Homes in Pinole, CA
Pinole balances a vintage downtown with quiet hillside neighborhoods and quick access to I-80 and the Bay Trail.
Why Pinole?
I-80 Convenience & Express Transit
Quick drive to BART, Oakland, and Vallejo while living in a smaller town. WestCAT Lynx express buses reach downtown San Francisco in under 35 minutes, often faster than driving during peak hours. The city's location provides excellent access to major Bay Area destinations.
Historic Downtown Character
Old Town Pinole preserves Victorian storefronts, creekside promenades, and turn-of-the-century architecture that creates a unique sense of place. The Pinole Creek restoration project with fish ladder brings salmon back through downtown, combining history with environmental stewardship.
Outdoor Recreation Variety
Residents enjoy the Bay Trail, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline's 2,315 acres, and John Muir Land Trust open space at Fernandez Ranch. The city offers diverse outdoor opportunities from waterfront activities to hillside hiking, all within minutes of home.
Interactive Map
Neighborhoods in Pinole
Discover the unique character and charm of Pinole's diverse neighborhoods.
Old Town Pinole
Turn-of-the-century storefronts, waterfront parks, and the Pinole Creek promenade.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Restaurants like Pear Street Bistro and Tina's Place anchor date nights.
Pinole Creek Trail and Bay Trail spurs line the waterfront.
Pinole Artisan Farmers Market and seasonal parades bring neighbors together.
Pinole Valley
Leafy valley with single-story homes near the newly rebuilt Pinole Valley High School.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Pinole Valley High, Ellerhorst Elementary, and after-school arts programs sit nearby.
Hillside trails, creeks, and canyon breezes keep summers cool.
Pinole Valley Park hosts soccer, baseball, and hiking trailheads.
Tara Hills
North Pinole neighborhood with larger lots near San Pablo Bay.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Bay views across the Carquinez Strait from many back decks.
Quick access to Interstate 80 and the Richmond Parkway.
Roomy yards with ADU potential and RV parking.
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Schools in Pinole
Quality education is a cornerstone of Pinole's appeal to families.
| School Name | Level | School Rating | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shannon Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Collins Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Ellerhorst Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Stewart Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Pinole Middle School | Middle | ViewView Rating | |
| Pinole Valley 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
Pinole offers excellent access to major Bay Area job centers and is home to several major employers.
Major Employment Hubs Near Pinole
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.
Downtown Oakland / Lake Merritt Business District - Government agencies, Kaiser Center, and fintech towers 25-30 minutes south on I-80 or via El Cerrito del Norte 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 Pinole
Kaiser Permanente Pinole
Medical offices offering urgent care, imaging, and specialty services employing healthcare professionals and support staff serving West Contra Costa County.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Operates Pinole Valley High, Pinole Middle, and neighborhood elementary schools employing teachers, administrators, and support staff throughout the district.
City of Pinole
Municipal government, police, fire, and community services employing local residents in various city operations and public safety.
Commute Times
Pinole offers excellent connectivity to major job centers, airports, and regional destinations.
Commute to Major Job Centers
Airports
Regional Hotspots
Lifestyle & Amenities
Discover what makes Pinole a special place to live.
Daily rhythms in Pinole blend historic downtown charm with outdoor recreation. Morning jogs along Pinole Creek Trail lead to coffee at Tina's Place or Catahoula Coffee, while evening strolls through Old Town reveal Victorian storefronts and community gathering spaces. The city's compact size means residents can walk to most daily needs, from grocery shopping to BART connections.
Family life centers around excellent schools, community parks, and strong neighborhood connections. Families flock to Fernandez Park for movie nights, little league games, and dog-friendly open space, while Pinole Valley Park provides sports fields and hiking trailheads. The newly rebuilt Pinole Valley High School campus offers modern facilities that serve as a community point of pride.
Outdoor culture thrives thanks to Point Pinole Regional Shoreline's 2,315 acres, Pinole Creek Trail, and John Muir Land Trust open space at Fernandez Ranch. Cyclists use San Pablo Dam Road to access Orinda or loop into the Berkeley hills without heavy traffic, while hikers enjoy extensive trail networks connecting to regional parks. The Bay Trail provides waterfront access for walking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
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Weather & Climate
Quick-hit visuals that show how Pinole feels throughout the year.
