Alamo is an unincorporated community located north of Danville in the East Bay’s Contra Costa County. Only occupying a total area of approximately 10 square miles, it’s a small and compact community that enjoys close proximity to a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as an exciting dining scene and respected schools. According to the latest population estimates, Alamo is home to about 13,000 residents.
Life slows down in Alamo, which sits on the foothills of Mount Diablo, the most iconic geographic feature in the East Bay. The upscale community is largely residential, although there are several community amenities and local businesses located here and there. Downtown Alamo is the center of the action, where residents hang out to enjoy a nice cup of coffee or pick up some supplies.
Walnut Creek, Danville, Diablo, and Blackhawk are some of Alamo’s neighboring communities.
History
Like the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area, Alamo boasts a rich history. The area where Alamo stands is widely believed to have been settled by the Tatcan during the 18th century.
The Tatcan eventually gave way to European settlers and in the late 18th century, Alamo (as well as neighboring Danville) became a part of Rancho San Ramon. In the early 19th century, this Mexican land grant was awarded to Mariano Castro and Bartolo Pacheco.
This ownership did not last very long, for in the 1840s Alamo, along with Tice Valley and Las Trampas, wasgiven to the Romero brothers to form the Rancho El Sobrante de San Ramon. This also did not last, as the American courts took the ranch away in 1857 due to missing title papers.
Most of Alamo’s foundation is credited to Mary Ann and John Jones, who came to settle in Alamo with their family in 1851. John Jones became Alamo’s first postmaster. Other notable “founding members” of Alamo include Silas and Susanna Stone, David Glass, James Foster, and Captain Wall. They derived the name “Alamo” from the Spanish word for poplar.
Real estate and property types in Alamo
Homes for sale in Alamo, CA are predominantly single-family homes and luxury properties. Lot sizes tend to run large in this Northern California oak country neighborhood, with average lot sizes recorded at half an acre. Housing options are a mix of old and new, with newer and more upscale residences built on larger lots. Contemporary styles are in fashion in Alamo real estate, as well as French Country styles that complement the local landscape well.
Living in Alamo
- Hotspot for outdoor recreation – Alamo’s location makes it an ideal launch pad for outdoor adventures in the area. Hiking and biking trails are plentiful in the area, with the 33-mile Iron Horse Trail proving to be one of the most popular. Most especially, the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness’ northern reaches are located within community boundaries, with jump-off points located off Danville Boulevard. Alamo’s western side is dominated by a large chunk of Diablo Foothills Regional Park.
- Easy transport – Alamo is a top choice for bedroom communities in the East Bay as the community is served by the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). Two major thoroughfares (Interstate 680 and State Highway 24) also run through the area, easily taking commuters to Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Sacramento, and the Wine Country.
Find your dream home in Alamo
Learn more about new homes in Alamo CA, and Alamo luxury homes to find out why Alamo is one of the best places to live in Contra Costa Valley. Browse our website or get in touch with us today at 925-389-8920 or email Zach@TheKnappTeam.com.
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