A Home Buyer’s Guide to the East Bay City of Dublin, California

This article is part of the Bridgepoint Funding “City Series,” where we explore key cities in the San Francisco Bay Area from a home buyer’s perspective.

Today, we turn our attention to the city of Dublin, California, located in the Tri-Valley region of the East Bay. Here are some things you should know if you’re thinking about buying a home in Dublin in the near future.

About the City of Dublin, California

Dublin, California, is a suburban city located in the eastern region of the San Francisco Bay Area, commonly known as the East Bay. It sits within the Tri-Valley region of Alameda County and is part of the Amador Valley.

As of the 2020 census, the city of Dublin had a population of 72,589. It has experienced significant growth since 2010, when the population was closer to 46,000 residents.

As for geography, Dublin is situated along the northern side of Interstate 580 where it intersects with Interstate 680. This makes it ideal for residents who have to commute to other parts of the Bay Area, whether they’re traveling north, south, east or west.

Dublin is roughly 35 miles east of downtown San Francisco, 23 miles east of downtown Oakland, and 31 miles north of downtown San Jose.

The local landscape is marked by rolling hills and valleys. It’s part of the Tri-Valley region, which is named for Amador Valley, the San Ramon Valley, and the Livermore Valley. To the east and west, the city of Dublin gradually ascends into the foothills of the Diablo Range.

Highly Competitive Real Estate Market

Like most of the East Bay, the real estate market in Dublin can be highly competitive for home buyers. And as usual, it’s a supply-and-demand story.

The Dublin housing market currently has one of the lowest levels of supply of any city in California. Even by San Francisco Bay Area standards, this is a tight real estate market where buyers have to compete for limited inventory.

Because of this imbalance, homes tend to sell quickly. In fact, most homes listed for sale in the city of Dublin, California end up selling in less than two weeks. A nice home located in a popular neighborhood might get multiple offers within the first few days of being on the market.

As of spring 2024, the median home price in Dublin was around $1.4 million. Prices were rising steadily when this report was published. According to Zillow: “The average Dublin, CA home value is $1,416,238, up 9.8% over the past year…”

If you’re planning to buy a home in the area, you should be prepared for stiff competition. Many homes end up selling for more than the original asking price. To succeed in this kind of market, home buyers have to make strong offers based on recent sales data.

More Tips for Home Buyers

• You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to find a home in Dublin. Local housing market inventory typically falls short of demand, so it could take a while to find a suitable property.
• When you do find a home that checks all of your boxes, be prepared to move quickly. Have your financing lined up ahead of time, so you can submit an offer shortly after the viewing.
• Consider surrounding areas as well. Real estate conditions vary significantly across the East Bay. If you don’t find what you’re looking for in Dublin, consider nearby cities like San Ramon, Pleasanton or Livermore.
• Contact Bridgepoint Funding! We are located in the East Bay and specialize in helping local home buyers who need access to a higher level of financing. We can also pre-approve you ahead of time for a more focused housing search.

Reasons to Consider Living in Dublin

We all have our own preferences and priorities when it comes to choosing a place to call home. So the city of Dublin, California won’t appeal to all home buyers.

Even so, there’s a lot to like about this East Bay city. Here are six reasons to put it on your short list.

1. Family-Friendly: Dublin is known for having excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and an abundance of family-oriented activities. It consistently ranks as one of the best places to raise a family in California. The city offers numerous parks, playgrounds, sports leagues, and community events that cater to families with children of all ages.

2. Strong Economy: Dublin boasts a strong and diverse economy, with a mix of technology companies, healthcare providers, retail establishments, and more. This diversity creates ample employment opportunities for residents and contributes to the city’s overall prosperity.

3. Convenient Location: Dublin’s location offers easy access to major freeways like I-580 and I-680. This makes commuting to other parts of the Bay Area relatively convenient. The city is also close to the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system, providing alternative transportation for commuters.

4. Open Space and Recreation: The city of Dublin has made a concerted effort to preserve open space and natural beauty. You’ll find a variety of parks, trails and greenbelt spaces in the area. The nearby Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park offers additional opportunities for outdoor recreation.

5. Cultural Scene: Dublin is home to a growing cultural scene, with art galleries, theaters, music venues, and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. The city hosts a number of popular events throughout the year, including the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, the Dublin Farmers’ Market, and the Splatter Festival.

6. Modern Amenities: Dublin offers a wide range of modern amenities, including shopping centers, movie theaters, fitness centers, and other conveniences. The city also has a well-developed infrastructure, with reliable public services and a high quality of life.