Richmond Real Estate

A little about Richmond

Across the bay and a bit north of San Francisco on San Rafael Bay, Richmond, California, is a city of more than 100,000 residents in western Contra Costa County. The city sits on 32 miles of waterfront space, more than any other city in the Bay Area. Because of its unique location and abundance of shoreline, the town has been a major shipping port in the area and the site for much heavy industry. The largest employers in Richmond include Chevron, which runs a large oil refinery, Kaiser Permanente, Berlex, Inc., Costco Wholesale, Macy's, the California Autism Foundation, Palecek Imports and Veriflo Division. The Social Security Administration also has a regional office with more than 1,000 employees. Bay View recording studios is located here as well and has been home to some well-known artists. Shopping centers include the Hilltop Mall, the Richmond Shopping Center and the Macdonald 80 Shopping Center. Three middle schools, sixteen elementary schools, seven combined elementary-middle schools, five high schools and one charter high school make up the public education system. There are also three adult education schools. There are also a number of private schools, mostly Catholic. Contra Costa College, the community college for the town, is located in the neighboring city of San Pablo. Cultural attractions in town include the Masquers Playhouse, a performing arts center, the Golden State Railroad Museum, The Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, the Richmond Art Center, East Bay Center for the Performing Arts and the National Institute of Art and Disabilities Art Center. Two Amtrak lines runs through town, stopping at a station that also offers connections with the BART rail system, and AC Transit buses. Those interested in the area’s history can visit the USS Red Oak Victory, a restored World War II Victory ship that was built in Richmond. The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge extends from the city more than five miles across San Pablo Bay, connecting Contra Costa and Marin counties.