Danville is a city located in a part of Contra Costa County, California called the San Ramon Valley , United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 41,715.

It is in the local area still referred to as the Town of Danville and it still preserves the characteristics of a town — being compact, largely self sufficient as far as shopping goes, and having only a single commercial center. Its downtown is noted for its somewhat rustic charm, intensively upgraded owing to its now extremely affluent demographics and its popularity as a regional destination for dining and light shopping. It does not have its own hospital, being well served by nearby regional medical centers, nor, with the exception of a Costco location near its boundary with San Ramon, does it host the "heavy shopping" provided by shopping malls located in nearby cities to the north or south. Danville's main street is Hartz Avenue in downtown Danville.

A weekly event that occurs in Danville is the Farmer's Market, where merchants gather under makeshift tents and umbrellas to sell a wide variety of goods. One can buy all sorts of fresh goods from the market, from freshly grown fruits and vegetables, to kettle corn, to baking goods, to flowers, to drinks, to olive oil, to the services of a musician who usually entertains people passing by. The market can be found on a weekly basis right next to the local Andronico's store.

The Iron Horse Trail runs through Danville. Extending all the way from Dublin to Concord, the trail passes right through this town. Bikers, skaters, and joggers usually find the Trail a source of outdoor recreation and exercise. Furthermore, the Trail is relatively isolated from the heavy traffic on the main road; so it's a safe path to travel on.

The Danville library hosts a number of community events, such as the annual Halloween activities for kids and booksales.

Danville is named, in part, after an actual guy named Dan. Daniel and Andrew Inman, who bought 400 acres there in 1854 with Gold Rush earnings, rejected the name "Inmanville" and settled on Danville. However, "According to the modest Dan, the name was chosen as much or more out of respect for Andrew's mother-in-law, who was born and raised near Danville, Ky.," says one historical account.

Geography

Adjoining towns and cities are San Ramon to the south, Diablo and Blackhawk to the east, and Alamo to the north.

Interstate 680 serves as the main means of transport out of the town.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 46.9 km² (18.1 mi²). All of it is land and none of it is covered by water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 41,715 people, 14,816 households, and 11,867 families residing in the city. The population density is 890.3/km² (2,305.6/mi²). There are 15,130 housing units at an average density of 322.9/km² (836.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 86.30% White, 0.92% Black or African American, 0.21% Native American, 9.00% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 0.91% from other races, and 2.55% from two or more races. 4.66% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 14,816 households out of which 42.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.7% are married couples living together, 7.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 19.9% are non-families. 15.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.78 and the average family size is 3.13.

In the city the population is spread out with 28.6% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 29.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $114,064, and the median income for a family is $125,867. Males have a median income of $93,953 versus $53,235 for females. The per capita income for the city is $50,773. 2.2% of the population and 1.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 1.6% of those under the age of 18 and 5.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Seasonal events

Summer:

• The fourth Fourth of July parade is popular as reflecting its former small town values and always draws the local and regional incumbent politicians, including usually the Tenth Congressional District representative.

Fall:

• The Fall Arts Festival in late October draws craftspersons and artists with their works of highest quality.

Parks

• Mount Diablo State Park (Danville is near the southwestern entrance to the summit road)
• Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
• Front Street Park
• Baldwin School Park 741 Brookside Drive
• Danville South Park 90 Serene Court
• Diablo Vista Park 1000 Tassajara Ranch Drive
• Green Valley School Park 1001 Diablo Road
• Greenbrook School Park 1475 Harlan Drive
• Montair School Park 300 Quintara Lane
• Oak Hill Park 3005 Stone Valley Road
• Osage Station Park 816 Brookside Drive
• Sycamore Valley Park 2101 Hollbrook Drive
• Hap Magee Ranch Park 1025 La Gonda Way

Museums and Historic sites

• Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site , Tao House.
• San Ramon Valley Museum (located in a restored railway station)

External links

• Danville Official Web Site
• National Park Service - Eugene O'Neill Historic Site