Martinez's housing stock reflects more than a century of layered development. The downtown core and older neighborhoods hold Victorian, Craftsman, and early twentieth-century homes, some of them within view of the strait, while mid-century subdivisions and later construction spread up the hillsides. The mix ranges from compact downtown bungalows to larger hillside and view properties, with condominiums clustered near the waterfront and marina area. The market is predominantly owner-occupied single-family housing, and the variety of eras and settings means buyers can choose between historic character near Main Street and newer, larger homes with views toward the water.

Martinez's neighborhoods vary with topography and age. The Downtown Core and the area near the Marina District offer the most walkable, historic living, close to Amtrak, Main Street shops, and the waterfront — a natural fit for commuters who value rail access and foot-friendly streets. Farther from downtown, established hillside neighborhoods provide larger lots and views across the Carquinez Strait toward Benicia and the Delta. Because the city is relatively compact, most residents live within a short drive of the shoreline parks, the John Muir National Historic Site, and the county's civic and cultural facilities downtown.

Life in Martinez centers on a walkable historic downtown, a working waterfront, and an outdoors-oriented culture shaped by the John Muir legacy. Main Street and the surrounding blocks hold independent shops, restaurants, and the county government campus, giving the town a lively daytime rhythm. The Carquinez Strait shoreline, with its tugboats and views, anchors recreation and a sense of connection to the water. Residents enjoy the convenience of being in the Bay Area while retaining a smaller, more historic town feel, and the city's role as county seat adds a steady institutional presence to the community's daily life.

Public education in Martinez is provided by the Martinez Unified School District, which operates six elementary schools, a middle school, and Alhambra High School. The district does not generally accept out-of-district transfers, keeping enrollment tied closely to the city's neighborhoods. Families also have access to private and parochial options in the area, and the city's position in Contra Costa County places community colleges and regional universities within commuting distance. The school system's neighborhood-based structure reinforces the close, community-centered character of the city.

Martinez is one of the stronger transit points in this part of Contra Costa County. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor stops downtown, placing Oakland's Jack London Square and Sacramento within direct rail reach, and BART stations are a short drive away elsewhere in the county. For drivers, Highway 4 and Interstate 680 provide the main regional connections, with the Benicia–Martinez Bridge crossing the Carquinez Strait to the north. County Connection bus service fills in local routes. The combination of downtown rail access and freeway links makes the city a practical base for commuters heading toward Oakland, San Francisco, or the Central Valley.

Outdoor recreation is a defining part of life in Martinez. The East Bay Regional Park District maintains the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline and the Ted and Kathy Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline, which together offer miles of trails, shoreline access, and views across the water. The John Muir National Historic Site preserves Muir's Victorian home and includes trails on the adjacent Mount Wanda. The shoreline parks connect to regional hiking and riding routes, and the strait itself supports boating and waterfront activities. The historic downtown adds a walkable counterpoint to the city's open-space network.