Homes in Hercules, CA
Hercules combines master-planned neighborhoods, Bay views, and new waterfront development between Berkeley and Vallejo.
Why Hercules?
Express Transit to San Francisco
WestCAT Lynx luxury coach buses reach downtown San Francisco's Salesforce Transit Center in under 35 minutes, often faster than driving during peak hours. The planned Hercules Intermodal Station will add ferry and Capitol Corridor rail service, creating multiple commute options for Bay Area professionals.
Waterfront Development & Bay Views
New Bayfront promenades, restaurants, and planned ferry terminal are transforming Hercules into a premier waterfront community. Residents enjoy stunning Bay views, waterfront dining, and direct access to the Bay Trail for walking, biking, and water activities right from their neighborhoods.
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Residents enjoy Refugio Valley Park with its lake and waterfalls, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline's 2,315 acres of waterfront trails, and the Hercules Bay Trail promenade. The city's extensive park system provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, kite flying, and family picnics with Bay views.
Interactive Map
Neighborhoods in Hercules
Discover the unique character and charm of Hercules's diverse neighborhoods.
Hercules Waterfront District
Mixed-use bayfront with promenades, upcoming ferry terminal, and stacked flats.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Bay Trail boardwalks and future ferry slips line the shoreline.
Cafes, breweries, and coworking spaces activate the new Bayfront.
Planned intermodal station will connect Capitol Corridor rail, ferry, and WestCAT buses.
Refugio Valley
Tree-filled valley community surrounding Refugio Valley Park and Lake.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Lakeside trails, redwood groves, and picnic lawns wind through the park.
Hercules Middle/High School and Lupine Hills Elementary sit within blocks.
Single-story floor plans with vaulted ceilings and large yards for play.
Foxboro & Village Park
North Hercules neighborhood near I-80 with pocket parks and HOA amenities.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Community pools, tot lots, and sports courts make weekend plans easy.
WestCAT Lynx buses to San Francisco depart nearby.
Minutes to Sprouts, Safeway, and Lucky shopping centers.
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Schools in Hercules
Quality education is a cornerstone of Hercules's appeal to families.
| School Name | Level | School Rating | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanna Ranch Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Ohlone Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Lupine Hills Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Hercules Middle School | Middle | ViewView Rating | |
| Hercules High School | High | ViewView Rating |
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Note: Verify current ratings and boundaries with official district resources. School assignments may change based on enrollment and boundary adjustments.
Major Employment Hubs & Local Employers
Hercules offers excellent access to major Bay Area job centers and is home to several major employers.
Major Employment Hubs Near Hercules
San Francisco Financial District & Embarcadero - Finance, legal, and tech headquarters reachable in 35-45 minutes via WestCAT Lynx express or I-80 to Bay Bridge.
Oakland Downtown / Lake Merritt Business District - Government agencies, Kaiser Center, and fintech towers 25-30 minutes south on I-80 or via El Cerrito BART.
Berkeley / Emeryville Tech Corridor - UC Berkeley, Pixar, biotech labs, and research facilities 18-20 minutes south on I-80 or AC Transit.
Top Employers in Hercules
Bio-Rad Laboratories
Global life-sciences company headquartered along Alfred Nobel Drive employing scientists, engineers, and operations staff in biotechnology and research.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Operates Hanna Ranch, Ohlone, and Hercules middle/high campuses employing teachers, administrators, and support staff throughout the district.
City of Hercules
Municipal government and public safety departments employing local residents in administration, public works, and community services.
Commute Times
Hercules offers excellent connectivity to major job centers, airports, and regional destinations.
Commute to Major Job Centers
Airports
Regional Hotspots
Lifestyle & Amenities
Discover what makes Hercules a special place to live.
Daily rhythms in Hercules blend waterfront living with urban convenience. Residents jog the Bay Trail at sunrise, then ride the WestCAT Lynx express bus to downtown San Francisco with Wi-Fi onboard, arriving faster than many East Bay drives. Evenings bring neighbors to waterfront promenades, where Bay breezes cool patios and sunset views create a resort-like atmosphere.
Family life centers around master-planned communities with HOA-maintained amenities and extensive park access. Weekends fill with activities at Refugio Valley Park's lake and waterfalls, community swim centers, and Point Pinole picnic areas. The city's newer construction means families enjoy modern floor plans, open kitchens, and energy-efficient systems designed for today's lifestyles.
Outdoor culture thrives thanks to the Bay Trail, Refugio Valley Park, and Point Pinole Regional Shoreline's 2,315 acres. Residents launch paddleboards from the Bayfront, cycle San Pablo Dam Road toward Orinda, and enjoy waterfront recreation without leaving town. The planned ferry terminal will add another dimension to water-based activities and commuting.
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Weather & Climate
Quick-hit visuals that show how Hercules feels throughout the year.
Temperature Story
Quick look at the seasonal swing in Hercules
Winter Comfort Band
42–48°F
Typical overnight lows from December through February.
Summer Warmth Band
70–78°F
Afternoon highs during peak summer months.
