If you are planning on moving to Livermore, you’ll find beautiful farmlands, ranches, and over 50 wineries. Livermore is known for being California’s oldest wine region, home to award-winning wineries, including the Wente Vineyards, Concannon Vineyard, Cresta Blanca Winery, and many others With numerous delicious restaurants and high-quality schools, Livermore is a good place to live.
Livermore is also a hub for science, technology, research, and innovation. The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory was the co-discoverer of several new superheavy elements. The lab is also the location of the world’s highest-energy laser.
Livermore is home to the longest-burning incandescent light bulb in the world. The light bulb was installed at a local firehouse in 1901, and it’s still burning today.
Situated in the Tri-Valley region east of the San Francisco Bay Area, Livermore was founded in 1869 as a railroad town, named after Robert Livermore, a local rancher who settled in the area in the 1840s. The town became a stopping point for thousands of prospectors after the Gold Rush began in 1848, who were on their way from San Francisco to the Sacramento area gold country. Livermore was incorporated as a city in 1876.
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Where Is Livermore?
Livermore is in Alameda County, about 34 miles east of Oakland and 46 miles east of San Francisco. It is the easternmost city in the San Francisco Bay area. The city sits in the Livermore Valley, which is part of the Tri-Valley area that includes Amador Valley and San Ramon Valley. Nearby cities in the Tri-Valley are Dublin, Pleasanton, and San Ramon. The Livermore Basin is one of five aquifers in the San Francisco Bay Area that supplies water to the metropolitan Bay Area population.
Livermore Information
- Livermore County: Alameda
- Livermore Area: 26.45 sq mi
- Livermore Zip Codes: 94550, 94551
- Livermore Area Code: 925
- Livermore Elevation: 495 ft
- Livermore Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- Livermore Closest Airport: San Jose (SJC) Airport, 23.5 miles away
Livermore California Population & Demographics
The population of Livermore is 86,803. It ranks as the 93rd most populated city in the state of California. The city has seen a 7% growth rate since 2010, although the population declined by about 2.0% between April 2020 and July 2021. The population density in Livermore is 3,300/sq mi. Livermore is part of the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley metropolitan area, which is the 13th largest metro area in the United States, with an estimated population of 4,623,264. Alameda County is the second most populated county in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkely area, with a population of 1,682,353. Livermore is the 6th largest city in the county.
Those living in Livermore includes many famous people, including Max Baer, a heavyweight champion boxer in the 1930s, and Randy Johnson, a professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball for 22 years. Randy was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Livermore Demographics:
- % men vs women: 49.8% men, 50.2% women
- Median age: 40.5
- Racial and ethnic composition:
- White: 50%
- Hispanic: 25%
- Asian: 16%
- Two+ races: 7%
- Black: 1%
- Islander: 1%
- Median household income: $130,111 (about 10 percent higher than the amount in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA Metro Area ($116,005), and about 1.5 times the amount in California ($84,907)
- Educational attainment:
- High school graduate or higher: 92.9%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 44.3%
- Foreign-born population: 20.6%
Transportation in Livermore California
Moving to Livermore isn’t hard. Interstate 580 is the main east-west freeway near Livermore. To the west, it connects to Oakland in a little less than an hour’s drive. From there, Interstate 80 takes you to San Francisco. Heading west from Livermore, Interstate 580 is about 30 minutes from Interstate 5, which runs north-south the entire U.S. west coast, including Seattle and San Diego. Interstate 680 is an alternate route to Oakland and San Francisco. You can also take Interstate 680 south to San Jose in about 1 hour. Route 84 is an alternate route from Livermore to San Jose.
The Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) commuter rail service runs from Stockton to San Jose during peak hours. The 86-mile route includes ten stops, one of which is in Livermore. Located near downtown, the Livermore station allows for easy access to bus connections.
The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, which serves the San Francisco area, is planning to expand from nearby Dublin to Livermore, providing an easy commute from Livermore to San Francisco.
The Livermore-Amador Valley Transit Authority, known as Wheels, is located near Downtown Livermore. It provides local routes and access to the Ace commuter train, Amtrak Motor Coach buses, and Greyhound buses. Wheels also provides bus transportation to nearby cities Dublin and Pleasanton, and the Dublin BART station.
San Jose International (SJC) Airport is the closest airport to Livermore, about 23.5 miles away. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 24.9 miles away, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 33.5 miles.
Cost of Living in Livermore
A cost of living index compares the expenses from one city to the national average, which is 100. A number higher than 100 means the cost of living in that city is higher than the national average. If the number is lower than 100, the cost of living is below the national average. The index includes expenses for food, shelter, transportation, energy, clothing, healthcare, and childcare. The average cost of living in Livermore is 172, which is 72% above the national average and 32% higher than the average in California.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $123,239 per year to afford to live in Alameda County.
