The Pleasures of Piedmont

The tiny village of Piedmont is one of the prettiest cities in California. Excellent schools, stately homes, tree-lined streets and close-knit neighborhoods make it an ideal place to settle down and raise a family. Although located within the boundaries of Oakland, Piedmont is its own city with separate schools, government, services and taxes. While enjoying their independence, the 11,000 residents have convenient access to all the big city amenities of San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and upscale Walnut Creek—just a short 20 minutes away.

Homes in Piedmont date mostly from the first half of the 20th century, with hundreds of unique and monumental estates of period revival style, as well as grand versions of the popular Craftsman bungalow. The St. James Wood neighborhood is an elegant, residential tract which was incorporated in 1924. There are 188 homes in St. James Wood most built between the 1920s and the 1950s. All of the utilities in this area are underground, and mature trees shade the winding, hillside streets.

With a low density and a very residential character, Piedmont has excellent city services, five city parks, wooded paths, tennis courts, and a children's playground. Shopping abounds in the nearby havens of Park Boulevard and Montclair Village where you'll also find wonderful restaurants and other amenities. Express buses to San Francisco and casual car-pool are close at hand on Park Boulevard.

Piedmont City Information Links:

• City of Piedmont
• Piedmont Unified School District
• Piedmont Neighbors and Newcomers Club
• History of Piedmont, California - Wikipedia

Heidi Long & Dana Cordeiro, REALTORS®