Martinez
Historic county seat with waterfront trails
The vibe
Contra Costa's historic county seat mixes a charming downtown, a marina, and miles of shoreline and hill trails. A genuine small-town downtown with antique shops, breweries, and Amtrak.
The housing
Victorian-era downtown homes, mid-century neighborhoods, and newer developments toward Pleasant Hill.
Who it's great for
Buyers who want downtown charm, weekend trails, and central-county convenience.
Getting around
Amtrak station, Highways 4 and 680.