Pleasanton
Secluded away in the Tri-Valley region of the San Francisco Bay Area, Pleasanton proudly manages to be one of the fastest growing economies in the region while maintaining the folksy ambiance of a much smaller town. This combination of thriving industry and overall quality of life is what has led Pleasanton to constantly rank as one of the best places to live according to various national organizations, including USA Today and Money magazine.
Lay of the Land
Pleasanton is one of the more perfectly located cities in the region, residing in a beautiful valley that provides a mild climate and natural seclusion, while still being close enough to both San Francisco and San Jose to benefit from the booming urban economies of both the Bay Area and Silicon Valley. On a more local level, its neighbors include the cities of Dublin and Livermore, as well as the peaks of the various ranges that surround the valley. The city\’s population is steadily climbing, with the most recent census data placing the total number of residents at approximately 74,110. This has led to steadily rising income levels and property values, with estimates of $121,622 median household income and a $749,600 median home value. Pleasanton was ranked, in 2005 and in 2007, as the wealthiest middle-sized city in the United States by the U.S. Census Bureau. Furthermore Pleasanton ranked 63rd in Money Magazines 2010 “The Best Places to Live”.
Transportation
While the city of Pleasanton is isolated within a valley near the outskirts of the Bay Area, the residents still benefit from the quality Bay Area infrastructure. This includes proximity to the intersection of Interstate 580 and Interstate 680. Public transportation options include the Bay Area Rapid Transit system to travel within the surrounding cities and counties, and the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority for more localized forms of travel. It is also close enough to Santa Clara County for residents to take advantage of Silicon Valley’s extensive system of buses and light rail services. Livermore has a small airport for business and corporate travel while the cities of San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco all have relatively close public international airports.
Local Highlights
Despite geographic isolation and a rich history of vineyards and agriculture Pleasanton is a city whose economy and future are defined by the business practices of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley. Pleasanton is currently home to over 4,000 different companies, ranging in size from nationally recognized names in technology research to locally founded companies focused on the fledgling biotechnology and green technology industries. Many of these companies reside in the Hacienda Business Park, a sprawling complex of over 850 acres of modern office space. However, between the technology sectors and general commercial service industries the city houses over 15 million acres of professional workspace.
Pleasanton is also a city that has found a way to balance its commercial districts with a healthy mix of nationally recognized locations and homegrown business ventures. On one end of the spectrum is Downtown Pleasanton, a sleepy historic location filled with specialty shops and relaxed local dining establishments with historic architecture ranging from Pioneer to Queen Anne Victorian. It is also the home to numerous community events, such as a free summer concert series and a local farmers market. On the more modern side of things is Stoneridge, the meticulously arranged local mall. It features over 165 retail stores and restaurants of a more well-known variety.
Finally, Pleasanton is a city that has fully realized how to maximize the surrounding countryside in order to provide recreational services and entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. The city boasts a park system that features a staggering 1,200 acres of semi-developed land and recreational centers. The park system includes abundant trails for walking, hiking, biking, and equestrian activities. It also features everything from cozy picnic and grilling areas to full size swimming pools and sports complexes. It even features Callippe Preserve, a full size golf course and country club with some of the most stunning views in the valley.
