Main Chance Estates: Walnut Creek's Best-Kept Secret Under $1M

Welcome to another edition of Triumph Tales, where I share real stories from clients and the neighborhoods where I've helped them thrive.

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In a city where the median home price hovers around $1.3 million, finding quality housing under $1 million can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But what if I told you there's a hidden gem in Walnut Creek that consistently delivers luxury townhome living, premium amenities, and an unbeatable location – all for under $1 million?

Welcome to Main Chance Estates, one of Walnut Creek’s most sought-after townhome communities, and the place where I've had the privilege of completing five successful transactions. Each deal has taught me something new about this remarkable neighborhood, and today I want to share those insights with you through real stories from families who found their perfect homes here.

Welcome to Main Chance Estates — one of Walnut Creek’s most sought-after townhome communities.

Discovering Main Chance Estates: More Than Just Another Community

Main Chance Estates isn't just another townhome development. It's a thoughtfully planned community of 268 Mediterranean-style homes that blend luxury, location, and value. Built between the late 1980s and early 1990s, this Walnut Creek gem offers something rare: well-maintained, move-in-ready townhomes under $1 million, without sacrificing lifestyle or convenience.

As the leading agent for Main Chance Estates since 2021, I’ve helped more homeowners buy and sell in this community than anyone else. With deep knowledge of every floor plan, pricing pattern, and buyer trend. Whether it’s a corner unit, interior patio, or track-side location, I know how to position it to attract the right buyer, fast.

Why Buyers Love Main Chance Estates

Main Chance Estates continues to attract buyers looking for location, lifestyle, and value in the heart of Walnut Creek. Over the past year, homes have sold between $680,000 and $980,000, depending on size, condition, and layout, offering an attainable option with amenities you’d expect in a higher price bracket.

Here’s what makes Main Chance so appealing:

• Spacious layouts from 2 to 3 bedrooms, approx. 1,150–1,600+ sq ft

• Private patios for gardening, entertaining, or relaxing

• Attached garages or covered carports in most units

• Community amenities: pool, tennis, and lush greenbelt

• HOA covers water, exterior, garbage, and more

• Zoned to top-rated schools: Buena Vista, WCI & Las Lomas

• Prime location near downtown, BART, trails, and parks

With recent sales ranging from $680,000 to $980,000, Main Chance delivers exceptional value in a market where affordability and walkability rarely go hand in hand.

Location, Location, Location

What sets Main Chance Estates apart is its unbeatable location. Situated just minutes from downtown Walnut Creek, residents enjoy quick BART access for Bay Area commuting and walkability to shops, restaurants, cafes, and schools. With Iron Horse Trail and Heather Farm Park nearby, outdoor recreation is right at your doorstep.

Map showing Main Chance Estates’ prime Walnut Creek location near BART, Iron Horse Trail, and Heather Farm Park

Townhome Living at Its Best

Each home includes a private patio—ideal for coffee, gardening, or weekend gatherings. Floor plans range from 2 to 3 bedrooms and 1,178 to 1,692 square feet. Some units offer attached 2-car garages; others come with covered parking. In-unit laundry and open-concept layouts add modern comfort.

Main Chance Estates building with gated covered parking garage, stucco exterior, and Mediterranean-style architecture in Walnut Creek, CA

Many units offer direct access from the patio to the pool, tennis court, and garage — a rare, lifestyle-friendly feature.

Well-maintained greenbelt area at Main Chance Estates with mature trees and community signage in Walnut Creek

Community Amenities

Residents enjoy a sparkling pool, spa, and tennis courts, all maintained year-round. Walking paths wind through the greenbelt, giving the neighborhood a quiet, natural rhythm. Even details like coded trash enclosures reflect the community's attention to design and care.

Residents enjoy a well-maintained pool, tennis court, and peaceful greenbelt — all walkable from every home.

Top-Rated Schools

Families benefit from access to excellent schools — Main Chance Estates is zoned to:

• Buena Vista Elementary

• Walnut Creek Intermediate

• Las Lomas High School (Acalanes Union High School District)

Buena Vista Elementary — zoned school for Main Chance Estates in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek Intermediate — assigned middle school for Main Chance townhomes

Las Lomas High School — zoned high school for Main Chance Estates in Acalanes District

My Recent Success Story at 310 Pimlico Drive

After months of searching, my clients Erik and Jane found the perfect fit at 310 Pimlico – a larger unit with soaring ceilings, three full bedrooms, and the feel of a single-family home. With targeted negotiation and personalized guidance, we secured the home under competitive conditions, and they couldn’t be happier.

The Challenge

Eric and Jane, a newly married couple in their 30s, had unique needs. Jane, new to Walnut Creek and originally from New York City, doesn’t drive – so walkability to her dental office on Civic Drive was a must. They wanted a move-in ready home under $1 million, close to top schools, and suitable for hosting Jane’s Mandarin-speaking parents relocating from NYC.

Why Main Chance Made Sense

After previewing 4–5 homes, I showed them 310 Pimlico Drive. It had soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, recent updates, and an attached garage. The floor plan included 2.5 baths – perfect for guests – and a private patio oasis that Jane adored. The twist? The previous buyer had backed out. I toured and recorded a video on their wedding day. While they celebrated their marriage, I secured their future home.

310 Pimlico Drive in Main Chance Estates — spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome with high ceilings, attached garage, and under $1M in Walnut Creek

Light-filled living room at 310 Pimlico — vaulted ceilings, open floor plan, and the feel of a single-family home.

Remodeled white kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops that sealed the deal for my buyer

Client Joy

Few things are more rewarding than handing the keys to a smiling new owner. This is why I love what I do.

Congratulations to the newlyweds and proud new Main Chance Estates homeowners — a beautiful new chapter begins right here.

A joyful moment of my client in her new Main Chance Estates patio — perfectly matched with the bougainvillea in full bloom.

My Main Chance Estates Track Record

Here are the five Main Chance Estates homes I've helped clients buy or sell:

• 310 Pimlico Drive — $935,000 (3BR/2.5BA + garage, 1,692 sq ft) — Buyer's Agent

• 500 Churchill Downs Court — $795,000 (3BR/2BA, 1,380 sq ft) — SOLD TWICE | Buyer's Agent → Listing Agent

• 535 Churchill Downs Court — $785,000 (3BR/2.5BA, 1,357 sq ft) — Buyer's Agent

• 580 Churchill Downs Court — $815,000 (3BR/3BA, 1,380 sq ft) — Buyer's Agent

No agent has closed more homes in Main Chance Estates than I have — here’s a look at just a few of my recent sales

Community Expertise That Delivers Results

I know Main Chance Estates inside and out. I can tell you which homes have the best light, which layouts are most efficient, and how location within the community impacts price. From garage type to proximity to the train tracks, these details matter. So does knowing the HOA structure, what fees cover, and how each unit compares.

Whether you're buying or selling, this knowledge ensures smarter decisions, faster sales, and better outcomes.

Thinking About Selling in Main Chance Estate, Walnut Creek?

I’ve helped more clients buy and sell in this community than any other agent since 2021. From pricing strategy to targeted buyer outreach, I know what works – and I have the track record to prove it.

If you’re even thinking about a move, I’d love to offer honest, data-backed guidance.

📩 Let’s talk strategy – no pressure, just expert insight.