Living in Martinez: A Complete 2026 Local Guide for Home Buyers

If you're considering buying a home in Martinez, here's everything you need to know about pricing, lifestyle, schools, commute access, and how it compares to nearby Contra Costa cities.

Why Martinez Is Gaining Attention in Contra Costa County

Martinez has quietly become one of the most balanced housing markets in central Contra Costa County. It offers:

• Tight-knit community
• Waterfront access
• A historic, walkable downtown
• More approachable home prices than Walnut Creek
• Less density than Concord
• Strong commuter positioning

For buyers who feel priced out of higher-cost cities nearby, Martinez offers a compelling middle ground.

📊 Martinez Real Estate Market Snapshot (2026)

(Data sourced from MLS trends, Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®, and Redfin market reports.)

• Median Home Price: ~$720,000
• Average Days on Market: 18–25 days
• Average Price per Sq Ft: ~$460–$520
• Typical Home Type: 3-bedroom single-family home

Compared locally:

• Homes in Walnut Creek often exceed $1M
• Pleasant Hill trends slightly higher than Martinez
• Concord is similar in pricing but more dense and commercial

Martinez consistently offers better value per square foot compared to much of central Contra Costa.

🤝 Community & Everyday Life in Martinez

Martinez is know for its tight-knit, small-town feel within Contra Costa County.

Evenings are often spent walking downtown for dinner, heading to the marina for sunset views, or cheering on kids at local sports practices. Neighbors run into each other at coffee shops, school events, and weekend community gatherings.

Days often look like:

• Parents heading to youth sports practice
• Families attending school events
• Community members supporting local small businesses
• Evening strolls through the historic downtown district
• Getting fresh produce at the downtown farmers market

It's a city where families stay involved, small businesses are supported, and local traditions bring residents together year after year.

For many buyers, this lifestyle — not just the home itself — is what ultimately drives the decision.

Martinez offers a balance: accessible to major highways and nearby cities, yet grounded in a slower, relationship-based community culture that many families are actively seeking.

🌊 Lifestyle: Waterfront + Historic Charm

Martinez is one of the few East Bay cities with a true waterfront identity.

Highlights include:

• Martinez Marina & shoreline trails
• Historic downtown architecture
• Independent coffee shops & local restaurants
• Community events like Art in the Park & seasonal festivals

Unlike larger neighboring cities, Martinez maintains a quieter, small-town feel while still being centrally located.

🚘 Commute & Location Advantage

Martinez is strategically positioned:

• Direct access to Highway 4
• Close to 680 interchange
• Downtown Amtrak station (Capitol Corridor line)

Commute times:

• ~20 minutes to Walnut Creek
• ~15 minutes to Concord
• ~45–60 minutes to San Francisco (car or train depending on traffic)

For Contra Costa professionals who want accessibility without high-density living, Martinez works well.

🎓 Schools in Martinez

📈 Long-Term Appreciation Potential

Martinez has historically appreciated steadily, though at a slightly slower rate than Walnut Creek.

However, it offers:

• Lower entry point
• Strong rental demand
• Limited waterfront inventory
• Continued downtown revitalization

With continued infrastructure and housing pressure across Contra Costa County, Martinez remains positioned for stable long-term growth.

Who Martinez Is Best For

Martinez is ideal for:

     ✔ First-time buyers priced out of Walnut Creek
     ✔ Buyers wanting more space than Pleasant Hill
     ✔ Commuters working across Contra Costa
     ✔ Families wanting a smaller community feel
     ✔ Buyers looking for value without leaving central county

Final Thoughts

If you're comparing cities in central Contra Costa County, Martinez deserves serious consideration. It offers pricing balance, location convenience, and a lifestyle that feels distinct from nearby cities.



For buyers looking to stay within Contra Costa while maximizing value and long-term potential, Martinez continues to be one of the strongest under-the-radar options.

About the Author

Ahriane Custodio is an East Bay real estate agent specializing in helping buyers explore Martinez and surrounding Contra Costa County communities. She provides local market insight and strategic guidance to help buyers navigate affordability and make confident home buying decisions.