Welcome to Vallejo
From a naval shipyard to one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most promising neighborhoods, Vallejo has truly come a long way. Between the stunning waterfront views, the well-preserved historic district, and the wealth of fun attractions, there’s plenty to love in this thriving city.
Vallejo is part of Solano County in the North Bay region and is divided into four major areas: Downtown Vallejo, Mare Island, Northgate, and the Waterfront. The fast-growing city is home to over
115,000 residents and has a total land area of about 30 square miles. It is bounded by Napa Valley to the north, the Carquinez Strait to the south, the city of Benicia to the east, and the San Pablo Bay to the west.
The city is about 30 miles from San Francisco, 22 miles from Oakland, 56 miles from San Jose, and 52 miles from Sacramento. Roads like Interstate Highways 80, 780, and 680, along with State Highways 29 and 37, make access to these cities extremely easy.
Its strategic location and excellent transportation infrastructure make Vallejo a popular commuter community and one of California’s real estate hotspots.
Interesting Facts About Vallejo
- What’s in a name?
The city was named after Gen. Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, a crucial figure in California’s statehood and one of the first members of the state senate. The neighboring city of Benicia was named after his beloved wife.
- Historical prominence
Vallejo was named the state capital not once but twice: in 1852 and 1853. The old capitol building burned down in 1859, but a historical marker commemorates its original location.
- Inspiring moniker
The city chose “City of Opportunity” as its official motto, hearkening to its impressive development over the centuries. Today, it’s home to six Opportunity Zones designed to attract billions of investment dollars.
History of Vallejo
Military history runs deep in Vallejo’s veins. Over 150 years later, hard-fought peace has led to the establishment of a vibrant but tranquil suburb where the good life awaits.
To know more about Vallejo’s fascinating history, take a look at the timeline below:
- Early history —Suisun and Karkin Indians inhabit the area that would become Vallejo.
- 1835 —Gen. Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo of Mexico explores the California frontier and establishes the first land grants.
- 1850—California becomes the 31st state to join the Union after Gen. Vallejo cedes 156 acres of land to America.
- 1852 —Vallejo briefly becomes the state capital thanks to Gen. Vallejo’s efforts. It would get a second shot at this honor the following year, but the seat would move to Sacramento shortly thereafter.
- 1853 —The U.S. Navy purchases Mare Island where it establishes the West Coast’s first naval installation. This move sparks the fledgling town’s economic growth.
- 1867—Vallejo is incorporated into a city with the help of state legislator Gen. John B. Frisbie.
- Present —Today, Vallejo is a thriving city that serves as the commuter and transportation hub of the North Bay area. It is the largest city in Solano County and one of the most ethnically diverse.
Real Estate in Vallejo
With 55% of Vallejo residents owning their homes,
Niche.com classifies the city as a dense suburban neighborhood. Families appreciate the tight-knit community and easy access to schools, work hubs, and shopping centers.
Zillow.com puts the typical home price in Vallejo at $442,000, which is almost double the national average. The steep real estate prices are partly offset by the higher median household income of
$58,472 a year. Homebuyers can also expect a good return on their investment, as property values have
grown by 8.7% over the past decade.
Whatever your lifestyle needs, there’s a
property that’s right for you. Condominiums and co-ops are excellent starter homes because they’re more affordable and require less maintenance. Single-family homes are ideal for growing families who need more space and privacy. Those looking to upgrade their lifestyle can purchase luxury homes in gated communities or close to the waterfront.
A typical Vallejo listing has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and measures about 1,500 sq. ft. True to the suburban vibe, most properties have expansive yards and two-car garages. Features such as granite countertops, stainless steel kitchen appliances, wood floors, and expansive family rooms are also common. You can also find properties with more niche amenities such as RV/boat parking and upgrades like solar panels.
There’s a diverse range of architectural styles to choose from, including Cape Cod, Mediterranean, and contemporary home designs. Meanwhile, many listings in the historic downtown area are built in the Victorian style.
