Is Brentwood, CA, a Good Place to Live? 10 Pros and Cons to Consider

Nestled in a region known for its vineyards, farmland, and beautiful landscapes, Brentwood, California, has tons to offer the 66,000 people who choose to call it home. The city’s location offers a balance of calm suburban living with convenient access to the hustle and bustle of larger cities like San Francisco and Oakland. While its outdoor activities, community events, and the Mediterranean climate appeal to many, it’s crucial to consider all aspects of relocating to Brentwood.

But is Brentwood a good place to live? Luckily, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking at homes for sale in Brentwood, apartments for rent, or are just curious about what the area has to offer, this Redfin guide is for you. To give you a taste, here are 10 pros and cons to consider before moving to Brentwood. 

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Quick Facts about Brentwood

1. Pro: Location

Brentwood is located conveniently near untouched nature and major metropolises. It’s about an hour’s drive from San Francisco and even closer to Oakland, making it possible for residents to commute for work or easily enjoy their amenities. This gives people the ability to enjoy a quieter, more suburban lifestyle while still having easy access to big-city benefits like diverse dining options, cultural attractions, sports events, and shopping.

2. Con: High cost of living

One major downside of living in Brentwood is its high cost of living. While many people may enjoy the luxury lifestyle that Brentwood offers, it’s prohibitively expensive for others. Housing, in particular, can be costly. For example, the median sale price for a home in Brentwood is $835,000, nearly twice the national average. Apartments are also expensive, with a two-bedroom apartment costing an average of $2,925.

3. Pro: High-quality living

Brentwood is known for its luxury suburban homes and upscale neighborhoods, often with well-kept yards and beautiful landscaping. Housing options can vary from comfortable single-family homes to large estates, ensuring there’s something to fit a variety of lifestyle preferences. If you’re looking for a luxury home in Brentwood, you’ll find plenty of options, ranging from $800,000 homes to multi-million dollar properties. Make sure to connect with a local Redfin Premier agent for knowledgeable, customized service.

4. Con: Traffic and commuting

While Brentwood’s location offers easy access to larger cities, commuting can be challenging. The freeways can become congested, especially during peak rush hour periods. While there are public transportation options, they can also be time-consuming. This means that if you live in Brentwood but work in San Francisco, for example, you will likely have a long commute each day.

5. Pro: Outdoor activities

Brentwood is nestled among several natural attractions, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Local parks, trails, and golf courses offer plenty of space for recreational activities. Particularly notable is the proximity to Mount Diablo State Park, which offers extensive hiking trails, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and stunning panoramic views at the summit. Other popular options include Marsh Creek Regional Trail, Contra Loma Regional Park, Round Valley Regional Preserve, and Big Break Regional Shoreline.  If you’re in the mood for parks in the city, consider checking out City Park, a popular community gathering spot located in downtown Brentwood, or Blue Goose Park, which is named after a historic train. 

6. Con: Hot weather

Brentwood’s weather is generally pleasurable, but summers can become excessively hot. The city is in a hot Mediterranean climate, meaning summer temperatures frequently reach into the high 90s to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat waves can make this even worse. If you aren’t used to hot weather or don’t enjoy it, summers will be challenging. 

7. Pro: Wine culture

Brentwood and its surrounding areas boast a thriving wine industry, with numerous wineries and vineyards that add to the region’s charm. Residents have the unique advantage of being able to indulge in wine tastings and tours, immersing themselves in the artistry and craftsmanship behind winemaking. Popular wineries and vineyards for tasting and touring include Tamayo Family Vineyards, Hannah Nicole Vineyards, and Vine + Grain.

8. Con: Limited nightlife

Brentwood is a quieter city, so its nightlife options may seem limited, especially when compared to larger cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles. While there are restaurants and bars in the area, you won’t find a vibrant nightlife scene. If you’re in the mood for good food, though, there are plenty of options, including Shirasoni, Chianti’s, and Baltaire. 

9. Pro: Community and culture

Brentwood hosts a variety of community events throughout the year that provide entertainment for all ages. The Brentwood Farmers’ Market offers an array of fresh local produce and artisan goods, while festivals like the popular Brentwood CornFest celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage with music, food, and activities. If you like music, the city hosts Concerts in the Park every summer, bringing live music to the city during warm evenings.

10. Con: Growth and development

Brentwood has experienced significant growth over the past few decades, with its population increasing nearly 300% since 2000. This has transformed the area from a small agricultural town to a more developed suburban city. While this growth has brought many conveniences, it also brought more traffic, pollution, and less charm. If you want to move to Brentwood for its small-town feel, you may be slightly disappointed.

Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center. The Walk Score, Transit Score and Bike Score data is from Walk Score.

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