Concord’s Eichler Neighborhoods: Mid-Century Modern in the East Bay 

Concord’s Eichler homes stand out against the Diablo foothills, a legacy of postwar modernist design. In all, Concord boasts roughly 175 Eichler residences spread across three tracts built 1963–65 eichlernetwork.com. Each tract – Rancho Del Diablo, Rancho de los Santos, and Parkwood Estates – was developed by Joe Eichler and his architects (Claude Oakland, Jones & Emmons, etc.) to provide open-plan, post-and-beam homes to middle-class families en.wikipedia.org, eichlerhomesforsale.com. Today these neighborhoods still showcase classic Eichler features: open layouts with glass walls and sliding doors, radiant in-floor heating, atrium courtyards, and natural wood and brick finisheseichlerhomesforsale.com, eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Concord’s Eichler tracts remain more affordable than their Peninsula or Silicon Valley counterparts. An Eichler in Palo Alto now commands roughly $3M median eichlerhomesforsale.com, and even Walnut Creek’s Eichler neighborhood (Rancho San Miguel) sells about $100K higher than similar Concord homes eichlernetwork.com. In contrast, Concord Eichlers are often called “the cheapest Eichlers you can buy” eichlernetwork.com. Yet prices are rising: homes bought for the $300Ks in the early 2010s now often fetch around $1.2–1.4M after careful renovation eichlernetwork.comdwell.com.

Joseph Eichler and Mid-Century Modern Design

Joseph Eichler (1900–1974) was a visionary Bay Area builder who pioneered bringing modern architecture to the suburban tract home en.wikipedia.orgatomic-ranch.com. Between the late 1940s and mid-1960s his company built nearly 11,000 modernist homes across California atomic-ranch.comen.wikipedia.org. Eichler partnered with progressive architects (Anshen & Allen, Jones & Emmons, Claude Oakland, etc.) to create stylish, open‐plan houses with clean lines and high-quality materials atomic-ranch.com, eichlerhomesforsale.com. He famously installed slab foundations with in-floor radiant heating, exposed tongue-and-groove ceilings, and large glass walls to blur inside with out eichlerhomesforsale.comeichlerhomesforsale.com. Beginning in the late 1950s, many Eichlers centered their layouts around a glass-walled atrium or courtyard, “bringing the outside in” (a concept inherited from Frank Lloyd Wright)atomic-ranch.com, eichlerhomesforsale.com. These innovative elements—floor‐to‐ceiling windows, sliding doors, open beams and atriums—are hallmark Eichler features that Concord’s homes still embody.

Concord Eichler Tracts

Concord’s three Eichler tracts were all built in the early 1960s:

• Rancho Del Diablo (1964) – About 69 Eichler homes eichlernetwork.com on gently sloping lots. These homes (many designed by Claude Oakland) often feature Eichler’s pitched-gable roof models with central atrium courts dwell.com. Lots are relatively modest (typically around 7,000–8,000 sq ft; e.g. one 1963 Oakland model sits on 7,600 sq ft dwell.com). The tract’s name (“Devil”) echoes nearby Mount Diablo. Rancho del Diablo’s streets offer views of the hills, and the homes here tend to have classic Eichler layouts: living areas wrap around an atrium, and bedrooms line up along the rear.
  
  

• Rancho de los Santos (1965) – Approximately 41 Eichler homes eichlernetwork.com in a compact grid one block away. (Its name means “Ranch of the Saints,” complementing Diablo.) This smaller tract has the same Eichler signature: post-and-beam construction, wide glass walls and sliding doors. Many Los Santos lots are similarly sized (~0.17 acre), so backyards can be long but not very deep. This is a close-knit enclave (no through-traffic) where several original buyers still live. Some homes in all three tracts retain their original mahogany paneling, kitchens and bathrooms eichlernetwork.com, especially in Rancho de los Santos and Parkwood.
  
  

• Parkwood Estates (1963) – The largest Eichler tract in Concord. Originally 77 Eichler homes were built here eichlernetwork.com (Dwell reports ~68 Eichlers remaining) alongside a few non-Eichler ranch houses. Lots are significantly larger – roughly 0.2–0.3 acre (8,500–12,500 sq ft) dwell.com – giving Parkwood’s Eichlers more expansive yards. Parkwood sits next to Concord’s large Community Park and pool, a major attraction for buyers eichlernetwork.com. The homes here include a wider variety of Eichler models (for example, some “double-gable” atrium plans with A-frame peaks) eichlernetwork.com. In fact, early Parkwood models were two-story on the outside (with cathedral ceilings inside), one of the only Bay Area Eichler developments to include such designs. Overall, Parkwood’s Eichlers feel like a secluded mid-century enclave: curving cul-de-sacs, underground utilities (no power lines), and homes oriented toward the park. Many Parkwood houses still display original walls of brick and wood and have been updated only subtly eichlernetwork.com.

Neighborhood Year Built Eichler Homes Lot Size (typical) Notes/Features

• Rancho Del Diablo

  • 1964

  • ~69 eichlernetwork.com

  • ~7,000–8,000 sq ft (≈0.17 ac) dwell.com

  • Hillside setting; many pitched-gable models with atriums; scenic views.

• Rancho de los Santos

  • 1965

  • ~41 eichlernetwork.com

  • ~7,000–8,000 sq ft

  • Small grid; original Eichler interiors common; very friendly, tight-knit vibe.

• Parkwood Estates

  • 1963

  • ~77 (≈68) eichlernetwork.comdwell.com

  • 0.2–0.3 ac (≈8,500–12,600 sq ft) dwell.com

  • Adjacent to park; larger Eichlers, double-gable atrium models; many original finishes.eichlernetwork.com

Eichler Design Features

All Concord Eichlers share the quintessential mid-century hallmarks that Eichler homeowners cherish. Open, post-and-beam architecture creates a spacious feel: many interior walls were moved out to glass sliders, so living rooms and kitchens flow directly into atriums or patios. Tongue-and-groove wood ceilings (often painted bright white) soar above eichlerhomesforsale.com. The glass-and-wood palette is punctuated by brick fireplaces and built-in cabinetry. Importantly, floor-to-ceiling glass walls and sliding doors blur the line between inside and out, creating a seamless indoor–outdoor flow eichlerhomesforsale.com, eichlerhomesforsale.com. (Rooms often wrap around a central atrium courtyard – a later Eichler innovation introduced in the late 1950s atomic-ranch.com, eichlerhomesforsale.com – which floods the home with light and acts as a private garden.)

Another key feature is radiant in-floor heating. Eichler’s slab-on-grade design meant no ductwork; instead a boiler pumps hot water through pipes embedded in the concrete floor eichlerhomesforsale.com, eichlerhomesforsale.com. (Early Concord Eichlers use steel tubing, later ones copper.) This provides silent, even warmth and is considered an Eichler selling point – intact radiant systems add value if they’re working properly. Buyers should test the boiler and radiant zones, as steel pipes (in older models) can corrode over decades eichlerhomesforsale.com. Many modern owners have upgraded to new high-efficiency boilers or added mini-split AC systems for comfort, but conscientious renovations keep these upgrades inconspicuous eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Why Design-Conscious Buyers Love Concord Eichlers

Architectural integrity: These neighborhoods have remarkably intact Eichler character. Long-time residents and newcomers alike often preserve original details. For example, stucco exteriors are almost all original, and many homes keep their famous mahogany or redwood paneling inside. An intact Eichler is highly prized: as the Boyenga Team notes, keeping original siding or paneling is “a sign of a well-loved Eichler”eichlerhomesforsale.com. The Eichler Network and mid-century community emphasize maintaining the clean lines and geometry of the design – avoiding odd additions, crooked trim or mismatched materials that would “break” the mid-century look eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Community and culture: Concord’s Eichler tracts have a surprisingly vibrant social scene. Neighbors host regular block parties, holiday events and casual gatherings. Rancho del Diablo even holds a quirky 4th of July “Hodgepodge Parade” down the street eichlernetwork.com. Families meet for monthly potlucks (the famous “spaghetti Sundays” in Diablo or potlucks and martini nights in Parkwood) eichlernetwork.com. Concord owners describe the vibe as “pretty friendly” – newcomers often find themselves invited in by neighbors almost immediately eichlernetwork.com. Because Concord was once overlooked, many Eichler families (and their original children) have returned, creating a diverse mix of older owners and young couples (often designers, artists or teachers) who cherish the mid-century lifestyle eichlernetwork.com, eichlernetwork.com. RedneckModern.com and Eichler forums are active with Concord homeowners swapping renovation tips. In short, Concord Eichlers offer a genuine sense of enclave community that appeals to those who value the mid-century ethos of family and open, communal living.

Affordability and potential: With land values still below Silicon Valley, Concord offers the Eichler experience at a relative bargaineichlernetwork.com. A 2025-era Concord Eichler might list in the high $800Ks to $1.3M range (depending on size and updates), whereas comparable Eichlers in Palo Alto or Sunnyvale routinely go for $2–3M eichlerhomesforsale.com, eichlernetwork.com. Many buyers see Concord Eichlers as an opportunity to own a “big Eichler” or a customizable Eichler at an attainable price. The homes’ simple geometry and extra land on the lots also make sensitive renovations more feasible. Design-minded buyers often “bring in” original Eichler models unseen eichlernetwork.com, knowing they can restore key elements (e.g. refinishing or replacing a tongue-and-groove ceiling, refinishing countertops, adding modern appliances) while retaining the home’s authentic mid-century feel. In other words, there’s tremendous upside in upgrading kitchens, bathrooms and systems carefully – and the market rewards owners who preserve the architectural integrity.

