We love you, Karl, but we need a tan.
Thinking about trading the fog for sunnier days and a slower pace in the East Bay? We wouldn’t blame you—while nowhere in the Bay Area is “cheap,” a dollar does seem to stretch further across the bridge.
Take it from local realtor Rebecca Burns, who lived in the city for nearly a decade before making Walnut Creek her home 16 years ago: You’re much more likely to find a home with a private yard, garage, and dedicated home office across the bay, and they often cost up to 50 percent less per square foot compared to homes in equivalent SF ‘hoods like Noe and Hayes Valley.
(Courtesy of Rebecca Burns)
But the East Bay isn’t just more affordable; it’s also home to diverse neighborhoods that are full of character and distinct identities. Lafayette features a charming downtown in a woodsy setting, while Walnut Creek is a more urban center that highlights the arts and shopping with regular street fairs. A little further to the east, you’ll find Danville—with its historic downtown, parades, and quaint community events—and Alamo, especially great for those looking for more space (the area is known for half-acre-plus lots).
Foodies love it in the East Bay, too. Thanks to Alice Waters and Chez Panisse in Berkeley, the region boasts a world-class food scene with diverse and expertly crafted cuisine from around the world. Oakland is a buzzy hub for Michelin-recognized soul food (Burdell) and thriving pop-up culture, while Berkeley and Richmond have the best pizza (Rose Pizzeria), and authentic Asian and Mexican cuisine.
When you’re ready to walk off the calories, you can visit one of the East Bay’s many beautiful parks and open spaces. The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest of its kind in the U.S., boasting over 73 parks and 1,250 miles of trails. Plus, the area is well situated for a quick weekend getaway—Wine Country is just 45 minutes away, and Lake Tahoe is nearly an hour closer.
Realtor Rebecca Burns(Courtesy of Rebecca Burns)
We know it can’t be all laid-back, vacation vibes all the time. There’s work to do, and if you’re commuting to SF, you’re in luck. Getting there from parts of the East Bay is actually easier than getting all the way across the city—BART will take you from Oakland to SF in just 15 to 20 minutes, while the ferries from Richmond and Alameda arguably offer the most scenic, stress-free (cocktail in-hand) commutes in the Bay.
If you’re thinking about taking the leap to a new home, no one is better suited to help with the transition than Rebecca Burns. A go-getter since her days as a Tri-Valley swim champ, she’s always lived ahead of the pack. Today, Rebecca serves as the ultimate bridge for those looking to make the move from SF to the East Bay. The Danville native offers an intimate, multigenerational perspective on the region’s niche neighborhoods and nuanced school districts. She treats every transaction as if it were her own, guiding clients with humor, experience, and sophisticated strategy.
When she isn’t house hunting and negotiating for her clients, you’ll find Burns on the local hiking trails or hosting legendary backyard pool parties that remind us why we love the East Bay so much—sun, space, and a true sense of community.
// Reach out to Rebecca Burns or browse her current listings below:
