Park Plaza, Richmond

Updated · 3,056 residents

Park Plaza is a highly walkable community in Richmond that balances suburban residential life with access to expansive green spaces and local amenities. While residents benefit from excellent air quality and convenient pedestrian infrastructure, the area features closely spaced housing and elevated noise levels from nearby highway and rail corridors.

Key Highlights

Closely Spaced HousingHighly WalkableUniform Tract HousingAccessible Green SpaceSuburban LayoutVaried Local ActivityHigh Noise LevelsClean Air QualityMinimal Industrial PresenceHigh Insurance CoverageStrongly LiberalMixed Age DemographicsHigh Flood Risk
Map showing the location of Park Plaza, Richmond, CA

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About Park Plaza

The Park Plaza neighborhood of Richmond, California, is deeply tied to the history of Japanese-American floriculture. Beginning in 1906, immigrant families, including the Sakai, Oishi, and Endo families, established and operated thriving commercial flower nurseries near 47th Street and Florida Avenue. Despite the forced internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, these families managed to preserve their nurseries and returned to run them for decades. In 2006, the city acquired the 14-acre nursery site to remediate the toxic brownfield, transforming it into the Miraflores housing development. This project features the Miraflores Senior Apartments, completed in 2018, and the Miraflores Greenbelt, which daylights Baxter Creek and connects to the Richmond Greenway. To honor this local heritage, several historic nursery structures, including the Sakai and Oishi family homes, a greenhouse, and a water tower, are preserved within the development.

The neighborhood is defined by a consistent, highly walkable grid that connects residents to local retail centers and recreational hubs. According to iHuus data, the area offers high air quality and strong dog-friendliness, supported by a large central park that provides essential outdoor space for the community. The architectural landscape is composed of standard tract housing, creating a dense suburban environment where homes are situated in close proximity to one another. Prospective residents should note that the area maintains a moderate level of activity, particularly near local social hubs and retail corridors.

Living in this area involves specific trade-offs, particularly regarding acoustic comfort. The neighborhood experiences significant noise from adjacent highway traffic and rail lines, which is a notable factor for those sensitive to sound. Furthermore, the local school district, West Contra Costa Unified, faces ongoing fiscal and academic challenges that may influence families with school-aged children. The area is best suited for those who prioritize pedestrian accessibility and proximity to urban amenities over quiet seclusion or expansive private yard space.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 4.3 out of 10

Residential lots feature high density with houses positioned very near one another on many blocks. This level of neighbor proximity is roughly in line with the average for Richmond.

Ranked #14 in Richmond →
Walkability
Score: 9 out of 10

Pedestrian travel is easy throughout the residential area due to a continuous sidewalk network and a consistent street grid. This level of walkability is notably higher than the average for Richmond.

Ranked #12 in Richmond →
Visual Appeal
Score: 6 out of 10

Standard tract homes with boxy rooflines and small yards characterize the landscape. This level of visual variety is consistent with the average for Richmond.

Ranked #10 in Richmond →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 6.4 out of 10

Large central parks and school sports fields offer significant space for dog walking; this level of pet accessibility is consistent with the city average.

Ranked #13 in Richmond →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 6.5 out of 10

Residential areas feature a dense suburban fabric with a mix of single-family homes and large retail centers. This level of development is largely in line with the typical landscape found across Richmond.

Ranked #9 in Richmond →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 5.5 out of 10

Suburban streets and green spaces provide a balance of quiet residential blocks and active social hubs with diverse dining options. This level of activity and amenity access is notably higher than the Richmond city average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #5 in Richmond →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 2.3 out of 10

Frequent noise from nearby railroad tracks and heavy freeway traffic characterizes the area. According to iHuus data, acoustic comfort is lower than the Richmond city average.

Ranked #19 in Richmond →
Air Quality
Score: 9.1 out of 10

Air quality remains consistently high with minimal health concerns for residents. According to iHuus data, levels in Park Plaza are better than the Richmond city average.

Ranked #7 in Richmond →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 8.5 out of 10

Residential and institutional spaces dominate the area with very little heavy industry visible. While some residents may experience noise from adjacent highways and rail corridors, the presence of large-scale industrial plants is notably lower than the Richmond average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #9 in Richmond →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 7.6 out of 10

Health insurance access is relatively high for residents here, trending slightly above the Richmond city average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #15 in Richmond →
Ideological Lean
Score: 10 out of 10

Voting patterns and census indicators show a deeply liberal political leaning that is consistent with the broader Richmond area, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #1 in Richmond →
Population Age Profile
Score: 5 out of 10

A diverse range of age groups, including young adults, families, and seniors, resides here. This demographic distribution is consistent with the average seen across Richmond.

Ranked #12 in Richmond →
Flood Safety
Score: 1.7 out of 10

Property within this area is situated inside a recognized flood zone, making flood insurance likely a necessity for residents. This risk level is notably higher than the average found across Richmond.

Ranked #15 in Richmond →

Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionPark PlazaAtchison Village
🚶
Walkabilityavg 8.38
Score: 9 out of 10
Score: 7.4 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 2.96
Score: 2.3 out of 10
Score: 1.9 out of 10
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 4.19
Score: 4.3 out of 10
Score: 4 out of 10
🎨
Visual Appealavg 5.97
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 4.4 out of 10
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 6.4
Score: 6.4 out of 10
Score: 5.6 out of 10
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.62
Score: 6.5 out of 10
Score: 6.5 out of 10
✨
Neighborhood Vibeavg 4.2
Score: 5.5 out of 10
Score: 2.5 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 7.31
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Score: 6.5 out of 10
🌿
Air Qualityavg 8.35
Score: 9.1 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 7.37
Score: 8.5 out of 10
Score: 3.7 out of 10
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 2.2
Score: 1.7 out of 10
Score: 0.5 out of 10
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 9.87
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: 9.9 out of 10
👥
Population Age Profileavg 4.89
Score: 5 out of 10
Score: 4.6 out of 10
🔥
Fire Safetyavg 0.24
Score: not available
Score: not available
🏫
School Quality
Score: not available
Score: not available

School Districts Serving Park Plaza

West Contra Costa Unified School District
Grades K–1254 schoolsRatings 1–10/10
3/10
Middle College HighHigh
10/10
Kensington ElementaryElementary
10/10
Madera ElementaryElementary
10/10
Ohlone ElementaryElementary
9/10
Hercules HighHigh
9/10
West County MandarinElementary
7/10
Mira Vista ElementaryElementary
7/10
Olinda ElementaryElementary
7/10
Sheldon ElementaryElementary
7/10
Ellerhorst ElementaryElementary
6/10
Harding ElementaryElementary
6/10
Murphy ElementaryElementary
6/10
El Cerrito HighHigh
5/10
Hercules MiddleMiddle
5/10
Collins ElementaryElementary
5/10
Nystrom ElementaryElementary
5/10
Stewart ElementaryElementary
5/10
Vista Independent Study / Virtual AcademyOther
4/10
De Anza HighHigh
4/10
Fairmont ElementaryElementary
4/10
Lincoln ElementaryElementary
4/10
Montalvin Manor ElementaryElementary
4/10
Pinole Valley HighHigh
4/10
Riverside ElementaryElementary
4/10
Shannon ElementaryElementary
4/10
Hanna Ranch ElementaryElementary
3/10
Coronado ElementaryElementary
3/10
Dover ElementaryElementary
3/10
Lake ElementaryElementary
3/10
Pinole MiddleMiddle
3/10
Tara Hills ElementaryElementary
3/10
Lupine Hills ElementaryElementary
3/10
Bayview ElementaryElementary
2/10
Greenwood AcademyHigh
2/10
Fred T. Korematsu MiddleMiddle
2/10
Richmond HighHigh
2/10
Washington ElementaryElementary
2/10
Michelle Obama ElementaryElementary
2/10
Highland ElementaryElementary
1/10
Betty Reid Soskin MiddleMiddle
1/10
Ford ElementaryElementary
1/10
John F. Kennedy HighHigh
1/10
Martin Luther King Jr. ElementaryElementary
1/10
Peres ElementaryElementary
1/10
Valley View ElementaryElementary
1/10
Verde ElementaryElementary
1/10
Edward M. Downer ElementaryElementary
1/10
Lovonya Dejean MiddleMiddle
1/10
Grant ElementaryElementary
1/10
Stege ElementaryElementary
1/10
Cesar E. Chavez ElementaryElementary
1/10
Helms MiddleMiddle
1/10
Cameron
Not rated
Harbour Way Elementary Community DayElementary
Not rated

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Park Plaza a walkable neighborhood?
Yes, the neighborhood features a consistent grid layout with sidewalks on both sides of the streets, making it highly accessible for pedestrians. Residents can easily reach nearby retail and community spaces on foot.
What is the noise level like in Park Plaza?
The area experiences moderate noise levels, primarily due to its proximity to major highway and rail corridors. While the neighborhood is highly accessible, residents may hear consistent road traffic throughout the day.
Are there good parks for dogs in Park Plaza?
The neighborhood is considered very dog-friendly, featuring a large central park with baseball fields and walking paths. This provides ample green space for pet owners to exercise their dogs.
What school district serves the Park Plaza area?
Park Plaza is served by the West Contra Costa Unified School District. The district currently faces significant financial and academic challenges, which is an important consideration for families researching local educational options.

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