Are you considering making the town of Danville your home?
Town of Danville
Well, you come to the right blog!
In this article, I will discuss the pros and cons for Danville, this way you should be good to go when I comes to deciding where you want to live.
Danville’s Background
Located between San Ramon & Alamo
It borders between Alamo and San Ramon, and can be accessed from the 680 freeway. In 1982, Danville became one of the incorporated municipalities in California that uses town in its name, not city. This is why it’s referred to as the Town of Danville, as opposed to Danville city.
Danville’s History
Heart of the San Ramon Valley
Often referred to as the “Heart of the San Ramon Valley,” Danville was first populated by Native Americans who lived near creeks and camped on Mount Diablo in the summer. Later, it was part of Mission San José‘s grazing land as well as a Mexican land grant called Rancho San Ramon.
The Railroad came to town
Southern Pacific Railroad began in 1891
Initially a farming community, the Town of Danville switched from wheat to fruits and nuts after the Southern Pacific Railroad built a spur line through the area in 1891.
Danville continued to grow. Farmers built warehouses and shipped crops by rail, and residents were able to travel to and from Danville.
Birth of the Suburbs
It developed as a residential suburb in 1947 when the first sizable housing tracts were constructed and its population boomed in the 1970s and 1980s.
Education
In 1910, a public high school district was organized and San Ramon Valley Union High School was built. A library opened in 1913 with 104 books. St. Isidore’s Catholic Church was first established in 1910. An Improvement League funded the first streetlights and paved roads in 1915.
Population growth
Danville continued as farm country into the 1940s. The Valley had a population of 2,120 people in 1940, growing to 4,630 by 1950. Developments such as Montair and Cameo Acres were built, the water and sewer districts extended their boundaries, and the new I-680 freeway which cut through Danville in the mid-1960.
Danville today and yesterday
Museum of San Ramon Valley
Many early Danville buildings remain standing today. The original 1874 Grange Hall exists as well, and the original Danville Hotel remains downtown which was last renovated in 2016. Many of the early pioneer names appear on the streets and schools, including Baldwin, Harlan, Wood, Love, Hemme, Boone, Bettencourt and Meese.
To truly appreciate all the charm and uniqueness the town of Danville has to offer, you must visit their historic downtown routes (Danville’s historic downtown) To do this, make sure you download their historic walking map. This way you can take a self guided tour visiting all the 28 preserved renovated buildings that offer amazing architectural beauty. One way to know if the building is a historic landmark will be a plaque mounted on the exterior of the building.
Number 3: Shopping
Danville has lots of shopping options
You’ll find many, one-of-a-kind boutique shops and stores in the downtown area.
The downtown area has numerous award-winning restaurants (Danville’s dining).
Danville also has several strip mall locations
Blackhawk Plaza
The one that my wife and I like to visit is Blackhawk Plaza. The mall features an open air center that combines a village style Mediterranean architecture with an aquatic landscaped interior. You’ll find numerous restaurants and shops surrounding the picturesque waterway. Before you leave, make sure you visit their world renowned Blackhawk Automotive and Culture Museum.
Number 5: Great schools
Danville has great schools
Danville has great schools. Many of their public elementary and middle schools have a nine out of 10 rating. And their two high schools, Monte Vista and San Ramon Valley have a 10 out of 10 rating according to Greatschools.org.
Number 6: Real Estate
Map of Danville
Danville’s residential real estate has a lot to offer. Looking at Danville from an aerial view, if you use the 680 freeway as a landmark or guide, you’ll find Danville’s geography is laid out pretty straightforward. The freeway conveniently divides Danville from West to East and South to North.
Numerous real estate options
West side
What is located on the old downtown area, the site of 680, is the West side. Here, you’ll find mature sought after single-family homes. Many have been beautifully remodeled. Some of the homes located on the West side have amazing views.
East side
The opposite side of 680 is the East side. Here you’ll find newer construction. There were several developments built over the years from the early 1960s, all the way up to 2000. You’ll find just about any style, size and layout from a one-story condo to a mansion located on several acres. Danville also has several gated communities. One of the largest is Blackhawk.
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Number 7: Weather
Danville has comfortable weather
Danville’s weather. Danville’s weather typifies a Mediterranean climate, so you have long summer with hot days and cool nights. Winters are cool with mild daytime temperatures, usually in the 50s, and nighttime temperatures, usually above freezing. The bottom line: mild weather with no snow.
Number 8: Safe town
Safe town
Danville is a very safe town. Danville has very low crime. In fact, for the last three years, Danville has been rated as the safest city in California.
The cons for living in Danville, California
Number 1: Cost of living
High housing costs
Danville’s cost of housing compared to the Silicon Valley is much less. However, if you travel approximately 14 miles North to the Concord area, a comparable home there would be less than half of what you would pay in Danville.
Number 2: Commute Traffic
Commute Traffic
Danville’s commute traffic. Commute traffic to the Silicon Valley and San Francisco is brutal. In fact, pre-pandemic, it can take up to two hours each way. What most commuters do is take BART if they work in Oakland or San Francisco. For those who commute to the Silicon Valley, most employers offer some kind of a commute bus with comfortable seats and wifi.
Number 3: No BART station
No BART station
Danville doesn’t have BART. BART stands for Bay area rapid transit. Now, these are electric trains that take passengers to various areas in the Bay area. The two closest stations are Dublin/Pleasanton and Walnut Creek. Each one’s approximately 10 miles each way. Here’s one thing I want to let you know. Under normal commute situations, BART parking is difficult, so you’ll need to arrive early to get a parking spot.
Number 4: Not much nightlife activities
No nightlife activities
Danville doesn’t have much nightlife activity. Danville’s basically a quiet town. Now, I’m not sure if this is a con. However, if you’re planning to go out in the evening to enjoy dancing, comedy, concerts, you’re not going to be able to do this on a regular basis in Danville.
Well, that concludes the pros and cons for living in Danville, California. Obviously, the pros outweigh the cons two to one. Okay.
I hope you enjoyed this article. Please let me know if you have any questions. Warren
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