Welcome to Castro Valley
The Bay Area's best-kept secret
Nestled among cavernous canyons in Northern California is Castro Valley, a prestigious small town that emulates a strong feeling of community and character. The diverse town is proud of its strong schools, with several receiving national recognition for being among the best in California.
The natural setting lends to rolling hillsides, canyons, creeks, flowering trees, and unobstructed views of the East Bay. The many ranches in the area are part of the town's elusive charm, with community events and an annual rodeo that pay homage to Castro Valley's ranching history.
What to Love
- Natural setting (hillsides, canyons, creeks, trees)
- Friendly community with a lot of character
- Small-town charm
Local Lifestyle
Castro Valley is a diverse section of California, offering ample opportunities for fine dining, upscale shopping, arts and culture, and outdoor activities. The town has a laid-back vibe with a quiet ambiance and natural setting. There is strong community involvement and plenty of options for recreation. Plus, all the big-city amenities of San Francisco are only a short drive away.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The
Chabot Theater has been a fixture in Castro Valley since 1950 and is now the center of arts, culture, and entertainment. The neon lights and iconic marquee are an irreplaceable landmark of Castro Valley Boulevard. The Chabot is the last remaining independent, single-screen theater showing first-run films in the East Bay area.
Knudsen's Ice Creamery serves homemade ice cream alongside a working candy factory, which has been offering handmade candies for over three decades. For one-of-a-kind shopping, visit
Artisan Place for handmade arts and crafts, collectibles, and unique antiques.
Things to Do
As the commercial center of the small town, the
Castro Village complex represents the community's character. The newly redesigned downtown area features shops, restaurants, spas, and an iconic clock tower that chimes on the hour.
Arts and culture come alive in Castro Valley, with plenty of options for live entertainment. The
Adobe Art Center and Gallery is a fine arts studio that offers community art classes, art exhibits, a ceramics building, a kiln room, a gallery, and an open-air courtyard available to rent for private events.
The $22.2 million
Castro Valley Library is a community hub for families, students, clubs, and local government groups. The beautifully renovated space provides a quiet place to read and relax.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy scenic
Lake Chabot, an ideal destination for boat rentals, fishing, kayak tours, camping, and picnicking at the scrumptious café. The many trails around the lake are the perfect spot to go biking or take a walk with the family. The
Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area allows fishing and seasonal swimming in the lagoon, with a sandy beach and reservable picnic areas to enjoy. The Chabot-to-Garin Regional Trail runs through a section of the park.
For over 100 years, the
Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo has entertained the community with competitions and not-to-be-missed events, including a chili cook-off, parade, barbecue, and dance.
Schools
Castro Valley Unified School District is a highly-rated district in California, serving the needs of the students of Castro Valley with a dedication to supporting the arts.
- Jensen Ranch Elementary School, K-5, public, top 5% of all California schools for math and reading proficiency and overall test scores
- Creekside Middle School, 6-8, public, top 20% of all public schools in California
- Castro Valley High School, 9-12, public, proficiency scores higher than the state average
- Redwood Christian Elementary, PK-5, private, small class sizes, among the top 20% of private schools in California.
