The Keys

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The Keys: Affordable Condo Living in Walnut Creek

Looking for an affordable condo in Walnut Creek that's close to downtown and offers great amenities? Let me introduce you to The Keys—the largest condo complex in the area. If you’re familiar with Walnut Creek, you’ve probably seen this well-known community just north of downtown, where Civic Drive turns into Oak Road. With nearly 790 units, The Keys offers a unique mix of affordability, location, and resort-style amenities, making it an ideal option for those on a budget who want to be close to everything Walnut Creek has to offer.

The Pros of Living at The Keys

Built in the early 1970s, The Keys has that distinctive seventies charm, with its 4- to 5-story buildings and spacious units. One of the best things about The Keys is its affordability. For anyone looking to buy a condo in Walnut Creek but doesn’t want to break the bank, this complex is one of the best options available—especially if you want to be in the Walnut Creek School District and enjoy all the perks of living near downtown.

Location is key when it comes to The Keys. It’s just minutes from downtown Walnut Creek, so you have easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and public transportation, including Walnut Creek BART station. You’ll also find multiple pools, sport courts, a clubhouse, and a gym—making it feel like a resort-style community, perfect for active residents or anyone who enjoys having amenities at their doorstep.

Additionally, every unit comes with a balcony, and there’s an elevator for easy access to the upper floors—though, fair warning, the elevators are a bit on the slow side!

The Cons: Things to Keep in Mind

While The Keys offers an affordable way to live close to downtown, it’s important to note a few drawbacks. One of the biggest issues is that there are no washers and dryers in the units, which is a common feature of older buildings. You’ll need to use the community laundry facilities, which may be a dealbreaker for some people who prefer in-unit laundry.

Another consideration is the Homeowners Association (HOA) dues. Although The Keys is affordable in terms of the price of the units themselves, the HOA dues are higher than average. This is due to the extensive amenities offered, like the multiple pools, sport courts, clubhouse, and gym. If you want all of these great features, be prepared to pay a little more for them through your HOA dues.

Renting at The Keys

If you're an investor, The Keys may be on your radar because it allows rentals. Many people buy units here as an investment, either to rent them out long-term or hold them for future resale. The ability to rent out units can make The Keys an attractive option for investors looking for a property in Walnut Creek with strong rental potential.

Is The Keys Right for You?

In summary, The Keys offers affordable condo living in a prime Walnut Creek location, making it perfect for anyone who wants to live close to downtown but needs to stay within a budget. With resort-style amenities, it’s a great option for people who enjoy having plenty of on-site features, such as pools, gyms, and courts. The higher-than-average HOA fees and lack of in-unit laundry might be dealbreakers for some, but for many, The Keys offers a fantastic value.

If you’re considering buying or renting at The Keys, or just want to learn more about available units, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d be happy to help you find the perfect fit.

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  • Brendan did an amazing job for us. This was a co-owned condo, gifted to us by a relative, so a bit more complex. Brendan had to deal with three parties living in three different places, and handled all of the details for us quickly and seamlessly, including staging the condo beautifully!

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