Martinez, CA

Martinez, California

Introduction to Martinez, California

Martinez, California, in Contra Costa county, is 6 miles NW of Concord, California (center to center) and 16 miles NE of Oakland, California. It's situated on the south side of the Carquinez Strait, largely surrounded by water and open space preserves and is part of the San Francisco Bay Area. The downtown area features a large number of notable old buildings. A Shell refinery plant is nearby. Martinez is a prominent port and petroleum processing location.

Martinez History

In 1824 Don Ygnacio Martinez received a land grant from the Mexican Government, which included the Alhambra Valley. The early settlers in the region utilized Martinez to purchase, sell and ship goods. The city catered to a large number of people passing through on their way to the gold country.

By 1860 Martinez was a prominent shipping port and was utilized by ships from all over world. The railroad reached the area in 1877. It was established as a city in 1876. The renowned John Muir was a resident from 1880 until he died in 1914. Shell Oil Company constructed an oil refinery close to Martinez in 1915 which created a building boom.

Martinez Attractions

• John Muir National Historic Site includes John Muir's home and a vast woodland and grassland acreage.
• Martinez Adobe ranch house is designated as a California Historical Landmark.
• The downtown is known for its numerous antique shops.
• Martinez Museum is situated in a Victorian cottage and showcases a variety of the city's artifacts.
• John Muir Amphitheater offers theatrical and musical performances.

Martinez Activities

The Martinez Regional Shoreline is situated along the Carquinez Strait. The Briones Regional Park features rolling grassy hills and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. The Waterbird Regional Preserve is a notable destination for bird enthusiasts. The Carquinez Strait is a scenic location which provides opportunities for fishing and hiking. Crockett Hills Regional Park is located in the county.

The waterfront includes an active marina and is a popular area for fishing and hiking. The Benicia State Recreation Area is situated along the Carquinez Strait and offers bird watching and fishing locations. The scenic paths are utilized for walking, roller skating, jogging and bicycle riding. The Muir Woods, a beautiful redwood forest, is a short distance away. The prominent wineries in Napa Valley are nearby. Residents and visitors can easily enjoy the activities and entertainment in San Francisco.

The Mount Diablo State Park is one of the best ecological locations in the San Francisco Bay Area and includes an extensive trail system, a variety of wildlife and beautiful wildflowers. It also offers horseback riding and bicycle riding opportunities. The Six Flags Discovery Kingdom offers a good time for families.

Martinez Transportation

Amtrak has a station in Martinez.

Martinez Higher Education

Diablo Valley College is nearby.

High Points

Martinez strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in California):

Category	Trophy
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 8%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. Peers)	Top 10%
Median Family Income (vs. Peers)	Top 13%
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 15%
People in Middle Class or Better (vs. Peers)	Top 15%
Low Rate of Poverty (vs. State)	Top 19%

Comparative Profile of Martinez, CA

Comparing Martinez to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in California (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Male Share of the Population
Age of the Population
Racial Diversity
Senior Citizens
Female Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Working at Home
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Housing Recently Built
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Property Taxes
Affordability of Rents
Seasonal and Vacation Housing

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Martinez Almanac

Martinez Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Martinez Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Martinez, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Martinez Hospitals

CONTRA COSTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
(Government - Local)
2500 ALHAMBRA AVE
(925) 370-5000
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Martinez

Martinez High Schools (2004)

ALHAMBRA SENIOR HIGH
150 E ST.
925-313-0440
Serves 1,340 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 22.6

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COURT
202 GLACIER DR.
925-942-3408
A Non-traditional School
Serves 257 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.3

GOLDEN GATE COMMUNITY
222 GLACIER
925-313-2950
A Non-traditional School
Serves 142 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 17.8

BRIONES (ALTERNATIVE)
614 F ST. BUILDING 18
925-228-9232
A Non-traditional School
Serves 75 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 25.9

VICENTE MARTINEZ HIGH (CONT.)
614 F ST.
925-228-9232
A Non-traditional School
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 74 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.2

Martinez Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Martinez Adult Education

(List of All California Colleges)

NEW: Community Comments below!