A city on the move in constant touch with its heritage, Brentwood is on a rapid growth track but still maintains a friendly hometown atmosphere. Situated just 55 miles east of San Francisco, its population held steady until fairly recently, and the boom has followed with more parks, schools and developments. Its agricultural roots are still very much present, and you’ll find many farms and orchards offering up fresh roadside produce, particularly corn, cherries and peaches. Summer “you-pick” season draws ample crowds looking to harvest their own vine-ripened fruit and veggies. Towering Mount Diablo adds an element of scenic wonder to the landscape, where hikers and bikers alike enjoy miles of trails and open spaces maintained by the East Bay Regional Park District. There’s plenty of shopping too, and the west side has become a burgeoning destination for it — The Shops at Brentwood abound with high-end shops and restaurants.