Area advice from Walnut Creek/Pleasant Hill locals. (apartment hunting) (Fresno: apartments, violent crime)

[RobertJason]

I am moving from Fresno, CA to Walnut Creek, CA. I was originally looking in Berkeley, but decided I couldn't get much sq footage for the price. I also like the idea of a safer city. So, this weekend the hunt is on for Walnut Creek / Pleasant Hill.

Based on a $1200, min 600 sq ft limit, and online reviews... I've narrowed it down to these 9 locations. I am hoping a local can tell me if any of these complexes or neighborhoods should be avoided.

I'm looking for safety first. I don't mind driving to shops, being near a bart might be nice though. If you know of another complex, please recommend them.

In no order (w/ nearest cross streets):

Ygnacio Village
(Ygnacio Valley Rd & Civic Dr, Walnut Creek)

The Gate Apts
(Sunvalley Blvd & Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill)

Hillview Apts
(San Miguel Dr & S. Broadway, Walnut Creek) Just SE of Broadway Plaza

Vista Palms (hampton place)
(Boulevard Way & Saranap, Walnut Creek) by 680 and 24 merger

Alpine Court / Capri Apts
(Mt Diablo Blvd & Alpine Rd, Walnut Creek) by 680

Grayson Creek
(Chilpancingo Parkway & Contra Costa Blvd) by 680 and Sunvalley Mall

The Terrace Apts
(Gergory Ln & Contra Costa Blvd) near downtown pleasant hill

Creekside Court
(Main & Creekside, end of culdesac, Walnut creek)

The Pines
(Ygnacio Valley Rd & Walnut Blvd) NE of Broadway Plaza


Thanks for your help,

Robert

[tstieber]

Robert, I would check out the police logs on the Contra Costa Times (cctimes.com) to see if any of those areas have safety issues. Over the years, I've always heard about a lot of car break-ins around Creekside Drive. Other than that, these are all really close together and I would just drive over there and check them all out. Some places are older than other, some are quieter, etc. but in general, downtown Walnut Creek is a very safe place all around.

[RobertJason]

Thank You tstieber,

I drove down and looked at a few of them. It's tough dealing with apartment managers sometimes. :-) I ended up in The Pines (Walnut Dr and Ygnacio). It seemed like a nice neighborhood.

Thanks again for the help.

Robert

[markswc11]

I would choose Grayson Creek. I work at MOVE 4 LESS a moving company in downtown Walnut Creek and have seen a lot of apartments over the years. I will say some of the prices have been coming down fast in Walnut Creek though. We are located at 1430 Arroyo Way pretty close to some of the apartments you have singled out so I have a good idea what's good. If you have any questions give me a buzz at 925-309-6197.

[ttocs99]

One great thing about Walnut Creek, is the lack of violent crime. I believe in the history of Walnut Creek, there have been two shooting deaths, and both of those were the cops killing the bad guys. I never felt threatened or scared in WC.

[batransplant]

I guess you didn't hear about that guy who was breaking into womens apartments and raping them the past couple of months iin WC. They finally caught him a week ago and he pleaded "not guilty".

[tstieber]

Originally Posted by batransplant

I guess you didn't hear about that guy who was breaking into womens apartments and raping them the past couple of months iin WC. They finally caught him a week ago and he pleaded "not guilty".

He's been all over the news. Of course he pleaded "not guilty," because he doesn't feel guilty about it, ha! But really, how common is that in Walnut Creek of all places? Walnut Creek is generally extremely safe, with the only high incidents of car break-ins around Creekside Drive over the years. You could pretty much walk alone at night almost anywhere in Walnut Creek.

[lmk1707]

Walnut Creek is not violence-free, though I wouldn't say it's anything to be worried about due to the rarity, though normal precautions are always a good idea. There was a murder-suicide a couple years ago, and at one point there was a spree involving a rapist targetting women on the jogging trails (still freaks my mother out even though it was awhile ago). Last year I was at a stoplight in WC and saw someone get out of their car, approach the car in front of them, and start beating up on the driver through the window.

[lvolleyer]

Do certainly check out The Diablo Pines. Great location.

[JoeAngelina]

Originally Posted by batransplant

I guess you didn't hear about that guy who was breaking into womens apartments and raping them the past couple of months iin WC. They finally caught him a week ago and he pleaded "not guilty".

Didn't that happen on Creekside Drive?