New job in Walnut Creek, CA

[tstieber]

I'm originally from WC and still have family there. It's pretty cool, and vibrant and bustling enough to keep you interested on a daily basis. The suburban neighborhoods are more family oriented, but the downtown is more dense and busy, and more geared towards childless households. It's not as urban/hip as Rockridge, and a bit more upscale-chain-restaurant oriented, but it's still got a lot going on in terms of places to eat, walk, shop, get ice cream, etc, plus you get such nice weather and scenery out there most of the year, that you'll have great recreational opportunities like hiking, tennis, golf, swimming, that you wouldn't get in a more urban area like Rockridge. However, Rockridge would be my close second choice with a 20 minute BART commute.

[ttocs99]

Originally Posted by tstieber

I'm originally from WC and still have family there. It's pretty cool, and vibrant and bustling enough to keep you interested on a daily basis. The suburban neighborhoods are more family oriented, but the downtown is more dense and busy, and more geared towards childless households. It's not as urban/hip as Rockridge, and a bit more upscale-chain-restaurant oriented, but it's still got a lot going on in terms of places to eat, walk, shop, get ice cream, etc, plus you get such nice weather and scenery out there most of the year, that you'll have great recreational opportunities like hiking, tennis, golf, swimming, that you wouldn't get in a more urban area like Rockridge. However, Rockridge would be my close second choice with a 20 minute BART commute.

Your description is spot on, BUT, you mentioned upscale-chain-restaurants, but really, there are just as many non chain restaurants in WC as there are chain. And to me, that's what makes it special for a foodie. I took an East Coast relative to Tulio's for some pasta one time, he absolutely loved it, said "this is East Coast quality". My Dad (from NYC) absolutely loves Hubcaps for breakfast or a burger and shake. I love Genoa's for a great sandwich and salads. There are just tons of these types of restaurants that aren't part of the chain restaurants. Granted, once in a while I just wanted a good steak and would go to Ruth Chris', or wanted to go to Cheesecake factory, but that's the beauty of WC, you have those choices. As well as chain stores, I can't tell you how much time I spent in WC's Apple Store, bought my first iPod there in 2004. Just a great city WC.