What's it like Living in Piedmont, CA - Real Estate, Culture and Local Statistics

In 1852, a farmer named Walter Blair arrived in the Bay Area from the east coast. He purchased 600 acres of land from the Peraltas, built a dairy farm on Highland Avenue, and a quarry in what would become Dracena Park. His subsequent gifts to the region included a hotel and a 75 acre amusement park in Moraga Canyon. This park became a favored destination for Oakland and Berkeley residents. Families would take horse cars to the park for a day of picnicking and pony rides. Walter Blair's name is familiar to every Piedmont homeowner today who walks along Blair Avenue.

The late Victorian era saw other men with big dreams and large fortunes drawn to this special region of the East Bay. The president of Western Union, James Gamble, bought 350 acres of land from Walter Blair, established a mansion-like home for himself, and intended to begin developing further homes on the remainder of his property. He dubbed his company the Piedmont Land Company, and this is the origin of the name that would eventually be given to the city.

The honor of the grandest house in the district belonged to the Requa family, whose abode was so large and splendid, on the top of a hill unobstructed by trees, that it could be seen by sailors in San Francisco Bay. The estate was named 'The Highlands', and this is the origin of Highland Avenue. Apart from the millionaires residing in the center of Piedmont, smaller homes along the outskirts drew artists and writers including Jack London at the turn of the century. Yet, it was the 1906 earthquake that flooded Piedmont with survivors eagerly seeking a safer, quieter place to live.

Piedmont officially became a city in 1907, its city hall was erected in 1908, and its first school was built in 1911. During the Jazz Age, Piedmont became known as The City of Millionaires because there were more millionaires per square mile residing there than in any other U.S. city.

Piedmont Today
Piedmont remains one of the most desirable residential locations in Northern California today. The schools are top-rated, and property values are among the highest in the nation. Despite the opulence of the city, it has a small town, close knit feel to it, with residents ever striving to improve the community. In the 1990's, the people of Piedmont restored all of their existing parks and developed three new ones. Each of the schools in the Piedmont Unified School District has been expanded and modernized within the last two decades.

Though Piedmont is primarily a residential area, there is a small commercial district in the Highland Avenue area, which includes banks, gas stations, and business offices. Local people take pride in the Piedmont Community Center and the annual Fourth of July Parade.

Architectural Styles Prevalent in Piedmont Homes
Central Piedmont embodies the aesthetic of large, regal, estate-like residences. Many of the Bay Area's classic luxury homes are cited in this part of Piedmont. Gracious living, friendly neighbors, and pride in community involvement are hallmarks of residence. When buying a home in the area, your choice of glorious architectural styles include the following:

• Traditional
• Georgian
• Mediterranean
• Craftsman
• Estate

A drive through the neighborhoods of Piedmont delights the eye with one spectacular home after another.

Things To Do in Piedmont, CA
Tourists visit Piedmont for a glimpse of the stunning historic homes that characterize the district, but these are merely a lovely part of daily life for locals. Piedmont's wonderfully convenient location situates residents just moments away from the East Bay's major cities of Oakland and Berkeley, and all of the cultural riches offered there.

Shopping opportunities abound along Piedmont Avenue, the Montclair District, the Grand Lake District, and the Rockridge Neighborhood in neighboring Oakland. Lovers of great food are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a Whole Foods Market in Piedmont in fall of 2007, and Mulberys Market combines the luxury of a gourmet gift shop with the convenience of an old-time neighborhood store. Local dining includes both traditional American fare and exotic cuisine served in locations like Sorabot Korean Restaurant. The Piedmont Avenue Branch Library offers programs for children and adults, and the Tea Garden on Highland Avenue is a favorite destination for everyone.

Things To Do With Kids in Piedmont, CA
Piedmont's most recently developed public park project is the Hampton Field Building, which is used both as a preschool and as a recreation center for local children. Piedmont has a very active youth sports program, as well as a neighborhood swimming center. Get more information about the Piedmont Unified School District.

Places of Worship in Piedmont
Many faiths are present within the city of Piedmont. The modest size of the district is home to the following places of worship:

• Piedmont Community Church, 400 Highland Avenue, Piedmont
• Piedmont Neighborhood Church, 1300 Grand Avenue, Piedmont
• Corpus Christi Church, 322 St. James Drive, Piedmont

Residents will find appropriate Churches, Temples, Synagogues, and Mosques in the neighboring cities of Oakland and Berkeley, just minutes away.

Buying or Selling a Home in Piedmont, California
The exceptional properties in the Piedmont housing market make skilled negotiation a must, whether you are buying or selling your home. As a local man with many years of experience as a realtor, I will provide you with the very best of counsel and service to make your purchase or sale a positive, profitable one. Email me or call me today at 510-339-0400, Ext.265 to learn how I can make selling or buying your Piedmont home a pleasure.