Are you searching for a peaceful suburb offering a close-knit community and a small-town feel? Then, you may want to consider moving to Alamo, California.
Alamo is a census-designated place in the East Bay area of Northern California. Named after the Spanish word for popular tree, Alamo is known for its beautiful estates and breathtaking views of the Mount Diablo Valley. In 1843, most of the Alamo and the surrounding area was granted to brothers Inocencio and Jose Romero, although they eventually lost their ranch because they didn’t have the proper title papers.
In 1847, pioneers Mary Ann and John Jones traveled through the area and noted its scenic beauty. A few years later, they returned and were joined by other prominent pioneer families, leading to the creation of a settlement.
Today, Alamo is an affluent area inhabited by wealthy families who want a picturesque suburb with excellent schools, a great community spirit, and natural beauty. For those who may be planning on settling down in this breathtaking community, here is everything you need to know about living in Alamo, CA.
Where Is Alamo?
Alamo is in Contra Costa, California. It’s situated at the northern end of the San Ramon Valley, between the Las Trampas Ridge and the Diablo Range. That’s why so many nature lovers are living in Alamo CA.
It’s also just a few miles east of Mount Diablo. Interstate 680 passes directly through Alamo, offering easy access to San Francisco and San Jose. Nearby cities include Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Walnut Creek, and Clayton.
A major benefit of moving to Alamo is its proximity to major cities. It’s 28 miles or a 40 minute drive from Alamo to San Francisco and 45 miles or a 50 minute drive from Alamo to San Jose.
Alamo Populations and Demographics
The Alamo population was 15,314 as of the 2020 census. The number of people living in Alamo CA has increased slightly over the years, going up by 5.1% between 2010 and 2020. It still maintains a fairly spacious, suburban atmosphere, and the Alamo CA population density is 1,471 residents per square mile.
Alamo is a very affluent community with many families and retirees living in Alamo CA. The median age is 50.8 years old, and 21% of residents living in Alamo CA are under 21, while 24% are 65 and older. The median household income is over $250,000, which is more than double the rest of California. There are many celebrities living in Alamo CA, including NBA player Steph Curry and software entrepreneur David Duffield.
Most people in the community are caucasian, and the Amano population is 76.6% white (75% white, non-Hispanic). Although 10.4% is Asian, 7.4% is Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% is Black or African American, and 9.7% is two or more races.
Other Alamo CA demographics
- 50% of people living in Alamo CA are male, and 50% are female
- 98.8% of residents have a high school diploma, and 76.3% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 13.3%
Living in Alamo CA is very safe. The total Alamo crime rate is only 1,160 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 50% lower than the national average and 59% lower than the California crime rate. The violent crime rate is also 45% lower, and the property crime rate is 51% lower. So if you’re concerned about the crime, moving to Alamo might be the perfect place.
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department handles law enforcement in the community. It has over 1,100 employees, of which about 700 are sworn officers.
Cost of Living in Alamo CA
The cost of living in Alamo CA is higher than the national average, although it has plenty to offer those with a budget. A good way to assess the cost of living in an area is to look at the cost of living index.
It compares the prices of regular consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100. The COLI for the San Francisco and Alamo Bay Area is 170, indicating that living in Alamo CA is about 70% more expensive than the rest of the US.
The Family Budget Calculator developed by the Economic Policy Institute is also a great resource. It shows that the typical family of four, with two adults and two kids, needs to make $184,113 to afford the cost of living in Alamo CA, and Contra Costa County overall.
Typical expenses when living in Alamo CA
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $4.03
- 1 gallon of milk: $5.44
- Bunch of bananas: $0.84
- Hamburger: $6.44
- Loaf of bread: $4.61
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.66
- Visit to the doctor: $170.94
- Average Alamo monthly energy bill: $290.50
Source: Payscale
Alamo real estate, in particular, is very expensive, contributing to a higher cost of living. According to Redfin, the median price of houses for sale in Alamo, CA, is $2.175 million. That makes the average home price in Alamo, CA, 80% more expensive than San Francisco, which is also notoriously pricey. The median price per square foot is $811.
The vast majority of Alamo CA real estate is owner-occupied, and only 8% of properties are rented out. However, tenants will find a few options here and there. According to Rentcafe, rent prices for Alamo California apartments range from about $1425 to $2050. So tenants living in Alamo CA have a variety of options.
Alamo Neighborhoods
You’ll find a variety of exclusive communities featuring spacious lots, breathtaking views, and homes for sale in Alamo, California. While most areas have something to offer, some communities are more sought-after than others. So if you plan on moving to Alamo, here are a few of the best neighborhoods to check out with your real estate agent.
Stonegate | A Private, Gated Community At the Base of Mt. Diablo
Popular among families living in Alamo, Stonegate is an upscale, gated community of custom homes situated at the foot of Mount Diablo that features breathtaking views of the surrounding areas and a shared tennis court.
Jones Ranch Estates | A Luxury Neighborhood with Spacious Lots and Access to Shopping
Located on the west side of Alamo near the Alamo shopping center, Jones Ranch Estates is a sophisticated community with luxury homes situated on wooded lots ranging in size from 3,000 to 7,000 square feet.
Bryan Ranch | A Modest Community with Quiet Streets and Friendly Neighbors
Bryan Ranch is a peaceful community in the eastern part of Alamo that offers quiet streets, mature oak trees, and charming homes built in the mid-’80s to early ’90s. It’s ideal for older residents living in Alamo CA.