Climate Type
Bayfront Mediterranean
Overall pattern
Days of Sunshine
260+ days
Bright days/year
Annual Rainfall
20-24 inches
Nov–Mar showers
Marine influence from San Pablo Bay keeps temperatures mild year-round.
Mild summers with Bay breezes; cool, wet winters with periodic storms.
Year-round outdoor living is possible thanks to moderate temperatures.
Parks & Recreation in Hercules
Hercules maintains over 8 parks and recreational facilities, from neighborhood parks to large regional parks.
Refugio Valley Park
Community Park
Lakeside park with waterfalls, sports fields, shaded picnic groves, and walking trails winding through redwood groves.
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
Regional Park
2,315-acre waterfront park perfect for kite flying, hiking, fishing, and bird watching with Bay views.
Hercules Bay Trail
Trail
Waterfront promenade hugging the shoreline with benches, bird-watching platforms, and scenic Bay views.
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Natural Hazards & Fault Lines
Important information about seismic activity, flood zones, and fire hazards in Hercules.
Major Fault Lines Near Hercules
Hayward Fault
Runs approximately 3 miles east through the Berkeley Hills
Type: Right-lateral strike-slip
San Andreas Fault
Located roughly 15 miles west across the Peninsula
Type: Strike-slip
Rodgers Creek Fault
Approximately 10 miles northwest, extending through Sonoma County
Type: Strike-slip
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Low to moderate in most areas; moderate in hillside neighborhoods with brush. Bay breezes help reduce fire risk compared to inland locations.
CalFire Classification
Seismic Hazard Zones
Liquefaction Zones
Moderate to high risk in low-lying Bay fill areas near the waterfront; lower risk on hillside slopes.
Landslide Zones
Low to moderate susceptibility on hillside slopes, especially during heavy winter storms.
Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone Status
Portions of Hercules fall within the Hayward Fault Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, requiring geological reports for new construction.
FEMA Flood Zones
Zone Type
Zone AE along Bayfront and low-lying areas; Zone X in hillside neighborhoods.
Flood Risk Notes
Bayfront homes may require flood insurance. Sea-level rise planning is underway for waterfront development areas.
Additional Notes
Hercules participates in regional earthquake preparedness programs. Many newer homes are built to current seismic codes. PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs may occur during Red Flag warnings in hillside areas.
What Locals Say
Hear from residents about living in Hercules.
"I can see the Bay from my balcony and be on the express bus downtown within five minutes. The Lynx service makes my San Francisco commute actually enjoyable."
— Waterfront Resident
"The kids love biking around Refugio Valley Lake while we grab coffee from Cafe Fano. It's the perfect balance of nature and convenience."
— Refugio Valley Parent
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Local Favorites
Discover recommended restaurants and dining spots in Hercules.
Leila by the Bay
Cliffside patio dining with Bay views and weekend brunch featuring fresh seafood and California cuisine.
Cafe Fano
Local coffeehouse and coworking spot near the transit center serving artisanal coffee and light meals.
Hercules Waterfront Brewing
New waterfront brewery with Bay views, craft beers, and pub fare in the developing Bayfront district.
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What Makes Hercules Special
Discover unique features, historical facts, and notable highlights of Hercules.
Refugio Valley Park
Community park featuring a scenic lake, waterfalls, sports fields, and shaded picnic groves serving families throughout Hercules.
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
Massive 2,315-acre waterfront park perfect for kite flying, hiking, fishing, and bird watching with stunning San Pablo Bay views.
Hercules Bay Trail
Waterfront promenade hugging the shoreline with benches, bird-watching platforms, and scenic Bay views connecting to regional trail networks.
Powell Mansion Ruins
Historic dynamite company ruins preserved along the Bay Trail with interpretive signage showcasing Hercules's industrial heritage.
Hercules Intermodal Transit Center
Planned transit hub that will connect ferry service, Capitol Corridor rail, and WestCAT buses, transforming Hercules into a major transportation gateway.
Bio-Rad Laboratories Headquarters
Global life-sciences company headquartered in Hercules, providing local employment opportunities in biotechnology and research.
Victoria by the Bay
Master-planned waterfront community with front porches, paseos, and Bay views representing the future of Hercules living.
Hercules Waterfront District
New mixed-use Bayfront development with promenades, restaurants, cafes, and future ferry terminal creating a vibrant waterfront destination.
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Insider Tips
What to know and what to be aware of when considering Hercules.
What to Know
Ferry Timeline
The intermodal transit center is phased—expect construction updates and new routes through 2027.
HOA Covenants
Most neighborhoods include architectural guidelines and dues for landscape upkeep.
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What to Avoid
Skipping Insurance Review
Bayfront homes may require flood coverage; confirm with your carrier.
Underestimating HOA Dues
Waterfront and Victoria by the Bay communities assess quarterly dues—budget accordingly.
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Homes for Sale in Hercules
Active listings coming soon. Contact us for current availability.
Coming Soon
We're working on bringing you real-time listings for Hercules. In the meantime, contact us to get personalized information about available homes in this area.
Nearby Cities
Explore other areas we serve in the Contra Costa County region.
Questions About Hercules
Common questions about living and buying in Hercules.
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