Discovery Bay, California
Water oriented community on the eastern border of Contra Costa, near Byron. Nice homes, most middle class, some luxurious. One section with deep anchorages is called Millionaire's Row. Discovery Bay started out in the 1970's as a retirement or second home village that tapped into the Delta recreation. Homes generally back up to the water or onto the golf course. Many homes have there own docks.

By and by families and working adults bought in and the majority today uses Discovery Bay as a permanent home. Sales coincided with the office boom in Central Contra Costa, the San Ramon Valley and Pleasanton. The residential buck just went a lot farther in Discovery Bay and the commute was not that long. But even when it was long--San Jose people bought the homes. The 1990 Census counted 5351 residents the 2000 Census counted 8,981, an increase of about 3500 people. Discovery Bay is still building and by now has about 10,000 residents. Some want Discovery Bay to incorporate as a city but without a stronger tax base (more stores) idea may not fly.

Municipal Advisory Council is the community watch sounding board. Crime, patrolled by Sheriff's deputies, is low. Scores compared to other California schools are generally above the 50th percentile in Discovery Bay Elementary. From there, kids go the Byron Middle School, and Liberty High in Brentwood.

Fishing, boating, water skiing, tennis, the outdoor life, and pocket parks are plentiful. Many residents own RVs and boats. A convenient shopping plaza and supermarket have recently been completed. Baseball and soccer for the kids is popular. Mt. Diablo is also nearby. The Community Library is at the school. It's a short drive to skiing and gambling in the Sierras. Lots of farm country, tomatoes, asparagus, and fruit trees are nearby. Buses to Antioch and Pittsburg with connections to BART are available. Vasco Road was improved a few years ago makes which makes the trip to Livermore and I-580 easier.

For those that want the country Delta life, Discovery Bay is less expensive than Central Contra Costa County, and actually offers more.