If you’re considering downsizing in the East Bay, you’ve probably wondered: Should I choose a luxury condo or a single-story home? And how do Danville, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, and Pleasanton compare in price, lifestyle, and amenities? In this guide, we break it all down to help you make a confident, informed decision.
Average Pricing: Condos/Townhomes vs. Single-Story Homes
Danville
- Median home price overall: around $1.8M–$1.9M in 2025.
- Luxury condos/townhomes: Typically lower than single-family homes, though inventory is limited in Danville’s luxury segments (often $900K–$1.3M+ depending on size and HOA amenities).
- Single-story homes: Often priced $1.8M+, driven by spacious living and land value.
San Ramon
- Median home price (all types): roughly $1.3M.
- Condos/townhomes usually fall below single-family home pricing, making them appealing entry points for downsizers.
Pleasanton
- Median home price: approx $1.6M–$1.7M.
- Condo units can start much lower (e.g., $435K–$580K for 1-2 BR, median townhome around $912K).
- Single-story and detached homes close to downtown Pleasanton generally range upward of $1.6M–$1.8M+.
Walnut Creek
- Median home price: ~$1.0M as of late 2025.
- Condo median listing: ~$529K (varies widely by size & location).
- Townhomes often sit between condos and single-family homes and can approach $800K–$1.2M depending on neighborhood and HOA.
Bottom Line on Pricing: Condos and townhomes typically provide a lower cost alternative to single-story and single-family homes — especially when downsizing from a pricey market like Danville or Pleasanton. However, markets like Walnut Creek offer more diverse pricing tiers, which can be especially attractive for retirees or buyers on a tighter budget.
Luxury Condos vs. Single-Story Homes: Pros & Cons
Luxury Condos (All Cities)
Pros
- Low-maintenance living: HOAs often include landscaping, exterior maintenance, and amenities like pools or fitness centers.
- Amenities & security: Many condo communities offer secure access and shared community spaces.
- Walkability: Especially in places like Walnut Creek or downtown Pleasanton, condos can be steps from restaurants, shopping, and BART.
Cons
- HOA dues add to monthly costs.
- Resale nuance: Some condos in California face lending challenges due to complex FHA/VA approval requirements.
- Less privacy than single-family homes.
Single-Story Homes
Pros
- Single-level living: Great for mobility and lifelong comfort (no stairs).
- Privacy & outdoor space: Larger lots and private yards make these ideal for entertaining, gardening, or pets.
- Generally strong long-term equity due to land value.
Cons
- You handle all maintenance yourself.
- Higher purchase price in premium markets like Danville and Pleasanton.
City Comparisons: Safety, Restaurants, Shopping & Activities
Danville
- Safety: Consistently rated among the Bay Area’s safer communities with low crime rates.
- Restaurants & Shopping: Danville’s downtown “Village” is filled with boutiques, acclaimed eateries, and seasonal events.
- Activities: Close to Mt. Diablo for hiking, family-friendly parks, and community events.
San Ramon
- Safety: Also known for a strong sense of community and safe neighborhoods.
- Shopping & Dining: City Center Bishop Ranch offers restaurants, cinemas, breweries, and boutiques.
- Activities: Parks, bike trails, and community festivals.
Walnut Creek
- Best for Walkability & Urban Amenities: Arguably the most vibrant for restaurants, shopping, arts, and nightlife — especially around Broadway Plaza and downtown.
- BART access makes it ideal for commuters and those who love city-style amenities in a suburban setting.
Pleasanton
- Historic Downtown: Packed with award-winning restaurants, wine bars, and boutique shopping.
- Activities: Farmer’s markets, community events, and trails. Proximity to Livermore wine country adds weekend appeal.
- Safety: Pleasant residential neighborhoods with excellent public services.
Which Has the Most Options?
- Walnut Creek and Pleasanton lead for walkability to shops, dining, transit, and activities.
- Danville and San Ramon excel in quiet suburban charm and outdoor spaces.
So What’s the “Safest” Bet?
If your priority is safety + community feel + space, Danville and San Ramon are standout choices with top school districts and family-oriented living.
If you want lifestyle amenities — restaurants, nightlife, walkability, and public transit — Walnut Creek or Pleasanton provide more urban-style conveniences without sacrificing suburban comfort.
Why Choose Compass?
Compass is one of the leading real estate brokerages in the Bay Area, offering:
- Modern marketing technology to showcase your home to the right buyers.
- Strategic pricing tools backed by real-time MLS data.
- Local market expertise paired with global reach, giving you an edge whether you’re buying or selling.
- Dedicated transaction support from start to finish.
Working with Compass means more visibility for sellers and more negotiation power for buyers — especially in competitive markets like Danville and Pleasanton.
Why Choose David Weiss, Your Realtor
As a seasoned Compass agent specializing in Danville, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, and Pleasanton, I bring:
Deep local market knowledge you can trust.
Data-driven pricing strategies to get sellers top value.
Personalized service from listing to close.
A client-first approach — I listen, advise, and negotiate hard on your behalf.
Experience in downsizing transitions — making your shift simpler, smarter, and tailored to your lifestyle goals.
Whether you’re selling your current home before downsizing or evaluating your next move, I’m here to guide you through every step — with clarity, honesty, and results.
Ready to talk about your downsizing options in Danville, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, or Pleasanton? Let’s connect!
Contact David Weiss, Compass Realtor
