Pleasanton, California is a fairytale community, with the rooftops of generous and private East Bay homes substituting for the turrets of Snow White's castle. Within the radius of major San Francisco Bay Area cities, near public transit and freeways, Pleasanton offers quiet charm and beauty that will conjure the privacy of a living on a country estate. This community can satisfy a craving for the rich cultural resources of the city as well as an appreciation of bucolic scenery with rolling hills and open sky. Beyond Pleasanton's obvious appeal, however, lie some lesser-known reasons to make Pleasanton your hometown. Read on to discover some of them.
You Won't Need a Time Machine
Pleasanton is the rare richly historical California community which has flourished over the course of time, maintaining its historic appeal while integrating modern conveniences galore. Stroll along its quaint downtown streets, marveling at the architectural variety and sipping coffee in a European-style sidewalk cafe, or instead visit the gleaming storefronts of Stoneridge Mall, one of the Bay Area's beacons of upscale shopping. Whether your passion is revisiting a gentler bygone age or propelling yourself into the future, surrounded by the technology that fuels this area's healthy job market, you'll find your way there in Pleasanton.
You Won't Miss Napa
Although Pleasanton is only an hour's drive from California's most famed wine country, you may never make the trip. The Livermore AVA produces over thirty varieties of tasty grapes, and they're not growing them to turn into PB&J. The very first California wine to bring a crusty French wine to its knees in competition hailed from this region. Yes, this was in the late 1800's, but talent is talent, and viticulture remains a strong part of this community. From wine festivals celebrating the harvest to a plethora of beautiful wineries with inexpensive daily tasting hours, enjoying wine is part of celebrating life in Pleasanton.
You Won't Go Hungry
Got an appetite? Good. Pleasanton's diverse restaurants and cafes will leave you with no shortage of tempting options. From specialty gourmet shops (not every town has its own gluten free bakery) to upscale dining to family friendly chains like the Cheesecake Factory, this town has it all. If eating in is on today's menu, Trader Joes, 99 Ranch, and other specialty markets abound. The only challenge will be deciding what's for dinner.
Your Kids May Invent the Next Google
It is certainly no accident that Pleasanton hosts a growing number of successful and innovative tech companies. Children who grow up in Pleasanton benefit from excellent schools, with the two comprehensive high schools, Foothill and Amador, ranked among the top in the nation. The elementary and middle schools are no slouches either; the district has consistently high parent satisfaction ratings and routinely receives both local and national recognition. Give your children the strong foundation they need, and perhaps stock options in their growing startup will sustain you through a swanky retirement.
You Won't Have to Take up Thumb Wrestling as a Hobby
While a Pleasanton backyard is a tempting place to put up your feet, pour yourself a drink, and unwind, you may find that Pleasanton's many events and activities keep you on the move even through your leisure time. With so many recreational opportunities around every corner, it's easy to keep active and involved. The public parks are known for their natural beauty and the local recreational soccer leagues are legendary. Summers are chock full of festivals, from the street fairs featured on First Wednesdays to the blanket-filled lawns of free Friday Concerts in the Park. And don't forget the midways, horse racing, and musical headliners which make Pleasanton's Alameda County Fair a favorite attraction.
