Danville is located in Contra Costa County, in the northern portion of the San Ramon Valley, about 45 miles East of San Francisco, 7 miles South of Walnut Creek, and 35 miles North of San Jose.  The public transit system called BART (or Bay Area Rapid Transit) networks many areas and towns between the Danville area, Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco.  Because Danville is well located between larger metropolitan areas, residents have access to numerous cultural, social, and educational events, while still maintaining the benefits of small town family life.  This well placed town is comfortably situated between Mount Diablo in the East Bay and the Las Trampas Hills, which affords residents the pleasures of outdoor activities. 
Access to both urban and rural environments isn’t all the city of Danville offers.  Danville has an outstanding public school system that ranks among the best in the state.   Numerous family activities abound in this delightful town atmosphere.  Street fairs, wine and art festivals, summer musical evenings in the park, and parades are some of the local attractions, and Danville offers many good restaurants, antique shops and bakeries, as well as parks for both young and old to relax and enjoy themselves.  These many factors together add up to quality living that offers diverse attractions, the excitement and expansiveness of easily accessed urban activities, and the important benefits of a small town family environment.

LOCATION

Historic Danville Hotel

Danville is located in the northern portion of the San Ramon Valley, in Contra Costa County, about 45 miles East of San Francisco, 40 miles East of Berkeley and Oakland, and 35 miles North of San Jose.
 
TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS

Danville's Clock Tower

Several major airports make Danville easily accessible:  San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and San Jose International Airport are all from 30 to 50 miles from Danville.  Major freeways running north-south (#680) and east-west (#580) provide access to areas in the East Bay including Oakland and Berkeley, as well as to the thriving San Francisco area; and BART provides efficient and fast public transportation to these urban locations.

BRIEF HISTORY

Tony Roma's in the Danville Livery

The first inhabitants in the area around Danville were Native Americans who lived in the adjacent creeks and valleys.  The first non-Native Americans were attracted by gold, and Danville was established and eventually named by gold miners in the mid 1800’s.  A small town infrastructure was put in place that included a blacksmith, hotel, general store, and post office.  Soon news of prosperity, a fertile valley, and benign weather spread East, and by 1869 the area sported a population of 1800 landowners, squatters, ranchers, and businessmen.  Cattle, sheep, grains, fruit, and nuts were grown in the valley and were hauled north to the docks in Pacheco and Martinez.

The Twentieth Century showed an influx of Chinese, Portuguese, German, and Japanese immigrants who contributed to the growth and development of the area.   By 1910 a public high school district was organized and San Ramon Valley Union High School was built.  Danville continued to be farm country well into the 1940’s and in 1950 the population was still about 4500.  Danville’s population increased dramatically after 1970 and in 1982 the town incorporated.  Despite the rapid increase and accompanying changes, the community has successfully maintained a sense of its unique history.  Many of the original buildings are still intact which contribute to Danville’s character.

Currently the population of Danville is approximately 42,000 with an average age of 37. The median household income is about $115,000.

Danville combines small town intimacy with an interesting, upscale urban style.   Come see for yourself!

EDUCATION

Danville Mustang Soccer

Danville schools are part of The San Ramon Valley Unified School District that encompasses the communities of Danville, Alamo, Diablo, Blackhawk, and San Ramon as well as part of Walnut Creek and Pleasanton, and is comprised of 28 schools serving more than 21,000 students.

This District consistently ranks among the top 10% of California school districts. Over 94% of the graduating seniors attend college or university, and an impressive number of graduating students attend the University of California and the California State University systems.  The district has received many awards from both the State and U.S. Department of Education.  School curricula include a challenging academic program, outstanding technical and vocational programs, and many elective courses.  A wide range of extracurricular activities is also available to students who want to expand their skills and interests.

The district also responds to the needs of special education students.  All K-12 schools have resource specialist programs.  The teaching and consulting staff includes at least one full time resource teacher, and a part-time psychologist, speech therapist, and health educator.

This excellent school district is built upon a talented and dedicated teaching staff, and an involved and well-educated parent community.

Danville's Downtown Charm

Pete's Brass Rail in Danville