With its stunning scenery, excellent schools, and strong equestrian culture, the Contra Costa community of Alamo is a favorite among families.
“Alamo is a very family-oriented community, and it has bigger lots than Danville,” said Ellen Anderson, senior vice president and regional manager for Pacific Union’s Contra Costa County offices. “It has a bit of a rural feel to it because there are a lot of horse properties.”
Alamo is part of the highly ranked San Ramon Valley Unified School District. In 2012 the district earned an overall state Academic Performance Index score of 927 out of 1,000.
An unincorporated community of 14,600 residents, Alamo relies on the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District for emergency services. Alamo offers an easy commute with convenient access to Interstate 680.
The area is primarily residential, with stunning views of Mount Diablo and the rolling Contra Costa hills. The Alamo Plaza shopping center houses various stores, including a Safeway supermarket, and a variety of restaurants.
Other favorite eateries include the Alamo Cafe diner, Yan’s China Bistro, and Forli Ristorante. For a wider array of options, Alamo residents head to nearby Danville or Walnut Creek.
The 17-acre Hap Magee Ranch Park in Danville is a favorite spot for hiking and picnicking. The park also has a water feature for children and a dog park.
Founded in 1959, Alamo’s Round Hill Country Club offers golf, tennis, aquatics, and a restaurant. Homes that back up to the club golf course remain especially popular, Anderson said.
Other sought-after Alamo neighborhoods include the Stonegate community, Round Hill Estates North, and Alamo Ridge.
In March the average price of Alamo homes for sale were up nearly 6 percent from a year earlier at $1.13 million for single-family residences, according to MLS data.
“Listings are down 42 percent and days on market are very short,” Anderson said. But there’s one piece of good news for prospective buyers, Anderson noted: “Homes are not selling for way over list price because the prices there are higher to begin with.”
(Photo courtesy of John Morgan, via Flickr.)