Temperature Story
Quick look at the seasonal swing in Pinole
Winter Comfort Band
42–48°F
Typical overnight lows from December through February.
Summer Warmth Band
72–80°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 Pinole
Pinole maintains over 8 parks and recreational facilities, from neighborhood parks to large regional parks.
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
Regional Park
2,315-acre waterfront park with historic railroad pier, fishing access, hiking trails, and stunning Bay views perfect for recreation and nature viewing.
Fernandez Park
Community Park
Downtown park hosting playgrounds, bandshell concerts, community events, and dog-friendly open space serving Old Town residents.
Pinole Valley Park
Community Park
Sports complex with soccer fields, baseball diamonds, hiking trailheads, and recreational facilities serving Pinole Valley neighborhood.
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Natural Hazards & Fault Lines
Important information about seismic activity, flood zones, and fire hazards in Pinole.
Major Fault Lines Near Pinole
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 areas near creeks and Bay fill; 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 Pinole fall within the Hayward Fault Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, requiring geological reports for new construction.
FEMA Flood Zones
Zone Type
Zone AE along Pinole Creek and low-lying areas; Zone X in hillside neighborhoods.
Flood Risk Notes
Old Town properties near Pinole Creek may require flood insurance. Flash flooding possible in creek corridors during heavy winter storms.
Additional Notes
Pinole participates in regional earthquake preparedness programs. Many pre-war homes require seismic retrofitting. PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs may occur during Red Flag warnings in hillside areas.
What Locals Say
Hear from residents about living in Pinole.
"I bike the Bay Trail to Richmond, grab lunch, and ride back before my afternoon Zoom calls. The waterfront access is amazing."
— Old Town Resident
"The new Pinole Valley High campus is incredible - our kids have modern labs and theater spaces. It's a huge improvement for the community."
— Pinole Valley Parent
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Local Favorites
Discover recommended restaurants and dining spots in Pinole.
Pear Street Bistro
Upscale bistro with craft cocktails, seasonal menus, and brunch on the patio serving Old Town Pinole.
Tina's Place
Family-owned diner famous for cinnamon rolls, hearty scrambles, and classic breakfast fare serving the community for decades.
Pinole Creek Cafe
Comfort food, soups, and homemade pies steps from the creek promenade offering family-friendly dining.
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What Makes Pinole Special
Discover unique features, historical facts, and notable highlights of Pinole.
Pinole Creek Fish Ladder
Salmon restoration project bringing fish back through downtown with educational signage and viewing areas showcasing environmental stewardship.
Point Pinole Pier
Historic railroad pier popular for fishing, sunset views, and Bay access within the massive Point Pinole Regional Shoreline park.
Fernandez Park Bandshell
Downtown park hosting playgrounds, bandshell concerts, community events, and dog-friendly open space serving as the heart of Old Town.
Bear Creek Staging Area
Gateway to Briones Regional Park and San Pablo Reservoir trails popular with hikers, cyclists, and equestrians seeking regional recreation.
Pinole Valley High School
Recently rebuilt state-of-the-art high school campus with modern labs, theater spaces, and athletic facilities serving the community.
John Muir Land Trust Open Space
Protected open space at Fernandez Ranch with hiking trails, oak woodlands, and scenic overlooks accessible from Pinole Ridge neighborhoods.
WestCAT Lynx Express
Express luxury coach service to San Francisco providing faster commutes than driving for many residents, making Pinole attractive to city workers.
Historic Old Town Architecture
Victorian storefronts, Craftsman bungalows, and turn-of-the-century buildings preserved in Old Town creating a unique historic character.
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Insider Tips
What to know and what to be aware of when considering Pinole.
What to Know
Parcels Near Creeks
Old Town properties may require flood insurance; check FEMA maps.
Hillside Parking
Steep streets can limit on-street parking—garage organization matters.
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What to Avoid
Peak Bridge Times
Westbound I-80 backs up afternoons—consider Lynx or BART to avoid traffic.
Neglecting Yard Maintenance
Hillside brush grows quickly; keep vegetation trimmed for fire safety.
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Homes for Sale in Pinole
Active listings coming soon. Contact us for current availability.
Coming Soon
We're working on bringing you real-time listings for Pinole. 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 Pinole
Common questions about living and buying in Pinole.
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