A corridor that follows Richmond Parkway uphill from the San Rafael Bridge at the bottom to Interstate 80 at the top, Hilltop/Richmond Parkway is an area in transition. It includes old and new housing along the corridor up to the Hilltop Mall, a thriving retail complex that serves the entire region, and includes Macy's, JC Penney, Sears, Wal-Mart and other well known stores. The Hilltop Auto Mall, featuring Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Honda, Pontiac, and Toyota dealerships, among others, and the Hilltop Plaza, comprising Barnes & Noble, Circuit City, Ross, and a 16-screen Century Theatres Multiplex, are also located in the Richmond Hilltop area.

The shoreline locations were once home to heavy industry, much of which has departed. But the infrastructure—sewer and water lines and roads—remains. That infrastructure, plus ample vacant land, make it an attractive location for large business parks, such as the 1.5MM square foot Pinole Point Business Park, or mixed-used development. Commercial and residential developers are planning a variety of projects that include redevelopment and new construction. New residential construction is underway along Atlas Road near the Richmond Country Club and southwest, close to San Pablo Bay.