Moving to Concord for a new role and unsure where to start? You are not alone. A corporate relocation comes with tight timelines, big decisions, and a new commute to figure out. In this guide, you will learn how to choose the right neighborhood, test your commute, organize an efficient viewing trip, pick temporary housing, and stay on track with a simple timeline. Let’s dive in.
Commute options in Concord
Concord sits in Contra Costa County within the Oakland–Hayward–Berkeley metro area, and you have several ways to get to major job centers. Your best option depends on location, schedule, and whether you prefer transit or driving.
- BART: Concord and North Concord/Martinez stations link you to Oakland and San Francisco. Check current BART schedules and station parking before you rely on a specific train. Expect peak times to be busy and plan for permit or daily-paid parking.
- Local buses: County Connection routes serve Concord neighborhoods, BART shuttles, and local business parks. Routes and frequency vary by corridor and time of day.
- Driving: I‑680 is the main north–south freeway, SR‑242 connects Concord to Walnut Creek and I‑680, and SR‑4 runs east–west. Peak-hour congestion is common. Review live updates and advisories through Caltrans District 4.
- First and last mile: Many commuters use park‑and‑ride at BART, bike for short distances, or tap rideshare and employer shuttles.
Smart move: test your exact commute during morning and evening peaks on your first visit. In the Bay Area, reliability often matters more than a single “best time.”
Concord housing overview
You will find a mix of home types that fit different timelines and lifestyles.
- Single-family homes: Common across East Concord and suburban areas, often mid-century ranch or split-level styles with garages and yards.
- Condos and townhomes: Concentrated near downtown, around the BART station, and in newer infill areas. Lower maintenance and close to transit can be a plus for transferees.
- Apartments and rental communities: Mid-rise and garden-style properties are spread throughout the city, with furnished and unfurnished options.
- Newer infill and mixed-use: Small pockets near downtown and transit hubs, typically with HOAs and higher price points.
What to consider:
- Proximity to BART or main freeways can shape both price and daily rhythm. Review city planning resources on the City of Concord site and property details through Contra Costa County services.
- HOAs: Read CC&Rs, fees, reserve studies, and any rental caps or short-term rules before you commit.
- Parking: Older neighborhoods often include driveways and garages. Downtown and transit-oriented areas may rely on assigned spaces or street permits.
- Schools: Many Concord neighborhoods are served by Mt. Diablo Unified. Check MDUSD boundaries and enrollment early so you understand timelines and required documents.
Tip: Prioritize your must-haves vs nice-to-haves, then review recent comparable sales or rentals with a local agent to understand market speed and offer strategy.
Plan your early viewing trip
A focused 2 to 3 day visit helps you refine neighborhoods and set realistic expectations.
Sample 2-day itinerary:
- Day 1 morning: Test your commute by car or BART during peak hours. Walk or drive target neighborhoods to scout parks, grocery options, and services.
- Day 1 afternoon: Tour 3 to 5 representative homes that match your price range and style. Return in the evening to check noise, lighting, and parking patterns.
- Day 2 morning: If applicable, visit schools or daycare providers. Meet with your local agent to review search criteria, financing, and next steps.
- Day 2 afternoon: Tour additional homes or speak with property managers and HOA contacts. Confirm temporary housing options if you will need a short stay on arrival.
Viewing trip checklist:
- Neighborhood feel: sidewalks, noise, street parking, access to transit, parks, and daily needs.
- Home basics: roof and exterior condition, visible plumbing or electrical issues, HVAC age, storage, natural light, and cell reception.
- Practicalities: measure rooms and garage, confirm internet providers and speeds, ask about garbage and recycling.
- Documentation: photo ID, recent pay stubs, transfer letter, references. If buying, discuss lender pre-approval timing with your agent.
Virtual-first strategy: Use video walk-throughs to narrow your list, then plan one in-person trip to verify top contenders.
