are highly rated if you choose to send your children to public, rather than private schools.
This area has a sparse suburban feel. With the median home value being above $1,300,000, it will also be more exclusive than other parts of Pleasanton. 71% of residents have at least a Bachelor’s degree of education. This shows that the type of people living in Kottinger Ranch is educated. Overall, 43% of residents have children, and it is an extremely family-friendly area to live in, with great schools.
In North Sycamore the median home price is above $1.6 million. With only a population of 4,733, it offers a suburban feel. There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, with residents leaning towards the conservative side. 93% of residents own their own homes here, which makes it a very homey neighborhood. Foothill High School is one of the highest-rated in all of Pleasanton, and it is known as a great neighborhood for families as well as young professionals.
Known as one of the better neighborhoods for young professionals or young families, Willow West is also very diverse. The average home costs around $900,000, with the median household income being $123,000. Although this neighborhood is a bit less expensive than other neighborhoods, it is still a great place to live. Enjoy going to Bicentennial Park to relax and enjoy. Most homes are around 4 bedrooms, making it a bit more value for your money than other neighborhoods in Pleasanton.
Downtown Pleasanton is a wonderful place to go and spend time with your family or friends. Located in the very heart of the city, you can find more than 40 restaurants and dining establishments. Take a stroll, or learn about the history of the city.
The mall has every store you could think of. With over 165 stores, you can find children’s clothing, electronics, home goods, and more. There is also 20 restaurants. Whether you are looking for grab and go, or sit-down dining, there is something for everyone at Stoneridge Shopping Center.
Whether you enjoy a country club-style membership, or actually want to get out on the course, Callippe Golf Course is the place for you. With a wonderful restaurant, golf lessons, an exciting clubhouse, and even the option to have your wedding or event. This is a great place to enjoy time with your family or with friends close to home.
The Firehouse Theater offers the chance to enjoy music, poetry, theater, comedy, film, and more. You can experience world-class programming at a beautiful venue. The center is 20,000 sq. ft. and offers a 221-seat theater, along with a 2,000 sq. ft. fine arts gallery, and a 1,800 sq. ft. classroom space. The Firehouse Arts Center is connected to Downtown Pleasanton and an outdoor patio. It also sits adjacent to Lions Wayside Park.
Every year in October the Harvest Festival comes to Pleasanton. This is an arts and crafts fair that features artisans exhibiting American handmade items. If you are looking for jewelry, special food, clothing, photography, even hand-made wood creations, this is where to go. You can expect live music and a good time for the family.
Créatif is a modern art space. It is perfect for taking the kids, going with a group, or having a party. You can choose between pottery, canvas, or ceramic and create art. There is no time limit or studio fee, and it can be a great time for everyone. Head here on a rainy day when the kids are getting tired and antsy, or if you need a break in the summer.
Best Brunch
This restaurant is located on Main Street and offers everything from huevos rancheros to a breakfast pot loaded with eggs, potatoes, spinach, onions, bacon, cheddar, and sour cream. If you want something different check out the cheese blintzes or chicken curry. You can even find items on the menu such as mussels and frites or smoked salmon pasta.
Best Sandwiches
If you are looking for a sandwich, The Press can offer you what you’re looking for. Go for the pressed paninis or a breakfast sandwich with eggs, cheese, bacon, and veggies. Maybe you are in the mood for ciabatta or an avocado sandwich. Grab a coffee to go along with it and take it to a park nearby to enjoy.
Best Pizza
This restaurant is a family-owned pizzeria. For the last 50 years, Porky’s has been serving hungry customers. Guests can enjoy authentic pizzas made with hand-tossed tough, and a variety of different sauces. If you are looking for a place to take the family, or simply enjoy a different pizza (like the Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger) then this is where to go. All toppings are made from juicy, lean meats and garden-fresh vegetables.
Best Authentic Mexico
For all things authentic Mexican, Cocina Mexico is the place to go. This friendly, family-oriented establishment offers incredible dishes cooked perfectly. Check out the shrimp tacos, or cheese enchiladas with flour tortillas. If you want something to fill you up then go for one of their pork burritos. Head to the cute outside seating area and enjoy homemade chips and salsa.
Best Cafe
Bubble tea (also known as boba) is a hit with children and adults alike. Happy Lemon is a cozy bubble tea store that is known for its unique variety of drinks. You can find more than bubble tea here, enjoy fruit smoothies, or anything with matcha.
Best Smoothie
Vitality Bowls has a menu of different smoothies, juices, bowls, paninis, soups, and salads. Their specialties are the bowls that contain acai, almond milk, matcha, hemp seeds, almond butter, dates, banana, and kale. If you would rather you can also get a juice. We recommend the “Vitality Juice”, which blends apple, carrot, celery, and kale.
Best Bar
This brewery is more than just a bar, it is a full-fledged taproom. When you arrive you are given a wrist tag and you use it to serve yourself. Take as many ounces as you want and only pay for what you take. Bring your family during the day when there is no age requirement, and enjoy a day having tasty food and a few great beers.
When it is time to relax Hand & Stone offers every option to help you with that. They offer a full complement of specialty massages, facials, and enhancements. Check out some of the introductory offers valid to get a great price on massages, facials, or stone massages.