Typical Livermore Living Expenses (Numbeo):
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $30.00
- Meal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal): $8.00
- Domestic Beer (1 pint draught): $5.50
- Water (12 oz small bottle): $1.50
- Local Cheese (1 lb): $7.00
- Apples (1 lb): $1.99
- Banana (1 lb): $0.74
- Potato (1 lb): $1.23
- Gasoline (1 gallon): $5.54
- Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult: $110.00
- Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat: $12.00
Average Monthly Bills (Doxo):
- Avg. bill costs: $3,287 per month
- Mortgage: $2,877
- Auto Insurance: $177
- Average Livermore Utilities Per Month: $302
- Health Insurance: $122
- Cable & Satellite: $82
- Mobile Phone: $98
Taxes in Livermore California:
- Sales tax: 10.25%
- Property tax rate: 0.82%
- Income tax rate: 9.3%
Livermore Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices
The housing market in Livermore is very competitive. Homes in Livermore receive two offers on average and sell in around 23 days. The Livermore median home price is $1.1M, a 6.9% increase from last year. Home prices in Livermore are well above the national average of $428,700 and the average in the state of $816,804. The average sale price per square foot in Livermore is $593.
The average rent in Livermore is $2,554 for a 779 sq. ft apartment, according to Rent Café. The most expensive neighborhoods include Vercanta Pleasanton, Sofi Fremont, and Creekside Village. Some of the most affordable apartments are at Gardens at Ironwood, Muirlands At Windemere, and Niles Station.
Livermore Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Livermore
Livermore has many desirable neighborhoods with excellent schools and top-notch public amenities, parks, and recreational activities. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Livermore:
Northside – Best Commuter Neighborhood
The average price of a home in Northside is $805,327. It’s very close to downtown for work and shopping, with options ranging from detached homes, duplexes, and apartments. It’s also close to the bus station with seven nearby bus stops. Coffee shops and restaurants are close by.
Brookmeadow – Great Amenities in Livermore California
Brookmeadow is a beautiful neighborhood with median home prices at $816,681 and a median rent of $1,976. The neighborhood amenities include a clubhouse, community pool, spa, greenbelt, playground, and tennis courts. Brookmeadow is a great place for families, with nearby parks and playgrounds.
Ponderosa Legacy – Luxury Homes in Wine Country
Ponderosa Legacy offers premium luxury homes in a beautiful, vineyard setting right in the heart of South Livermore’s wine country. The homes were built between 2002 and 2005 and feature 4 and 5 bedrooms between 3500 and 4500 sq ft, 3 and 4-car detached garages, and sit on 1/3 to 1/2 acre lots. Some of the lots back up to vineyards. The neighborhood features country vineyard homes, front porches, and lots of wood trim. The interiors have plenty of space, gourmet kitchens, wine cellars, and luxurious master suites. Property prices start at around $1.7 million.
Livermore Weather & Climate
The Köppen Climate Classification climate for Livermore is dry-summer subtropical or Mediterranean. The average temperature in Livermore is 59.3°F. July is typically the warmest month, with an average high of 87°F and a low of 58°F. The coolest month is January, where the average low is 40°F, and the high is 57°F. Livermore gets about 18 inches of rain a year. The US average is 38 inches. Livermore averages 0 inches of snow per year. The best time to visit Livermore is in June, May, or October.
Livermore Restaurants
Livermore is more than just a wine destination. Livermore offers fine dining, casual eateries, and everything in between. Here are some of the best places to eat in Livermore:
Strizzi’s Restaurant
Strizzi’s Restaurant offers fresh fish entrees and fine Italian sauces and pasta, and this romantic restaurant is perfect for date night. Strizzi’s is a fine, traditional Italian restaurant that has won Diners’ Choice awards for all three of its locations – Livermore, Pleasanton, and Fremont.
2205 First St, Livermore, CA 94550, 925-456-2200
Posada Restaurant
Get a taste of contemporary Southwest cuisine at Posada Restaurant, featuring delicious food, a chef’s table, a full bar, and an impressive wine list. The restaurant won the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2021 and 2022.
988 Murrieta Boulevard, Livermore, CA 94550, 925-606-1004
Monica’s Livermore
Monica’s is located in one of Livermore’s original wineries in Livermore. Monica’s Livermore brings you handcrafted breakfast and lunch American comfort food. They use natural, local, organic, and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. Monica’s is a farm-to-table restaurant that utilizes local growers, ranchers, brewers, and winemakers to create the best available ingredients.