Temporary housing choices
Short-term options can bridge your arrival and your long-term home. Prioritize access to your commute route or BART, even if the unit costs more.
| Option | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate housing / furnished apartments | 30+ day stays with turnkey setup | Included utilities, parking, and any add-on fees |
| Extended-stay hotels | Flexible weeks to months with on-site amenities | Rate changes, pet policies, and parking availability |
| Short-term rentals | Flexible dates and neighborhood variety | HOA or city restrictions and parking limits |
| Month-to-month rentals | Longer search windows with flexibility | Early termination terms and move-out notice windows |
Selection tips:
- Confirm what is included: internet, utilities, parking, and cleaning fees.
- Review lease flexibility and early termination options.
- Verify HOA and city rules for short stays if you are in a condo community.
- If your company offers it, consider relocation vendor housing placements to simplify setup.
Week-by-week move checklist
12+ weeks out
- Confirm transfer dates and relocation benefits with your employer. Clarify coverage for house-hunting trips, temporary housing, and storage.
- Connect with a local agent experienced in corporate relocations and Concord neighborhoods.
- Define your commute tolerance and must-have features. If buying, begin lender pre-approval; if renting, prep application documents.
8–12 weeks out
- Schedule your 2–3 day viewing trip. Ask your agent to line up neighborhood tours, commute tests, and school visits if needed.
- Shortlist neighborhoods and housing types that match your lifestyle and budget.
4–8 weeks out
- Secure temporary housing for your arrival window.
- If renting: submit applications and lock in a target move-in date.
- If buying: identify targets, write offers, and start inspections or escrow as needed.
2–4 weeks out
- Set utility start/stop dates and internet setup. Verify any parking permits.
- Book movers, storage, and vehicle transport if applicable.
- Notify schools and arrange records transfer and enrollment appointments.
1 week out
- Confirm temporary housing details and check-in instructions.
- Pack a 30-day essentials kit with key documents, chargers, basic kitchen items, and medicines.
- Keep a contact list for your agent, movers, employer HR, and utilities.
Move week and first 30 days
- Walk target neighborhoods, ramp up showings, and apply for rentals or progress your purchase.
- Complete move-in inspections and meter reads for any new home.
- Attend school enrollment appointments and set DMV tasks.
30–90 days after arrival
- If still searching, adjust criteria based on real-time experience.
- Manage notice periods on any short-term lease before transitioning.
- Update voter registration and local providers once you are settled.
Use your relocation benefits well
- Get all approvals in writing for temporary housing, house-hunting trips, storage, and partner or spouse job support.
- Track receipts and deadlines. Know who to contact for extensions.
- Ask if employer shuttles, transit passes, or parking subsidies are available to support your commute.
Helpful local resources
- BART schedules and parking
- County Connection bus routes
- City of Concord services and planning
- Contra Costa County services and assessor
- Mt. Diablo Unified School District enrollment
- Caltrans District 4 traffic advisories
- California DMV new resident information
How Kelly supports your move
You deserve a smooth landing. With multigenerational Contra Costa roots and a boutique, high-touch practice backed by Compass tools, Kelly guides you through neighborhoods, commute trade-offs, and the right housing types for your timeline. You get tailored tours, clear market context, and help coordinating viewing trips, lender or lease steps, and temporary housing choices.
If you are relocating to Concord or nearby towns like Clayton, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, or Danville, connect for local guidance that feels like a neighbor helping you plan the next chapter. Reach out to Kelly McDougall to request a free local market consultation and home valuation, and to map your relocation plan.
FAQs
How long is the commute from Concord to Oakland or San Francisco?
- It varies by mode and time of day; test your specific route during peak hours and check current BART schedules and Caltrans updates for the best estimate.
Is Concord a good fit for families relocating to the East Bay?
- Many neighborhoods offer parks and access to services, and much of Concord is served by Mt. Diablo Unified; review MDUSD boundaries and enrollment to match your needs.
Which housing types work best for corporate transferees in Concord?
- Condos or townhomes near BART suit transit-focused commuters, single-family homes fit longer-term plans with parking or yard needs, and furnished corporate housing helps during the search.
What HOA or condo rules should I review before I lease or buy?
- Read CC&Rs and meeting minutes for rental caps, short-term restrictions, fees, and special assessments, and confirm parking and common-area policies.
How do I make the most of my employer’s relocation benefits?
- Confirm eligible expenses like temporary housing, house-hunting trips, storage, and partner job support, keep written approvals, and save all receipts.
