Holbrook

The map actually covers 4 different neighborhoods Holbrook Heights, East Sun Terrace, Mira Vista and Baldwin Park . Holbrook Elementary, the only school that is in that area and whose attendance boundary is only for East Sun Terrace and Holbrook Height was an Excellent school with an API score in the 800's. It closed 4 years ago. (1 year before the first comment about the neighborhood was made). The problem with reviews made by people who don't live in the area is that while they think they are making an honest and accurate assessment of a neighborhood, they just tend to write about what they see in the 20 minutes they are in the area. As a resident of 15 years I can tell you Holbrook Heights and East Sun Terrace are great places to live.

I would like to make it clear that there are no grocery stores or any stores for that matter in the actual neighborhoods. East Sun Terrace and Holbrook Heights are R-1 (residential 1). That means 100 percent of the homes are single family homes, there are is commercial, apartment or condos developments. Additionally, the houses were built between 1950 - 1960 in Holbrook Heights and 1962- 1964 in East Sun Terrace.

Both these neighborhoods have been active in city affairs in fact the current mayor of Concord lives in the area and has for a long time.

East Sun Terrace, whose neighborhood technically starts north of East Olivera Road and is easily walkable to the North Concord Bart is one of the most involved neighborhoods in town.

With the potential development of the Concord Naval Weapons station walking distance to the north and east of East Sun Terrace we have seen a large shift in demographics. Enough of the project has been made public to make people aware of the awesome amenities that will be at their doorstep.

Historically the neighborhood was primary original older owners, in the last 2 years and as homes become available we see younger professional families moving in. The turnover has resulted in a large amount of owners remodeling their homes.

Interestingly enough there has always had a small yet visible gay population, who ironically currently make up a majority on the Neighborhood Association Board.

You would be hard pressed to walk your dog or take an evening stroll with out someone saying hello. In this neighborhood if you feel like you don't know anyone, then you are not trying very hard.

The only cons that I see in the neighborhoods and that goes for both East Sun Terrace and Holbrook Heights is because the closest Elementary and Middle schools are both closed the attendance schools are not easily walkable, and are actually 3 miles away.

For me and my family, Holbrook is the home of Pixieland, the amusement park for very young kids. There really isn’t much to it—it’s just a little train and few other rides that very small children might enjoy but which anyone over the age of 5 will find a snoozer. Nevertheless, if you live close by it is a good option for a boring weekend.

The other major feature of this neighborhood is the North Concord BART, which connects this area up with the rest of the Bay Area.

In terms of homes here, the neighborhood is actually fairly pleasant with nice wide streets and well maintained older Ranch style homes. The residents here do a good job of individualizing their front yards, choosing an eclectic blend of stone decorations, trimmed topiary and even occasional rose bushes that come gloriously into full bloom.

This is basically a classic middle class neighborhood of the kind that many of remember from the 1970’s and 80’s. This is pretty typical suburban living in terms of the amenities as well: fast food and nice well-stocked grocery stores. Nothing fantastic but very comfortable.

The median home price here is around $250 K, as affordable for the Bay Area. (Though many people do not consider this area to be the Bay Area because it is beyond the Contra Costas.)

The schools unfortunately are pretty awful, making this no better than a starter neighborhood for young couples, unless you can afford private schools.

Overall, an okay place to live for couples with very young children unless you are fairly well off, in which case you probably will go with a better neighborhood any way.