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Antioch, CA

Frequently asked questions

Antioch, CA

Antioch is the third-largest city in Contra Costa County, California, United States. The city is located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area along the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. The city's population was 115,291 at the 2020 census. The city has grown substantially more diverse since the 1970s. 
Antioch is located along the San Joaquin River–Stockton Deepwater Shipping Channel at the western end of the San Joaquin–Sacramento River Delta.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.1 square miles (75 km2), of which 28.3 square miles (73 km2) is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km2), comprising 2.52%, is water.

Antioch is one of the oldest towns in the region. The town has been variously named East Antioch, Smith's Landing, and Marsh's Landing, before its current name.

In 1848, John Marsh, owner of Rancho Los Méganos, one of the largest ranches in California, built a landing on the San Joaquin River in what is now Antioch. It became known as Marsh's Landing and was the shipping point for the 17,000-acre (69 km2) rancho. It included a pier extending well out into the river, enabling vessels drawing 15 feet (4.6 m) of water to tie up there in any season of the year. The landing also included a slaughterhouse, a smokehouse for curing hams, rodeo grounds, and a dwelling, embellished with fretwork, that was brought around the Horn to serve as a home for the majordomo and his wife.

In 1849, twin brothers Rev. William Wiggins Smith and Rev. Joseph Horton Smith sailed from Boston, purchased land from John Marsh founded a town slightly west of Marsh's Landing, and named it Smith's Landing. During the town picnic on July 4, 1851, William, the town's new minister, persuaded the residents to change the name of the town to Antioch, for the biblical city of Antioch, "in as much as the first settlers were disciples of Christ, and one of them had died and was buried on the land, that it be given a Bible name in his honor, and suggested 'Antioch' (an ancient Syrian town where two important rivers meet and where the followers of Christ were first called Christians), and by united acclamation it was so christened."

Around 1859, coal was discovered in several places in the hills south of Antioch, and coal mining formed the first substantial business apart from farming and dairying for the inhabitants of this community. This new industry resulted in the founding of the towns of Nortonville, Somersville, Stewartville, and Black Diamond (now Pittsburg), and added greatly to the economic activity of the Antioch area. The Empire Coal Company was formed by John C. Rouse and George Hawxhurst in 1876, which built a railroad that passed from Antioch toward the mines over what is now "F Street" (formerly Kimball Street). However, later on, both the mine and the railroad passed into the hands of the Belshaw brothers. The mines have long since ceased operation, and the railroad tracks have been dug up, though the building that served as the Antioch terminus of the railroad still stands on the corner of F Street and Fourth Street, and the grading and trestles remain much as they were in those early days.

Antioch focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the City of Antioch's Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness and Golden State CrossFit. Healing Corner incorporates the healing properties of plants, herbs, cremes, oils, and minerals from around the world into a variety of unmatched spa services designed to reduce stress and enhance balance. Discover the walking and hiking trails in and around Antioch, such as the Contra Loma Regional Park and Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Antioch, CA are Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, and San Joaquin Valley.

Population: 118,453 (2024). ZIP codes: 94509, 94531. Area code: 925. Elevation: 43 ft (13 m). Area: 29.94 sq mi (77.55 km2).

FAQs

Is Antioch, CA a good place to live?

Living in Antioch offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Antioch, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Antioch and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Antioch are above average.

Is Antioch, CA a big city?

Antioch is located on the banks of the San Joaquin River in Northern California. Just off of Highway 4, in Contra Costa County. With a population of over 100,000 people, Antioch has become the heart of Eastern Contra Costa County, offering a variety of employment, shopping, and vast recreational activities.

What county is Antioch, CA?

Antioch is the third-largest city in Contra Costa County, California, United States. The city is located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area along the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. The city's population was 115,291 at the 2020 census.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Antioch 

Antioch's Parks and Recreation Department

Planet Fitness 

Healing Corner

Golden State CrossFit

Contra Loma Regional Park 

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

San Joaquin Valley

Niche

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