Welcome to Brentwood, a once-sleepy orchard town in Contra Costa County that’s grown into one of the best places to live in the East Bay. Brentwood is home to rolling hills, tree-lined streets, and wide-open spaces that feel miles away from the hustle and bustle—yet Highway 4 still provides easy access to the rest of the Bay Area.
The median sale price sits around $778,000, according to Redfin, putting many listings in the high-end but attainable range for families chasing more square footage.
The U.S. Census Bureau pegs the average individual income at roughly $55,900—healthy numbers that match the city’s affluent, yet still down-to-earth, vibe.
Add in top-rated schools in Brentwood, low crime, and a wealth of outdoor activities (think hiking trails at Round Valley, biking the Marsh Creek Trail, or tee time at Brentwood Golf Club), and you get an overview for Brentwood that’s hard to beat.
Explore Brentwood’s Neighborhoods
Deer Ridge/Marsh Creek
Perched on foothill ridgelines with scenic vineyards out back, Deer Ridge wraps the fairways of Brentwood Golf Club.
The neighborhood’s single-family homes feel spacious, many featuring three-car garages and backyard pools. Because the streets are tucked away, there’s a tranquil vibe despite being only minutes from downtown amenities.
Sand Creek
Bordering open ranch land, Sand Creek blends newer construction with older ranch-style properties in the area, giving buyers plenty of architectural styles.
A brand-new shopping corridor is conveniently located, providing easy access to groceries, coffee, and fitness studios without sacrificing that “edge-of-town” calm.
Prewett Ranch
If you crave elbow room, Prewett Ranch delivers large lots, RV parking, and that rare Brentwood clubhouse/pool combo inside several micro-HOAs. Families like the family-friendly cul-de-sacs and proximity to Pioneer Elementary, while commuters appreciate convenient access to BART’s Antioch station.
Apple Hill
Apple Hill sits on the site of a former orchard and still feels semi-rural—think barn-inspired façades and extra-deep backyards ideal for weekend gardeners.
Yet the neighborhood’s internal park system keeps things active with basketball courts, picnic groves, and walking paths shaded by—you guessed it—apple trees.
Creekside Park
This pocket hugs Marsh Creek and its namesake greenbelt, giving residents front-row seats to wildlife and sunset walks. Though lots run smaller, homes lean high-end inside, sporting quartz counters and plank floors. The setting strikes a balance between open spaces and low-maintenance living.
Brentwood Center
Downtown’s historic corridor is Brentwood Center, a grid of 1950s cottages now peppered with wine bars, the local art museum, and the beloved farmers market where Farmshop chefs sometimes pop up.
It’s the spot for nightlife and community events—yet you can still snag starter-friendly bungalows that make a great first real estate experience.
Brentwood Villages
Behind its welcoming entrance sign, Brentwood Villages offers modern two-story homes ringing pocket parks and playgrounds—ideal for anyone seeking a community’s heartbeat.
Market stats hover near the city median, making it a solid value with plenty of featured properties coming online each month.
Brentwood Golf Club
Locals sometimes call this enclave Brentwood Country because the fairways dictate life’s rhythm here. Homes back directly onto manicured greens, and many come with golf-cart bays.
If you’re looking for homes for sale in Brentwood, CA that marry recreation and prestige, start your search here.
Summerset
One of California’s standout 55-plus developments, Summerset feels like a resort with multiple clubhouses, pools, and pickleball courts. The HOA even plans wine tastings that would make any Santa Monica Beach-loving retiree jealous. Price points are surprisingly attainable compared with coastal active-adult spots.
Shadow Lakes
Shadow Lakes climbs the rolling hills west of town, rewarding homeowners with panoramic sunsets. Open-concept floor plans, three-car garages, and proximity to hiking trails at Vasco Caves make it a magnet for Bay Area transplants seeking elbow room.
Garin Ranch
Garin Ranch sits close to Heritage High—one reason it’s considered among Brentwood’s best places to live for those prioritizing schools in Brentwood.
Craftsman façades, front porches, and planned block parties foster that classic welcoming community vibe.
Rose Garden
True to its name, Rose Garden is known for colorful landscaping and a landmark rose-lined entry boulevard. It’s family-friendly and dotted with tot-lots, while still near the retail hub at The Streets of Brentwood.
Sterling Preserve
Sterling Preserve feels upscale thanks to semi-custom builds on generous lots. Many homes feature outdoor kitchens—perfect for al-fresco dinners—and solar arrays that keep utility bills tame under the East Bay sun.
Barrington
Barrington blends high-end craftsmanship with commuter convenience—just minutes from Lone Tree Way and the future Foothill Road extension. Stucco exteriors, Juliet balconies, and optional casitas showcase Mediterranean-inspired architectural styles, while private trails meander past heritage oaks.
Summary of Brentwood’s Neighborhoods
From orchard-bordered Apple Hill to the golf-centric greens of Brentwood Golf Club, each neighborhood offers its own mix of amenity, price, and personality.
Whether you’re browsing listings for a starter cottage near downtown nightlife, or eyeing the luxurious fairway estates of Deer Ridge, Brentwood offers a neighborhood guide that spans every life stage without losing that trademark small-town charm.
FAQs About Neighborhoods in Brentwood, CA
Is Brentwood, CA safe and family-friendly?
Absolutely. Low crime rates, top-rated schools, and many parks keep the city on short lists for family-friendly relocations. Residents often cite the community’s block parties and youth sports leagues as reasons they love to live in Brentwood.
How does Brentwood compare price-wise to other East Bay suburbs?
Median prices hover around the high-$700 Ks—higher than Antioch but lower than upscale hubs like Lafayette—making Brentwood a sweet spot for buyers wanting bigger lots without San Francisco sticker shock.
Which Brentwood neighborhood is best for commuters?
Shadow Lakes and Barrington sit closest to Highway 4 and future Foothill extensions, providing easy access toward Pittsburg BART or Livermore tech corridors while still feeling tranquil at night.
Are there new-construction options?
Yes. Sand Creek and Sterling Preserve showcase modern builds with smart-home tech, while Summerset offers age-restricted new phases for 55-plus buyers seeking a built-in social calendar.
