Living in Ellinwood, Pleasant Hill, CA: Key Benefits
Additionally, A walkable, bike-friendly neighborhood in Pleasant Hill with strong schools and active living at its core.
About Ellinwood in Pleasant Hill
Ellinwood is a thriving residential neighborhood in Pleasant Hill that balances walkability with suburban comfort. Additionally, the area scores exceptionally high on biking infrastructure (83 out of 100) and maintains a respectable walk score of 71, making it one of the more accessible communities in Contra Costa County. With a median household income of $163,593, strong educational options, and 61% owner-occupancy, Ellinwood appeals to established families and professionals seeking stability without sacrificing everyday convenience.
Real Estate Market in Ellinwood
| Median home price | $745k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +3% to +5% |
| Price per sq ft | $625 to $675 |
| Median rent | $2,630 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 24 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 71 |
| Transit Score | 37 |
| Bike Score | 83 |
Additionally, the Ellinwood market reflects premium Pleasant Hill pricing, with homes appreciating steadily as families recognize the neighborhood's walkability and school quality. Competition remains moderate to strong among qualified buyers.
Homes in Ellinwood typically attract multiple offers within two to three weeks. Sellers appreciate pre-approvals and clean contingencies; expect to pay 2 to 4 percent over asking in a competitive period.
Who Thrives in Ellinwood
Ellinwood offers entry pricing for first-time buyers in Contra Costa who prioritize walkability and good schools without the price premium of Oakland or Berkeley neighborhoods.
Additionally, the 25% household share with children, abundant parks (Frank Salfingere, Cambridge, Pleasant Hill Park), and top-rated elementary schools like Valhalla (69.5) make this neighborhood ideal for raising kids.
Additionally, strong rental demand, 61% owner-occupancy, and median rents of $2,630 provide steady cash flow; the area appeals to value-add investors seeking suburban stability.
Additionally, with 12% working from home and excellent biking infrastructure, remote workers gain neighborhood connectivity and outdoor access without full-time commute stress.
Additionally, the median age of 42 and active lifestyle orientation suit younger retirees; transit access (score 37) requires a car for most errands.
Property Types in Ellinwood
Predominant form; well-maintained mid-sized lots with modern updates and outdoor spaces.
Smaller footprints appeal to downsizers and first-time buyers; often walkable to shopping and parks.
Additionally, limited new builds; most activity is renovation of existing stock, commanding premiums for modern kitchens and energy efficiency.
Living in Ellinwood, Pleasant Hill
Daily life in Ellinwood revolves around walkable shopping, parks, and fitness venues. Additionally, residents enjoy coffee at Mist Hookah Lounge or a quick Starbucks run, grab lunch at Jo's Honda Sushi or Outback Steakhouse, and shop at nearby Safeway and Grocery Outlet without a major drive. The neighborhood's 9-out-of-10 active living score reflects access to Diablo Rock climbing gym, Pleasant Hill Community Center, and the region's excellent biking culture.
- Outback Steakhouse · 1 min walk
- Jo's Honda Sushi · 1 min walk
- Tugboat Fish & Chips · 2 min walk
- El Aguila Mexican Cuisine · 5 min walk
- Oyama BBQ · 5 min walk
- Mist Hookah Lounge · 7 min walk
- Starbucks · 12 min walk
- Starbucks · 19 min walk
- Milk Tea Lab · 19 min walk
- Starbucks · 21 min walk
- Frank Salfingere Park · 16 min walk
- Cambridge Park · 17 min walk
- Pleasant HIll Park · 22 min walk
- Grocery Outlet · 11 min walk
- Safeway · 18 min walk
- Smart & Final · 21 min walk
- Del Valle Supermercado · 22 min walk
- FoodMaxx · 22 min walk
- Diablo Rock, Touchstone Climbing · 12 min walk
- Pleasant Hill Community Center · 16 min walk
- UFC Gym · 16 min walk
- 24 Hour Fitness · 18 min walk
- Row House Fitness · 23 min walk
- Veranda LUXE Cinema & IMAX · 21 min walk
- Arena Theater (AR) · 25 min walk
- Century 16 Downtown Pleasant Hill · 27 min walk
- Hurricane Harbor · 28 min walk
- Hurricane Harbor · 28 min walk
Annual events: Pleasant Hill hosts seasonal farmers markets, community festivals at Pleasant Hill Park, and family-friendly events tied to the performing arts center downtown.
