Livermore

About Livermore

Livermore, California, is one of the largest cities in Northern California's Tri-Valley area. The city is located near San Francisco, on the eastern edge of the Bay Area. A warm, Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters, providing a generally pleasant year-round temperature.

The History of Livermore

The Ohlone Native American tribe called this area home long before settlers arrived, attracted by the area's rich stores of water, minerals, fertile soil and wildlife. The Spaniards built missions here in the early 1700s, raising cattle on the ample open land. They also helped start California's long tradition of growing grapes. They planted large vineyards, which later became part of separate ranches where residents lived.

The city was named for Robert Livermore, a British immigrant who settled in the area and became the first resident to create commercial vineyards. He and his family also raised livestock and branched into other businesses. Then, during the gold rush, Robert profited from people who traveled through the valley on their way to seek their fortune in gold.

The railroad brought continued growth to Livermore, which became a town in 1869. Its arrival resulted in the addition of schoolhouses, supermarkets, a post office, churches and other buildings in town. Today, Livermore is home to the longest-lived light-bulb, which illuminates the firehouse, and the town has gained a reputation for innovation in energy and technology.

Living in Livermore

Livermore scores well in nearly all areas of livability, thanks to its many amenities. It boasts low property and violent crime rates, and its safe neighborhoods are a major draw for many young families. The local schools have earned national recognition for their academic performance, often surpassing the state and national test score averages. In addition, the unemployment rate in Livermore is considerably lower than the rest of California's.

You'll find a number of parks and nature preserves to explore in the area, including the nearby Del Valle Regional Park. Here, you can enjoy water sports at the 5-mile-long lake, as well as hiking, horseback riding and nature exploring in the surrounding natural area. The city's May Nissen Park provides a variety of recreational spaces, including swimming pools, picnic areas, sports fields, a dog park and a preschool.

The city is known for its annual Livermore Rodeo, which has been taking place every June since 1918.

Livermore Schools

The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District manages the public schools in the city. There are also a few private schools in the area, including Montessori and faith-based campuses.

Resources for Moving to Livermore

Here are a few quick resources for planning your move to Livermore:

• Utilities: The City of Livermore manages water and sewer services, while energy is provided by Pacific Gas and Electric.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash, recyclables and organic waste are collected curbside on a regular basis. Your pick-up schedule is determined by your specific neighborhood.
• Transportation: Tri-Valley Wheels facilitates a network of bus routes in and around Livermore, making it easy to access much of the area.

Livermore Housing

Like most of the Bay Area, Livermore has a fairly high median home price. Here, the median home price is much higher than the national average, and rent is also fairly expensive. However, there are plenty of options on the housing market, so you can find something to fit your needs.