Unincorporated Town,
Contra Costa County
© McCormack's Guides
Zip Codes: 94803, 94820
Scenic
valley east of San Pablo, site of
much residential building in last 20 years. Great views from the hills. www.mccormacks.com
The
valley is governed by two agencies, the county government and the City of
Richmond — a point of confusion. Richmond has been annexing parcels in
the valley for decades. Almost all the new developments are in Richmond. Many
residents will not distinguish between the two; they'll say, I live in El
Sobrante.
But
for home buyers it's important to note the difference. If you live in the
county (unincorporated) section, sheriff's deputies provide protection. If you
live in the Richmond section, Richmond police do the patrolling. See Crime.
Richmond has a parks department. The
county does not (but residents outside city limits can play in Richmond parks
and join recreation classes sponsored by the city government).
Click for regional or detailed map
Census
(2000) counted 12,260 residents in unincorporated El Sobrante, the “county”
part.
West
Contra Costa Unified School District serves all. School scores bounce around
the middle. Thanks to the passage of four bonds, almost all the schools in the
district are to be renovated or rebuilt and given modern equipment. In 2004,
voters approved a tax to retain many sports and academic program in West Contra
Costa district. Schools www.mccormacks.com
Despite
congestion, a reasonably good commute compared to ones from other towns. El
Sobrante is only 14 miles from the Bay Bridge toll plaza (but often these are
slow miles). The Eastshore Freeway has been widened and improved.
San
Pablo Dam Road — affectionately, sometimes not, called the Dam Road
— leads directly to Central Contra Costa and its jobs.
Much
to do at nearby regional parks and San Pablo Reservoir, which is open for
hiking and fishing. Close to Tilden, one of the best regional parks in the Bay Area.
A lot of watershed just east and south of town gives it a country feeling.
Library. Typical sports, activities for kids. A few miles from the bay.
Striking
Sikh temple, peach colored, onion dome.
Newer
neighborhoods are decidedly middle class. Older neighborhoods generally a mix
of blue- and white-collar. Business district is trying to make itself
pedestrian friendly. www.mccormacks.com
Hilltop
Mall, which has a Macys and a Penneys, only a few miles away.
Chamber
of commerce (510) 223-0757.
