If so, then you MUST know the pros and cons for Alamo CA before living here!
Alamo CA History
Beginning
Alamo was first inhabited by the Tatcan Indians over 5000 years ago. The Tatcan Indians, a Bay Miwok tribe closely connected to the Saclans of Walnut Creek, lived in Alamo in the eighteenth century.
In 1843 much of the Alamo, Las Trampas and Tice Valley areas were granted to brothers Inocencio and José Romero. It was called Rancho El Sobrante de San Ramon. Because of missing title papers, the brothers lost their ranch in American courts in 1857.
The Jones family returned to Alamo in 1851, after California had become a state. John became the first postmaster in 1852 and she applied her considerable energies to schooling children and beginning a Cumberland Presbyterian church.
Why Alamo?
The area was named Alamo, which comes from the Spanish word álamo, meaning “poplar” or “cottonwood.” Because of its location and climate, Alamo grew quickly. An early road from the redwoods near Moraga ran through Tice Valley to Alamo, since Americans preferred redwood for building materials instead of Mexican adobe brick.
The Hemme, Bollinger, Jones and Stone ranches began by grazing cattle and raising wheat and other grains. In 1891 the Hemme train station was placed near today’s Hemme Avenue; later it was renamed the Alamo station.
Andrew Young park (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia: Kyle Hawton)
Oldest in the Valley
The Alamo post office is the oldest continuously operated one in the valley. It was always an important community gathering place. According to longtime postmaster Bertha Linhares, when the mail was expected the men
Just a little background, Alamo is bordered between Walnut Creek on the Northside and Danville on the Southside. It can be accessed from the 680 freeway. Of all the six cities in the Tri-Valley area, Alamo is probably the most unique.
Smallest population
Alamo has the smallest population in the Tri-Valley area. It’s approximately 15,000 compared to Livermore, which is over 88,000.
Of all the six cities in the Tri-Valley, it is the most expensive place to live. Yikes. I just gave away the biggest con, which is ‘cost–of-housing’!
Elephant in the room
What I’m going to do in this blog is start off by addressing the elephant in the room, which is cost of housing. This way we can end on all the neat stuff this city has to offer.
It may surprise you what my #1 reason is to live in Alamo!
Alamo’s downtown area is a bit congested. You also need to be mindful of pedestrians and especially bicyclists sharing the roads.
Number 3: Limited shopping and restaurants
Limited shopping and restaurants
The city has some great restaurants and a few convenient strip malls to purchase your everyday items. However, your choices are limited!
Number 4: No BART station
No BART station
BART stands for Bay Area Rapid Transit. These are electric trains. The nearest station is Walnut Creek. Fortunately, this is only about five miles away.
Number 5: No nightlife actives
No nightlife
Alamo, like all the Tri-Valley cities, doesn’t have much nightlife activity. Not sure if this is a con. However, if you’re planning to go out in the evening to enjoy dancing, comedy, concert, you’re not going to be able to do this on a regular basis in Alamo.
They both have large kid areas, barbecues, and open grass fields. Livorna has a bocce ball court and Hap McGee has a dog park and an interactive educational center.
Number 3: Close to Walnut Creek BART station
Close to Walnut Creek BART station
Alamo is close to Walnut Creek BART Station. You’re just a few minutes away from Walnut Creek BART station. From there, you can go to Oakland or San Francisco in a little over 20 to 30 minutes.
Number 4: Close to downtown shopping
Close to shopping in Danville and Walnut Creek
Alamo is close to everything. Being its location right next to Walnut Creek and Danville allows Alamo residents to have numerous dining and shopping options.
My number one reason to live in Alamo is their residential real estate.
Yes, it is expensive, but for those who can afford it, there is quite a variety of properties to choose from. So now I’m going to discuss what Alamo’s residential real estate has to offer. When looking at Alamo from an aerial view, it’s laid out in a rectangular configuration.
Alamo
West side
West side
On the west side of Alamo, right off of Danville Boulevard, you’ll find single-story ranch homes built from the early 1920s to the mid sixties. Some of the properties have good size lots over 20,000 square feet. The original home sizes were on the smaller range from 900 to 1300 square feet. Many of the homes have been completely remodeled. Some have added additions to the property.
Many homes on the West side of alamo have been completely remodeled
As you go further up the West side, you’ll find newer homes built in the seventies and eighties. Now, these are larger two-story homes ranging from 3000 to 4,000 square feet. Some with lot sizes over an acre.
Alamo has some homes with lot sizes over an acre
There are also custom-built homes. Some as recent as 2020.
Views of Los Trampas Ridge
Many of these homes in the area have views of the Los Trampas Ridge.
Custom homes in Alamo
East side
Going East on Livorna and Stone Valley Road are newer homes built from the fifties on. You’ll find a large variety of properties from track homes to custom mansions.
Some Alamo properties have horse stables and corrals
Some of these homes with large lots have a horse stable and corral.
One more thing
Before I leave Alamo’s residential real estate, I want you to know Alamo does have two bedrooms, two bath condos with a garage under $700,000. The area is Alamo Villages.
Alamo Villages
This can be perfect for the first time home buyer, relocation buyer, rental property, or if you’re downsizing.
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This concludes my pros and cons for Alamo, California. As you can see for a small city , Alamo has a lot to offer.
I hope you enjoyed this article. Please let me know if you have any questions. Warren
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