Livermore is one of three cities in the Tri-Valley area, which also include Pleasanton and Dublin. Livermore sits at the far east end of the Alameda County and has become quite popular in recent years as a Wine Country destination. As a resident for the last 18 years, I’ve found many reasons to love this city. Here’s my Top 10 List of Reasons to live in Livermore.
1. Location- just 35 miles from San Francisco, Livermore is accessible to Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose airports. At the east end of the Tri Valley region, commuters find it appealing for its proximity to the Delta and foothills for weekend getaways, but still reasonable driving range to work via Highways 84 or 580.
2. Diversity – with rolling hills and open spaces, this former ranchland still has its share of ranchers, but has also made way for suburban living with single-family homes, townhomes and condos. On the south side of Livermore you’ll find vintner estates with luxury homes. Established in 1869, you’ll find vestiges of early residents and their turn of the century, historic homes.
3. Wineries – if you’re a wine aficionado, you’ll love the easy access to wineries in the area. Over 50 wineries to choose from with some familiar names like Wente and Concannon, there is always something fun to do if you check the event pages from the various vintners. There are several wine bars downtown, as well as at Blacksmith Square, where patrons can enjoy live music on the weekends while tasting wines from local wineries.
4. Parks – There are 29 neighborhood parks within Livermore, as well as 2 community parks and 10 special use parks available for rent and special events. Parks sizes range from 2 to 12 acres and offer a variety of amenities include equestrian use, soccer and ball fields and swimming facilities.
5. Arts – Livermore has a thriving arts community, apparent in some of the downtown art (you’ll see murals on buildings, art events such as Art Under the Oaks, held annually at Alden Lane Nursery, or Art Walk, held annually downtown. Several galleries have local artist’s work on display. And let’s not forget the performing arts, resident at our own Bankhead Theater.
6. Affordability - Of the three cities in the Tri Valley, Livermore has a larger number of housing units and a lower median price. For additional information on housing statistics, visit Bay East Association of Realtors. Click here to search for homes in Livermore.
7. Things To Do- Lake Del Valle, for swimming, hiking and picnicking. Downtown events like the Farmer’s Market, the Wine Country Festival, Concerts on the Green, Taste of Downtown, Home for the Holidays to name a few. And don’t forget the Livermore Rodeo, Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration and the many, many parks and trails suitable for walking or biking. There are two movie theaters to choose from – the Vine Theater and Livermore Cinemas. Of course, some fine dining or casual restaurant options and shops to explore. You can even step out for a little nightlife at the Sapphire or Sanctuary Ultra Lounge. In 2012, Livermore was the host city for Amgen, the much followed and touted bike tour deemed to be the premier U.S. Bike Tour. And in August 2013, it will host the First World Series for Little League.
8. Downtown- An award winning downtown, several years ago, the heart of the city experienced a renaissance when Highway 84 was relocated from First Street. That change brought pedestrian-friendly streetscape and a new vibrancy to our retail and restaurant district. Most any night of the week, you’ll see residents and visitors enjoying the mild winter and the many things to do. Diablo Magazine named Livermore one of the top 4 dining destinations in the East Bay for 2012.
9. Community- Livermore has a little something for everyone. Some of the latest technology comes from both Sandia National Laboratories and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. More than 60 companies have their corporate headquarters in Livermore. You’ll see great participation from residents in local events as well as volunteer activities. Las Positas Community College is located within the city’s boundaries too.
10. Climate- Of course one of the most desirable things about California living is the weather. While temperatures in Livermore can dip down into the low 30s at night in the heart of winter, it doesn’t occur often. Average day-time winter temperatures are in the mid 50s, with summer averages in the mid-high 80s. We do have those occasional heat waves though!