Living in Vallejo
Why move to Vallejo? The answer to this single question is as varied as the residents who call it home. Whether you’re a gourmand, an outdoorsman, or a history buff, the city has something that will surely pique your interest. Here’s a quick look at what it’s like to be part of this amazing community:
Cost of living
California can be pricey to live in, but Vallejo is surprisingly affordable despite being less than an hour away from prime real estate markets like San Francisco and Napa Valley. According to
BestPlaces.net, the overall cost of living in Vallejo is about 18% lower than the state average, with housing, utilities, and transportation being appreciably cheaper.
A 2019 study by SmartAsset also found that Solano County had the eighth-most favorable cost of living in California, with a purchasing power index of 67.78.
Weather
What’s California living without the warm weather? You’ll be glad to know that Vallejo gets 258 sunny days in a year, earning it an 8.4/10 in
BestPlaces.net’s Comfort Index. Summers are warm and clear with temperatures peaking at 90°F, while winter temperatures rarely fall below 32°F. Any day is a great day to explore the streets of Vallejo, but the weather is most pleasant between mid-June to mid-September.
Schools
Great schools don’t just provide quality education, they can also boost a home’s resale value. Luckily, the Vallejo City Unified School District does an excellent job of molding the minds of the city’s 11,500 students. There are 13 elementary schools, three K-8 schools, three middle schools, and two comprehensive high schools in the city. Equitable education is one of the school district’s main thrusts, which is why it offers an extensive child development and preschool program, as well as special education services for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Food and Drink
Whether you’re craving comfort food or fine dining, you’re sure to find something that will tickle your taste buds. Below are just some of the must-try restaurants in Vallejo:
- Napa Smith Brewery
Each pint of Napa Smith Brewery’s craft beer is a distillation of brewing expertise perfected through the generations. Led by brewmaster Stein Servick, this popular hangout has 10 signature beers, including the citrus-tinged Golden Gate IPA.
- Buttercup
There’s no better pick-me-up than some good, old-fashioned home cooking. And if it’s home-cooked goodness you’re after, ButtercuP Diner is the place to go. All dishes are made from scratch, including the show-stopping upside-down apple-walnut pie.
- Michael Warring
This tiny 20-seater restaurant is a giant in Vallejo’s food scene and counts a Michelin Guide citation among its accolades. Michael Warring’s restaurant is best known for its six-co.
Recreation
Vallejo is a counterpoint to the non-stop hustle of San Francisco. Here, you can enjoy the good life at your own pace. And it certainly helps that there are many great ways to relax and unwind in the city.
- San Francisco Bay Ferry
The best way to experience the city’s iconic waterfront is through the San Francisco Bay Ferry. It’s only an hour long, but it provides stunning views of both Vallejo and San Francisco.
- Mare Island Golf Club
Mare Island Golf Club isn’t just an immaculate piece of fairway, it’s also a slice of history. The oldest golf course west of the Mississippi, it features an 18-hole green designed by the legendary Rob Nelson.
- Vallejo-Benicia Waterfront
Active adults will surely love the scenic sights offered by Vallejo-Benicia Waterfront. This beginner-friendly trail welcomes bikers, hikers, runners, and even equestrians.
Attractions
The San Francisco Bay waterfront is hardly the only attraction worth visiting in the city. If you’re in Vallejo, check out these destinations, too.
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
You can’t talk about attractions in Vallejo without mentioning Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, a 135-acre theme park. With no less than eight roller coasters, this attraction is truly an adrenaline junkie’s dream.
Vallejo Awaits
Rich history, beautiful views, and fascinating culture make Vallejo a top choice for homebuyers.
If you’d like to
buy real estate in the city, get in touch with me,
Joe Brasil, to get your
home search started. No matter what kind of dream home you’re looking for, I’ve got a listing that’s right for you.