Market Trends and What to Watch

Concord Eichlers have been quietly climbing in value. In 2013 one buyer paid $373K for a Rancho Diablo fixer-upper eichlernetwork.com; a decade later, a fully restored 4-bed Eichler in Diablo sold for about $1.25M dwell.com, and a Parkwood classic went for $1.375M dwell.com. The trend is clearly upward as interest in mid-century homes spreads. That said, prices here still lag behind Walnut Creek or the Peninsula – Rancho San Miguel Eichlers in nearby Walnut Creek have medians roughly $100K higher eichlernetwork.com, even after renovations.

Smart buyers and sellers pay attention to a few key points:

• Original vs. poor remodels: Authenticity sells. Buyers should seek homes that retain original Eichler details: unobstructed sightlines, intact atriums, breezeblock screens, clerestory windows, brick walls, Redwood siding or mahogany interior paneling. Conversely, be wary of crude alterations. As design experts emphasize, “awkward second-story additions” or additions with mismatched rooflines can ruin an Eichler’s geometry and curb appeal eichlerhomesforsale.com. Similarly, covering original siding with vinyl or adding unsympathetic decorative trim are red flags. When touring, look for clean lines and any out-of-place modifications.
  
  

• Roofs: Eichler roofs are famously flat or very low-pitch, which gives the sleek look but requires upkeep eichlerhomesforsale.com. In Concord’s rainy winters, buyers should ask about roof history. Many Eichlers have undergone one or more re-roofings (10–15 year lifespan for traditional tar-and-gravel) eichlerhomesforsale.com. Newer owners often install modern systems like spray-foam or single-ply membrane roofs eichlerhomesforsale.com. If a roof was recently redone, confirm it was done correctly (proper drainage, insulation added, etc.). Standing water or stained ceilings inside can signal a past leak.
  
  

• Heating and cooling: Check the radiant heating system – an original boiler should be functional. If the home still has its 1960s boiler, consider upgrading to an efficient model while keeping it discreet. (Many Concord homes have had ductless mini-splits or central AC added; this is fine if done with minimal intrusion.) Importantly, know the radiant piping: mid-1960s Eichlers often used copper, which can be repaired if it leaks; earlier ones used steel, which is prone to corrosion eichlerhomesforsale.com. An Eichler with leaking steel pipes may need a full system overhaul eventually, so factor that into inspections.
  
  

• Inspections and upgrades: Because Eichlers have slab foundations, plumbing leaks can be tricky. Have a pro test for slab leaks (thermal imaging or pressure tests) and inspect electrical (original knob-and-tube wiring was phased out by Concord’s era, but some fuse panels remain). Buyers should also note whether built-in features are intact (e.g. the Eichler’s signature casework, light fixtures or classic orange front door). Any recent smart home or tech upgrades (security, speakers, lighting controls) should ideally respect the home’s design.
  
  

In short, Concord Eichlers have great bones but require savvy stewardship. Homes that preserve clean Eichler lines and use sympathetic materials will outperform those with sloppy additions. As one design agent puts it, an Eichler “brought back from the dead” with care still commands a premium, whereas a home with “ten-minute burn” renos (missing original character) can underperform on resale. (This is why having experts—like the Boyenga Team—guide both buyers and sellers is invaluable.)

Eichler Experts: The Boyenga Team

If you’re buying or selling in Concord’s Eichlers, the Boyenga Team (Compass Real Estate) offers specialized expertise. As trained Eichler & mid-century modern specialists, they understand how to highlight these homes’ unique qualities. For sellers, Boyenga knows to showcase intact Eichler details — for example, they often tell buyers that preserving original siding or paneling is a “selling point” eichlerhomesforsale.com. For buyers, the team will point out which features need attention (like dated HVAC or roof) and which contribute value. In fact, the Boyenga Team has an intimate knowledge of Eichler construction and a network of restoration pros eichlerhomesforsale.comeichlerhomesforsale.com, so they can connect you to contractors who “speak Eichler” rather than generic remodelers. They advise on everything from structural permits to getting modern comforts without marring the design (for example, adding insulation above the roof deck or choosing low-profile lighting). As one Boyenga guide puts it, they help clients “engineer your Eichler lifestyle with confidence” eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Whether you’re drawn by the architecture or the neighborhood vibe, an Eichler home in Concord is a rare find. If you’re considering a move here, let the Boyenga Team’s specialists walk you through it: they’ll help evaluate homes based on authentic Eichler criteria, price them correctly, and guide renovations to preserve that classic mid-century feel. Connect with the Boyenga Team today to learn how we market Eichler homes, advise buyers, and support sensitive updates — ensuring that Concord’s Eichlers continue to be loved for generations to come eichlerhomesforsale.com, eichlerhomesforsale.com.