Concord’s Got Jobs (and a weird vibe) – My Take
okay, so like, I just got back from Concord. seriously, Concord. you probably think it’s… well, you probably think it’s nothing. but it’s not. it’s got a weird, gritty charm, and a surprisingly solid job market. I was chasing a lead on a vintage amp deal - turns out, the best vintage gear is often found in places you least expect - and ended up spending a week digging around. let me break it down for you, because honestly, I’m still processing.
First off, the weather. it’s this… perpetual drizzle. like, not a dramatic thunderstorm drizzle, just a constant, damp grayness. it’s the kind of weather that makes you crave dark beer and old records. it’s not bad, it’s just… Concord. it’s a short drive to San Francisco, which is a total madhouse, obviously, but sometimes you need that. and Sacramento’s not terrible either, if you’re into that sort of thing.
So, the big players. according to Zippia, the biggest employers in Concord are:
Contra Costa County: (Seriously, like, everything runs through them. Payroll, social services, the whole shebang. ~8,000 employees)
*Wal-Mart: (Yeah, the usual. ~3,500) - I saw a dude arguing with a manager about a dented can of beans. it was… something.
*City of Concord: (Government jobs, mostly. ~2,800)
*John Muir Medical Center: (Healthcare. ~3,200) - They’re always hiring nurses, apparently.
*Apple: (A decent number of tech roles, surprisingly. ~1,200)
Cost of Living Breakdown (Rough Estimate - because who has time for spreadsheets?):Category Average Monthly Cost Rent (1 Bedroom) $1,600 - $2,200 Utilities $200 - $300 Groceries $400 - $600 Transportation $200 - $400 Entertainment $300 - $500
(Seriously, that rent is a killer. I’m talking ramen nights every night, unless you’re rolling in dough. check out this Reddit thread for more local insights: https://www.reddit.com/r/ConcordCA/)
Overheard Gossip #1: I was grabbing a coffee at Philz (yeah, Philz - it’s a thing here) and this older guy was telling me, “Don’t trust anyone who says Concord’s ‘up and coming.’ It’s been ‘up and coming’ since the 70s.” He took a huge gulp of his iced coffee and added, “Just… be aware.”
Overheard Gossip #2: A group of teenagers at the skate park were arguing about the best spot to ollie over the curb at Heather Farm Park. One of them said, “Dude, the concrete’s rough. It’ll mess up your board.” It’s… a thing. (Check out Yelp for reviews of the park: https://www.yelp.com/biz/heather-farm-park-concord)
Safety Note: Okay, this is important. According to local police data, Concord has a slightly higher crime rate than the state average, particularly property crime. Just be smart, keep your stuff close, and don’t wander around alone at night. (Here’s the official police department website: https://www.concordpd.org/)
My Take (as a touring session drummer): The music scene is… quiet. There’s a decent number of bars with live music, but it’s not exactly a rock ‘n’ roll mecca. I did find this really cool little venue called The Boardwalk - they have a surprisingly good sound system. Worth checking out if you’re a musician.
Honestly, Concord isn’t going to blow your mind. It’s just… there. But it’s got a weird, understated appeal. It’s a place where you can find a decent job, a cheap apartment, and a surprisingly good cup of coffee. And, you know, maybe a vintage amp. Don’t expect fireworks. Expect… steady beats.
Pro-Tip:* Hit up the Concord Farmers Market on Saturdays. It’s a surprisingly good vibe, and you can snag some seriously tasty produce. Also, the Iron Horse Regional Trail is great for a run or a bike ride. It’s pretty flat, which is a plus.
And seriously, don’t believe everything you hear about it being ‘up and coming.’ Just… be aware.
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