Schools Near Ellinwood, Pleasant Hill
Additionally, ellinwood benefits from strong Contra Costa County schools with high parent satisfaction and solid test performance. The neighborhood feeds into Valhalla Elementary (69.5) and Sequoia Elementary (68.5) at the primary level, providing nearby, quality early education.
Elementary Schools
School Score 69.5 with 68% math and 71% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 68.5 with 67% math and 70% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 66 with 62% math and 70% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 39.5 with 32% math and 47% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 56 with 48% math and 64% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 48.5 with 42% math and 55% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 61 with 48% math and 74% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- De La Salle Academy – A Division Of De La Salle Hs (5-8) — 33-minute walk
- Spectrum Center-Valley Campus (5-7) — 34-minute walk
- Seneca Centers Olivera School (6-12) — 32-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Elementary students typically transition to Sequoia Middle (56) or Valley View Middle (48.5), then College Park High (61), maintaining neighborhood school continuity.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Ellinwood
Ellinwood's position in central Pleasant Hill provides reasonable access to major employment centers across the East Bay. Most residents drive; 64.8% commute by car, while transit serves as a secondary option for downtown commuters.
The neighborhood has bus stops along Ellinwood Drive and Contra Costa Boulevard; transit score of 37 indicates moderate transit access suitable for occasional trips rather than primary commute.
Neighborhoods Near Ellinwood
Not sure Ellinwood is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ellinwood
What is the average home price in Ellinwood, Pleasant Hill?
The median home value in Ellinwood is approximately $745,000, reflecting premium Pleasant Hill pricing driven by walkability, schools, and neighborhood stability. Additionally, prices range from $550k for condos to $1.2m for newly renovated homes. The neighborhood has appreciated 3 to 5 percent year-over-year, in line with broader Contra Costa County trends.
Is Ellinwood a good place to raise a family?
Yes, Ellinwood is excellent for families. Additionally, the neighborhood has strong schools like Valhalla Elementary (69.5 rating), 25% of households include children, and abundant parks including Frank Salfingere Park and Cambridge Park. Walkable shopping, youth sports, and a 9 out of 10 active living score round out family appeal.
What schools serve Ellinwood?
Elementary options include Valhalla Elementary (69.5) and Sequoia Elementary (68.5), both highly regarded. Middle school students typically attend Sequoia Middle (56) or Valley View Middle (48.5), then feed to College Park High (61) for secondary education. Private schools like De La Salle Academy are also nearby.
How safe is Ellinwood?
Additionally, ellinwood is a safe, well-maintained neighborhood with a poverty rate of just 5.3% and strong community engagement. Like most Pleasant Hill areas, it benefits from consistent police presence and active neighborhood associations that prioritize resident security.
Who is Ellinwood best suited for?
Ellinwood works well for families with children, affluent professionals seeking suburban comfort with walkability, first-time buyers stepping into the Pleasant Hill market, and retirees wanting active community. The 44.3% married household rate and 50.9% bachelor's degree attainment signal an educated, established demographic.
Can I bike around Ellinwood, or do I need a car?
Biking is excellent in Ellinwood, which earned an 83 out of 100 bike score and has one of the best cycling infrastructures in Contra Costa County. Daily errands to shops like Grocery Outlet, cafes like Starbucks, and fitness spots like Diablo Rock climbing gym are very bikeable. However, a car is useful for longer trips and transit options are limited (score 37).
Where this Ellinwood data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Find Your Home in Ellinwood, Pleasant Hill
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