Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek CA — neighborhood review

Walnut Creek, CA

Walnut Creek · Contra Costa County · CA 94596

Updated August 4, 2026 · Would You Live There?

Think twice

Verdict

$1.3M

Median Price

67/100

Walk Score

5/10

Schools

38 min

to Downtown San Francisco

Score Breakdown

FAffordability
15/100
D+Safety
55/100
D+Schools
50/100
CQuietness
60/100
B-Commute
70/100
C+Walkability
67/100
WYLT Score53/100

Our Take

Walnut Creek offers top‑rated schools and a nice suburban feel, but its cost of living is high and the area is very car‑dependent. Rents and home prices are steep, and public transit and walkability are limited. If you value excellent schools and amenities over affordability, it could work, but otherwise you might want to look elsewhere.

B.

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Map

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The Good

  • Excellent public school system
  • Good parks and green space
  • Short commute to SF (~38 mins)
  • High quality of life and amenities

Real Talk

  • !Housing and rent prices are very high
  • !Limited walkability and public transit options
  • !Heavy traffic and car dependency
  • !Higher cost of living overall
  • $High property taxes
  • $Elevated utilities and maintenance costs
  • $Car insurance and parking fees

Best For

Families with childrenProfessionals commuting to SFRetirees wanting amenitiesTech workersPet owners

Risk Snapshot

Flood riskLow
Violent crimeModerate
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityGood
Price volatilityModerate

Crime & Safety

Walnut Creek, CA

D+

Safety grade

Safety score55 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Moderate
3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+

5% higher than the national average

🔒Property Crime
Moderate
19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+

2% higher than the national average

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From Residents

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wouldyoulivethere.com/report/walnut-creek-ca-94596