Climate & Weather in Alamo, CA
The weather in Alamo, California is fairly mild throughout the year. According to the Koppen classification system, it has a Mediterranean climate, which indicates hot, dry summers and cool winters. So, living in Alamo CA is pleasant throughout the year.
The temperature typically ranges from about 40°F to 80°F, although it can get as cold as 32°F in the winter and up to 91°F in the summer. The best weather in Alamo California is typically June through September.
You don’t have to worry about dealing with the snow, although it does get about 23 inches of rain per year. So it may be wise to bring an umbrella if you plan on moving to Alamo.
Things to Do in Alamo
For a small city, you will find an interesting selection of fun things to do in Alamo, CA. You’ll find plenty of great shopping and dining options at the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center in Alamo, CA, or Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. For more entertainment options, here are a few of the top Alamo attractions.
Hap Magee Ranch Park
The Hap Magee Ranch Park is a 17-acre community park between Alamo and Danville that features ball fields and a tunnel of tubes that spray water for summertime fun. It also has a dog park, making it a popular space for canine companions living in Alamo CA.
1025 La Gonda Wy, Danville, CA 94526 (925) 314-3400
Round Hill Country Club
The Round Rock Country Club is one of the premiere social hubs for residents living in Alamo CA. It features a challenging 18-hole golf course, a 4,000-square-foot tennis clubhouse, bocce courts, a dining room, and other upscale amenities.
3169 Roundhill Rd, Alamo, CA 94507 (925) 934-8211
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Outdoor Paint and Picnic
Outdoor Painting and Picnic is among the best things to do in the Alamo with friends on a sunny weekend. It’s an outdoor painting studio located on a scenic property that hosts lessons, birthday parties, and other fun events.
1251 Laverock Ln, Alamo, CA 94507 (925) 786-3739
Additional Attractions in Alamo
If you’re looking for more fun things to do while living in Alamo CA, the Contra Costa County Parks and Recreation Department also has resources, including a list of public facilities, available on its website.
Alamo Restaurants
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, you’ll be pleased to find a wide selection of delicious restaurants in Alamo, CA. Here are a few of the top Alamo CA restaurants.
The Peasant’s Courtyard
The Peasant’s Courtyard is one of the best restaurants in Alamo, CA, if you want an interesting selection of American and European plates, a full bar, and outdoor seating.
3195 Danville Blvd, Alamo, CA 94507 (925) 362-0088
Alamo Cafe
For those living in Alamo, CA looking for casual bites, The Alamo Cafe is a popular local eatery that serves classic breakfast and lunch fare, including eggs benedict and biscuits and gravy.
1 Alamo Square Dr, Alamo, CA 94507 (925) 743-8371
The Brass Bear Delicatessen
Located in the Alamo Shopping Center in Alamo, CA, the Brass Bear Deli is a local stable serving large sandwiches, gourmet salads, and made-to-order options.
190 Alamo Plaza Suite E, Alamo, CA 94507 (925) 820-4698
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Jobs in Alamo
Living in Alamo CA offers access to fantastic job opportunities in the technology sector, as well as other competitive industries such as healthcare, education, and transportation. The unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County also have a number of jobs in manufacturing, entertainment and hospitality and professional and management roles.
Major employers in Contra Costa County that provide jobs in Alamo, CA:
- Bio-Rad Laboratories
- John Muir Medical Center
- Longs Drug Store
- Nordstrom
- Robert Half International
Workers living in Alamo CA are well-paid. Payscale shows that the average salary in the Oakland area is $92,000 per year. From fitness instructors to solar sales consultants, employment seekers will find a wide range of Alamo jobs available in exciting fields.
Alamo Schools
Living in Alamo CA offers access to top-rated schools. The majority of kids living in Alamo CA will attend schools in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, which consists of three public schools. Students in grades K-5 will attend either Rancho Romero or Alamo Elementary in Alamo CA, while students in grades 6-8 go to Stone Valley Middle School.
However, a small portion of students living in Alamo CA are zoned for the Walnut Creek Elementary School District and the Acalanes Union High School District.
Most students living in Alamo CA are zoned for Monte Vista High School in Danville. It’s a very highly respected school that ranks 76th in California and 563rd in the country, with a 98% graduation rate and 76% AP participation rate. It’s also fully accredited by the WASC and designated as a National Blue Ribbon School or California Distinguished School.
There are no private schools in the community itself; however, nearby schools such as the Noble Learning Academy in Walnut Creek or The Athenian School in Danville are open to students living in Alamo. Residents can also check out the San Ramon or Danville Branches of the Contra Costa County Public Library System for books and other media.
Alamo Statistics & Information
- Alamo County: Contra Costa County
- Alamo area: 9.82 square miles
- Alamo zip code: 94507
- Alamo area code: 925
- Alamo elevation: 259 ft
- Alamo time zone: Pacific Standard Time (UTC -7 and -8)
- The closest airport to Alamo: The Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 28 miles away
Alamo California Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do in Alamo with this map.
Find Out What Living in Alamo CA Is Really Like
Now that you know what living in Alamo CA is really like, you’re ready to plan your relocation. When your moving day comes, let our dependable Alamo CA movers help make the transition simple and efficient. Call (650) 284-2931 today for a free quote.
