Essential Resources for Current and Future Brentwood Residents

Whether you're planning a move to Brentwood or already call this vibrant East Bay community home, this comprehensive resource guide provides valuable information about schools, cost of living, amenities, and everything else you need to know about life in Brentwood, California.

Brentwood Schools and Education

Elementary and Middle Schools

Brentwood offers several well-regarded elementary and middle schools, including:

• Garin Elementary School - Known for strong parent involvement and STEM focus
• Pioneer Elementary School - Features innovative teaching approaches and technology integration
• R. Paul Krey Elementary School - Emphasizes character development alongside academics
• Mary Casey Black Elementary School - Newer facility with strong academic programs
• Adams Middle School - Offers comprehensive electives and strong core curriculum
• Edna Hill Middle School - Features robust arts and STEM programs

High Schools

Brentwood students attend these high schools:

• Heritage High School - Comprehensive campus offering AP/honors courses, strong athletics, and arts programs
• Liberty High School - Established school with diverse course offerings and career pathways
• Independence High School - Alternative education option with flexible scheduling
• La Paloma High School - Continuation school offering credit recovery options

Private Schools and Alternative Options

Additional educational options include:

• Brentwood Academy - Private K-8 school with small class sizes
• Heritage Baptist Academy - Faith-based education option
• Montessori School of Brentwood - Alternative teaching methodology
• Delta Vista Academy - Charter school option

Higher Education Access

While Brentwood doesn't host a major university campus, residents have access to:

• Los Medanos College Brentwood Center - Community college satellite campus offering associate degrees and transfer programs
• CSU East Bay - Located approximately 25 miles away in Hayward
• UC Berkeley - Approximately 50 miles to this world-class university
• Saint Mary's College - Private university in nearby Moraga

Brentwood Cost of Living

Housing Costs

Housing represents the most significant cost factor in Brentwood:

• Median Home Price: $840,000
• Average Rent (3BR): $2,800/month
• Average Rent (1BR): $1,850/month
• Property Tax Rate: Approximately 1.1% of assessed value, plus special assessments

Utilities and Services

Monthly utility costs for a typical Brentwood household:

• Electricity: $150-$300 (seasonal variation)
• Water/Sewer: $90-$120
• Internet: $60-$100
• Natural Gas: $40-$120 (seasonal variation)
• Garbage Collection: $35-$45

Transportation

Transportation costs to consider:

• Average Commute: 42 minutes for those working outside Brentwood
• Gasoline: Typically 10-15% higher than national average
• Public Transportation: Limited options within Brentwood, Tri Delta Transit provides regional connections
• BART Access: Antioch BART station approximately 15 minutes away

Food and Groceries

Food costs in Brentwood are approximately 20% higher than the national average, with:

• Major Grocery Chains: Safeway, Raley's, Sprouts, Trader Joe's
• Farmers Markets: Year-round access to local produce at competitive prices
• Dining Out: Average meal at mid-range restaurant $15-25 per person

Healthcare

Brentwood healthcare costs:

• Primary Care Visit: $120-180 without insurance
• Dental Cleaning: $100-150 without insurance
• Major Healthcare Providers: John Muir Health, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health

Relocating to Brentwood: Essential Guide

Before You Move

Preparing for your Brentwood relocation:

• Research neighborhoods based on commute needs, school preferences, and lifestyle
• Consider housing costs against your budget, factoring in potential HOA fees in newer developments
• Visit during different seasons if possible - summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F
• Research employment opportunities if not already secured
• Establish medical providers and transfer records before arrival

Moving Timeline and Checklist

Important Local Contacts

Save these important local resources:

• City of Brentwood: www.brentwoodca.gov | (925) 516-5400
• Brentwood Police Department (non-emergency): (925) 634-6911
• East Contra Costa Fire Protection District: (925) 634-3400
• Brentwood Community Center: (925) 516-5444
• California DMV (Brentwood): (800) 777-0133

Getting Settled

Once you've moved, consider these steps to integrate into the community:

• Visit the Brentwood Community Center to learn about local programs and classes
• Attend a Brentwood Farmers Market (year-round on Saturdays) to meet locals
• Join the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce if you're a business owner
• Consider membership at the Brentwood Family Aquatic Complex or local recreation facilities
• Explore local parks and trails including Marsh Creek Trail and Veterans Park
• Participate in community events like the Brentwood CornFest or Summer Concert Series

Brentwood's Best Amenities for Homeowners

Parks and Recreation

Brentwood offers extensive outdoor amenities:

• Veterans Park: Features water play area, amphitheater, and picnic facilities
• Sunset Park Athletic Complex: Sports fields, courts, and recreation areas
• Marsh Creek Trail: 7+ miles of scenic walking and biking paths
• Deer Ridge Golf Club: 18-hole championship course with stunning views
• Shadow Lakes Golf Club: Currently closed but facility may reopen
• Brentwood Family Aquatic Complex: Public swimming facility with multiple pools

Shopping and Dining

Retail and culinary highlights include:

• Streets of Brentwood: Open-air shopping center with national retailers and restaurants
• Downtown Brentwood: Charming area with local shops, cafes, and restaurants
• Brentwood Boulevard Shopping: Big box retailers and everyday services
• Farmers Market: Year-round Saturday market featuring local produce and goods
• Local Culinary Standouts: Zephyr Grill & Bar, Sweeney's Grill & Bar, Lone Tree Golf & Event Center

Community Services

Brentwood provides excellent public services:

• Brentwood Library: Modern facility with extensive programs and resources
• Brentwood Senior Activity Center: Programs specifically for older residents
• Brentwood Recreation Department: Diverse classes and activities for all ages
• City Park: Central gathering space hosting community events and festivals

Healthcare

Medical facilities in and around Brentwood:

• John Muir Health Outpatient Center: Comprehensive medical services
• Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center: Full-service hospital nearby
• Sutter Delta Medical Center: Hospital located in nearby Antioch
• Numerous medical and dental offices: Concentrated in central Brentwood