Ready to buy in Martinez? Here's where the market stands right now.
Median sale price $790K · Avg. 60 days on market · Limited inventory in 94553 — buyers who move prepared, win.
| Category | Martinez Data Point | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $790,000 | ~$150K–$200K below Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill |
| Price per Sq Ft | $462/sq ft | Down 2.4% year-over-year (Redfin, Dec 2025) |
| Population | 37,006 | County seat of Contra Costa County |
| Median Age | 42.3 years | Established community; family and professional mix |
| Median Household Income | $125,436 | 72% above national average (Census Bureau, 2023) |
| Crime Rate | 1,652 per 100K residents | 42% below California state average (AreaVibes) |
| High School | Alhambra High School — 7/10 GreatSchools | Martinez USD; no out-of-district transfers accepted |
| Commute to Oakland | ~25 min by Amtrak Capitol Corridor | Station at 700 Ferry St — 0.4 mi from downtown |
| Nearest BART | Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre | ~8 miles south via I-680; County Connection bus connects |
| Open Space Access | 343-acre EBRPD shoreline + 6,255-acre Briones RP | 4+ miles Carquinez Strait waterfront within city limits |
| Property Tax Rate | ~1.1% effective rate | Contra Costa County; median annual tax ~$6,521 w/ mortgage |
| HOA | Varies by community | Required in Hidden Lakes and select gated developments |
Last updated: March 2026
Martinez Neighborhoods and Sub-Areas
Why Buyers Choose Martinez Over Neighboring Cities
Schools, Commute, and Practical Living Details
- School district: Martinez Unified School District (MUSD) — 6 elementary, 1 middle, Alhambra High School; no out-of-district transfers; musd.net
- Alhambra High School: 1200 E St, Martinez — 7/10 GreatSchools rating (verify current)
- Charter option: Vista Oaks Charter School — hybrid model; open enrollment; vistaoakscharter.org
- Boundary note: Properties south of Hwy 4 may fall under Mt. Diablo USD — always verify by address
- Higher education nearby: Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill (~3–8 mi); UC Berkeley (~25 mi west)
- Amtrak Martinez: 700 Ferry St — Capitol Corridor to Oakland (25 min), Sacramento (60 min)
- Nearest BART: Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre (~8 mi south via I-680)
- Bus transit: County Connection route 314 connects downtown Martinez to Pleasant Hill BART — cccta.org
- I-680 access: Alhambra Ave on-ramp ~1 mile from downtown; Walnut Creek ~12–15 min south
- Contra Costa Regional Medical Center: 2500 Alhambra Ave, Martinez — Level II trauma center
- Zip code: 94553
Lupe Kemper — Lupe Kemper Team, Compass
CA DRE # 01011383 · (925) 997-1290
A Martinez native with over 35 years of Contra Costa County real estate experience, Lupe Kemper has helped buyers navigate school boundary questions, neighborhood selection, and market timing across every sub-area of Martinez. Her team's local knowledge covers the full 94553 zip code — from the marina corridor to the Alhambra Valley. 1301 Ygnacio Valley Rd #100, Walnut Creek, CA 94598.
Frequently Asked Questions — Martinez, CA Neighborhood Guide
What is the Martinez CA neighborhood like?
Martinez is a historic Contra Costa County city with a walkable downtown on Main Street, a working 332-slip marina on the Carquinez Strait, and residential neighborhoods ranging from the dense, transit-connected downtown core to spacious Alhambra Valley estates near Briones Regional Park. The city has a dense suburban character — most residents own their homes, the majority of the population is professional, and the school district (MUSD) is highly rated. Crime rates are 42% below the California average. The refinery industrial corridor sits northeast of the city and is not a factor for most residential neighborhoods. Full resident guide →
What are home prices like in Martinez CA?
The median home sale price in Martinez was $790,000 in December 2025 (Redfin), down 2% year-over-year. Price per square foot averages $462. Single-family homes in the Alhambra Valley and Virginia Hills corridors typically range from $850,000 to $1.1M+. Condos and townhomes near downtown and the marina start around $650,000. North Martinez offers the lowest price points in the city at $690,000–$800,000. Martinez is consistently $150,000–$200,000 below the Walnut Creek median, making it the most affordable entry point into this part of Contra Costa County. See current listings →
What schools serve the Martinez CA neighborhood?
Most of Martinez is served by the Martinez Unified School District (MUSD), which encompasses 6 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and Alhambra High School (7/10 GreatSchools). MUSD does not accept out-of-district transfer students. Vista Oaks Charter School offers an alternative hybrid model with open enrollment. Properties south of Highway 4 may fall under Mt. Diablo USD boundaries — always verify the specific school assignment by address before making an offer. Read the neighborhood selection guide →
How do I get from Martinez CA to San Francisco or Oakland?
The Amtrak Martinez station at 700 Ferry St provides Capitol Corridor service to Oakland Jack London Square in approximately 25 minutes and to Sacramento in approximately 60 minutes. For San Francisco, the most common commute is Amtrak to Richmond, then BART to SF — total travel time approximately 65–75 minutes. By car, San Francisco is 45–65 minutes via I-80 depending on traffic. The nearest BART station is Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre, approximately 8 miles south via I-680, served by County Connection bus route 314 from downtown Martinez.
