Neighborhood Guides
Martinez
Martinez is a quaint little waterfront town, tucked in between rolling hills, open space preserves, and the south shore of the Carquinez Strait. Located off of Highway 4 and Interstate 680 south of the Benicia Bridge, it has a small town vibe with a rich history dating back to 1849.
Insider Tip
Famed naturalist John Muir lived much of his life in Martinez, and his home is a historic site.
Downtown Martinez is stacked with old brick buildings, train depots, tiny streets, cute little coffee shops like States Coffee, antique shops galore and fun micro breweries like Del Cielo. Martinez has many outdoor spring and summer time events, including a farmer’s market, classic car shows, antique fairs, and craft beer festivals. There are four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Home values are ideal for families who want to live in the central Bay Area with a more comfortable price point.
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Schools and infrastructure
Alhambra Valley
Located just off Highway 4 between the aptly-named Alhambra and Alhambra Valley Road, the Alhambra Valley neighborhood is nestled along the Pleasant Hill border. The area has many older ranch-style homes situated on large lots marked with mature oak trees. The area has easy access to the trails of Briones Regional Park. Mt Wanda Trailhead within the John Muir National Historic Site is a favorite hiking spot. You’ll fall in love with the natural beauty of the surrounding area. John Swett Elementary is conveniently located minutes away.
Notable streets
- Alhambra Valley
- Alhambra
- Forest Hills
Notable schools
- John Sweet Elementary
- Alhambra High School
Hidden Lakes
Located on the southern side of Martinez, Hidden Lakes is a great family-friendly, walkable neighborhood. It borders numerous trails that wind along the hills and parks with many entry points into the surrounding neighborhood. Like much of Martinez, Hidden Lakes has many ranch-style homes, often built in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. Along with the popular Hidden Lakes Park, nearby Hidden Valley Park also has great walking trails and a small lake to spend a little time fishing.
Notable streets
- Morello Ave
- Hidden Lakes Drive
- Elderwood Dr
Notable schools
Brittany Hills
For a town with two hundred years of history, Brittany Hills is one of its more recent developments, with larger tract-style homes built in late 1980’s and early 1990’s. It’s a family-friendly neighborhood walkable to parks and Morello Park Elementary. North of Highway 4, Brittany Hills has close proximity to shopping.
Notable streets
- Morello Hills Dr
- Brittany Hills Park Dr
Notable schools
Arreba
Arreba is the neighborhood that leads into the heart of Downtown Martinez with many charming original craftsman and bungalow-style homes built in the 1930’s through 1950’s. It’s the most walkable neighborhood and loaded with character.
Notable streets
- Warren Ave
- Berrellesa St
- Estudillo St
Notable schools
More neighborhood guides
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Pleasant Hill
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