California Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Pinole, California

Population: 17,460

Located in Contra Costa County

Pinole is a quiet, middle-class bedroom town. Our school rankings are high, the crime rate is low and the commute is fair, but it will get better with freeway improvements that are now underway.

Pinole starts at San Pablo Bay and then moves back in a rectangular shape into the hills. We have good views, a nice neighborhood, a bowling alley, a nice library, fairly new sports fields on Pinole Valley Road, a movie complex (nine screens) and a small theater. We have many activities for kids. In addition, we have a small waterfront, which is nice for an evening stroll.

There is a shopping plaza at the intersection of Appian Way and I-80. In addition, Hilltop, the regional mall in Richmond, is only one freeway exit away. The local hospital and doctors are near the freeway and Appian Way.

The West Contra Costa Unified School District serves this community. Student scores generally rank above the 50-60th percentile, many in the 80’s. We also have a Catholic elementary school downtown.

Compared to other towns, we have a good commute. Pinole is 14 miles from Bay Bridge, Highway 4 to East and Central County is only a mile away and buses travel to BART stations.