2074 Second Street, Livermore, CA 94550, (925) 292-5568
Things to Do in Livermore
What is there to do in Livermore? It offers plenty of shopping, arts, outdoor activities, and cultural events. Here are some of the best things to do in Livermore:
Top Livermore Attractions
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Centennial Light Bulb – this light bulb has been continually burning since it was originally installed in 1901. It’s located at the historic East Avenue fire station. See it before it finally goes out!
Boomers – play mini golf, laser tag, race go-karts, or enjoy the bumper boats. Plenty of challenging and fun arcade video games will keep the fun going for hours.
Livermore Rodeo – the oldest event in Livermore, the rodeo is held every year in June at the Robertson Park rodeo grounds.
The Course at Wente Vineyards – this 18-hole championship course is surrounded by woodlands, vineyards, and rolling hills. The course has been used as part of the PGA Tour.
Livermore Museums, Entertainment & Arts
Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center (LVA) – the LVA presents more than 40 performances a year, including music from western swing, classic rock, and jazz, as well as dance, acrobatics, theater, and comedy.
Livermore Wine Trolley – explore and experience historic vineyards, rolling hills, scenic canyons, beautiful golf courses, and excellent wineries. Visit three popular wineries and enjoy wine tastings and a custom-ordered, deli-style lunch as part of the tour.
Lawrence Livermore National Lab Discovery Center – take a peek at state-of-the-art research programs and innovative scientific discoveries. Learn about Earth and Atmospheric Science, Bioscience and Bioengineering, Lasers and Optical Science and Technology, and more.
Livermore Parks & Outdoors
Lizzie Fountain Park – located at the corner of First Street and South Livermore Avenue in downtown Livermore. In the summer, the park’s fountain features a popular splash pad outdoors.
Sycamore Grove Park – whether hiking, biking, walking, or jogging, you’ll have 847 acres of open space park to explore. The vast network of trails is suitable for casual visitors and experienced hikers.
Robert Livermore Aquatic Center – the 45,000-square-foot center is perfect for kids with a lap and recreational swimming pool, lessons, water polo, and exercise classes. At the zero-depth-entry activity pool, kids can enjoy waterfalls, water cannons, and a 22-foot-long spiral water slide.
Shopping in Livermore
San Francisco Premium Outlets – shop at over 180 stores with top brands and designer names in California’s largest outdoor outlet shopping mall.
Republic Square at Livermore – with five restaurant buildings, two quick-service retail buildings, and one retail building, you’ll find the answer to all your shopping needs at Republic Square at Livermore.
Map Of Things To Do In Livermore
Sports in Livermore
Livermore is home to the West Coast Training Center, a state-of-the-art gymnastics training center. The facility includes the only Acrobatic Gymnastics team in the Livermore / Pleasanton area. West Coast’s Acrobatic Gymnastics Team is one of the best competitive teams in the United States. Kristen Allen and Michael Rodrigues were the first mixed pair to win gold in Acrobatic Gymnastics at the World Games and the second to win gold at the World Championships for the USA.
Livermore Crime Rate
Livermore is a safe place to live; the total crime rate is 21% below the national average, or 1,853 crimes per 100,000 people. The violent crime rate is 54% below the U.S. average, and the property crime rate is 21% less than the rate nationally. The homicide rate is 1 per 100,000 people, much lower than the national average of 6.5 per 100,000 people.
Here is how Livermore compares to other cities of similar size:
Ft Myers, FL:
Total crime rate – 23% higher than Livermore
Violent crime rate – 87% higher than Livermore
Property crime rate – 11% higher than Livermore
Erie, PA:
Total crime rate – 19% higher than Livermore
Violent crime rate – 82% higher than Livermore
Property crime rate – 12% higher than Livermore
Bryan, TX:
Total crime rate – 27% higher than Livermore
Violent crime rate – 91% higher than Livermore
Property crime rate – 15% higher than Livermore
The Livermore Police Department has 88 sworn officers.
Jobs in Livermore
The most common industries in Livermore are professional, scientific, technical services, construction, educational services, and health care.
According to Payscale, the average salary in Livermore is $94,000 a year. The major employers are Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Sandia National Laboratories, and Lam Research. You can find jobs in Livermore here.
Livermore Schools
The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District is an award-winning district with A+-rated schools. The district has 9 elementary campuses, 2 K-8 schools, 3 middle schools, 2 comprehensive high schools, and 2 alternative schools. The District offers International Baccalaureate Programmes, Green Engineering Academy, Dual Immersion Program and Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) pathways for students.
The Livermore Public Library has 4 locations plus a digital library with eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming movies, educational resources, and digital magazines.
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