Neighborhood guide · 2026-05-01

10 things to know about Richmond before you buy.

A buyer's guide written by Roger Grubb, a 18-year Bay Area realtor (DRE #01845823, Security Pacific Real Estate) who has transacted in Richmond repeatedly.

  1. 01

    The median home price

    Richmond median in 2026: $695,000. That's $480/sqft on a typical 1,500 sqft home.

  2. 02

    How fast homes sell

    17 days on market is the Richmond average. A correctly priced, well-prepped listing often goes pending in 7-14 days.

  3. 03

    Who lives here

    Investors looking for rental yield in a transit-rich city, and buyers who see where Point Richmond and Marina Bay are headed and want to be there before the rest of the Bay figures it out.

  4. 04

    What Richmond isn't

    A homogeneous market — Richmond varies block-by-block in a way few East Bay cities do. The trick is knowing which blocks.

  5. 05

    The schools

    Key schools: Mira Vista K-8 (rating 5/10). Hercules Middle/High (rating 6/10). De Anza High (rating 4/10).

  6. 06

    What makes it special

    A working-class city with deep history and pockets of beauty (Point Richmond, Marina Bay) being rediscovered. Where Roger’s current duplex listing on Van Fleet Ave lives.

  7. 07

    Roger's insider note

    The Annex (where the Van Fleet listing lives) is quietly one of the best value-per-sqft plays in the inner East Bay. Point Richmond holds value through downturns better than the rest of the city.

  8. 08

    Best fit for

    Investors, Income property buyers, First-time buyers, Waterfront seekers.

  9. 09

    Notable amenities

    Point Richmond historic district · Marina Bay waterfront · Richmond Annex (quieter, hill-adjacent) · Richmond BART + ferry to SF

  10. 10

    Walk score

    56/100. Somewhat walkable; car still useful.

Thinking about Richmond? Start with one call.

Roger answers his own phone. (510) 504-0402.