Discover Moraga
Found in the pretty rolling hills of the East Bay, Moraga, CA, is a quiet town great for families, known for its excellent schools and friendly neighbors who know each other. It's the town furthest south in the Lamorinda area and is mostly neighborhoods, giving it a calm feel. People love it for the big central park (Moraga Commons), having Saint Mary's College nearby, and all the nature around. It's a bit quieter since it's not right on the freeway, but folks really like Moraga for its great schools, roomy neighborhoods, and nice houses. This makes it a perfect spot for families wanting that small-town, know-your-neighbors vibe.
Moraga Quick Facts:
Location: Contra Costa County, East Bay (Southernmost town in Lamorinda)
Population: ~16,547 (As of 2023)
Median Home Price: ~$1.8M - $2.0M (Early 2025 estimate - market varies)
Known For: Top-rated schools (especially Campolindo High), Moraga Commons Park, Saint Mary's College, Moraga Country Club.
Transportation: No BART station (drive to Orinda/Lafayette stations); accessible via Moraga Way & Canyon Road.
Official Town Website: www.moraga.ca.us
Explore Moraga’s Distinctive Neighborhoods
Moraga is primarily made up of residential areas, each offering slightly different settings, from valley floors to rolling hillsides. If you’d like help finding the right neighborhood for you, contact me for a neighborhood tour.
Rheem Valley Manor
Vibe: Offers convenient access to shopping at the Rheem Valley Shopping Center, the Rheem Theatre, and dining options. Homes here range from single-family houses to some condos/townhomes, often on gently rolling terrain. Feels very central within Moraga.
Highlights: Rheem Valley Shopping Center, Rheem Theatre, easy access to Moraga Road, close proximity to schools (Joaquin Moraga Intermediate nearby).
Schools: Zoned for Moraga School District elementaries (check specific addresses).
Typical Homes: Mix of mid-century ranch homes, traditionals, some townhomes/condos.
Campolindo
Vibe: Located on the north end of Moraga, bordering Lafayette. Home to the highly-regarded Campolindo High School. Features many desirable homes, including some with Spanish-style architecture and single-story layouts. Close to the Rheem shopping area.
Highlights: Campolindo High School, Cabana Swim Club, proximity to Lafayette border and amenities, relatively easy access towards Orinda/Lafayette BART.
Schools: Zoned for Moraga School District elementaries (check specific addresses).
Typical Homes: Ranch homes, Spanish-style, traditional single-family homes.
Moraga Country Club (MCC)
Vibe: A distinct community centered around the private Moraga Country Club. Includes a mix of single-family homes and townhomes interspersed around the golf course. Residents pay HOA dues for club access/membership. Offers a resort-like feel with golf, tennis, and swimming facilities. Close to the Moraga Shopping Center. There is a long wait list to join for any residents living outside of the country club, so buying here is the fastest way to join and get access to the club and its amenities.
Highlights: Moraga Country Club amenities (golf, tennis, pool, clubhouse), mix of housing types (including townhomes), proximity to Moraga Shopping Center & Canyon Club Brewery.
Schools: Zoned for Moraga School District elementaries (check specific addresses).
Typical Homes: Single-family homes and townhomes, often built in the 1970s/80s, many with views of the golf course or hills.
Moraga Valley / Central Moraga
Vibe: Encompasses the areas along Moraga Way, south of Rheem and north of Saint Mary's College. Includes established neighborhoods, access to Moraga Commons Park, and the main library branch. Feels very much like the heart of residential Moraga.
Highlights: Moraga Commons Park, Moraga Library, central location within town, access to Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail.
Schools: Zoned for Moraga School District elementaries (check specific addresses).
Typical Homes: Primarily single-family homes, ranch style and traditional, built across several decades.
Bollinger Canyon / Sanders Ranch / Larch
Vibe: These neighborhoods are in the southernmost parts of Moraga, feeling the most tucked away and often offering larger lots and a more semi-rural ambiance. This area provides tranquility but is furthest from commute routes like HWY 24. Sanders Ranch features newer, larger homes.
Highlights: Feeling of seclusion, larger lots (especially Sanders Ranch), access to hiking trails, newer construction in Sanders Ranch.
Schools: Zoned for Moraga School District elementaries (check specific addresses).
Typical Homes: Mix of older ranch homes and newer, larger custom homes/developments (Sanders Ranch).
Top-Rated Moraga Schools
Like its Lamorinda neighbors, Moraga prides itself on its excellent public schools, which consistently receive high ratings and strong community support.
Moraga School District (MSD) - Grades K-8
Overview: This highly-rated district serves Moraga's elementary and intermediate students. Known for strong academics (around 82% proficient in reading, 77% in math per Niche.com) and dedicated teachers.
Website: www.moraga.k12.ca.us
Elementary Schools (K-5):
Camino Pablo Elementary — Website
Donald L. Rheem Elementary — Website
Los Perales Elementary — Website
Intermediate School (6-8):
Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School (JM): All MSD elementary schools feed into JM. — Website
JM Intermediate School
Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) - Grades 9-12
Overview: Moraga students attend Campolindo High School, part of the acclaimed AUHSD.
Website: www.acalanes.k12.ca.us
Campolindo High School:
Located right in Moraga.
Consistently ranked among the top public high schools in the state and nationally (Ranked #39 in CA by Niche.com for 2025).
Known for outstanding academics, successful athletic programs (Go Cougars!), and strong college placement.
Campolindo High School - Gymnasium
NOTE: School attendance zones can sometimes change. It's always best to confirm eligibility directly with the school districts.
What to do in Moraga
Life in Moraga revolves around family, schools, community events, and enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.
Eating Out
While not as extensive as Lafayette, Moraga has several solid local spots:
Town Bakery & Cafe: Homey bakery serving up baked goods, along with coffee, brunch, and dinner options.
Lou’s Chicken Shop: Counter-serve restaurant serving fried chicken sandwiches and other Asian-inspired eats in a casual setting.
La Finestra Ristorante: Family-owned Sicilian/Italian food, moved from Lafayette. Often has live piano music.
Pennini's: Casual Italian restaurant, popular local choice.
Chef Chao: Long-standing Chinese restaurant.
Royal Siam: Thai cuisine option.
Nation's Giant Hamburgers: Classic burgers and pies.
Loard's Ice Cream: Local favorite for ice cream treats.
Canyon Club Brewery: Family-friendly brewpub near MCC with food, outdoor space, and live music.
iTea: Local Boba tea
Near By: Easy drive to more options in Lafayette and Orinda.
Shopping & Errands
Most daily needs can be met within Moraga's two main shopping centers:
Rheem Valley Shopping Center: Anchored by TJ Maxx/HomeGoods, CVS. Also includes the Rheem Theatre, smaller shops, and services.
Moraga Shopping Center: Anchored by Safeway and Ace Hardware. Includes other shops like Moraga Garden Center, UPS Store, and eateries.
Moraga Farmers' Market: Popular seasonal market (usually Sundays) at Moraga Center.
Arts & Local Culture
Saint Mary's College of California: Adds a cultural dimension with:
Museum of Art: Features rotating exhibitions (check schedule for tours/events).
LeFevre Theatre: Hosts college theatre productions.
Moraga Art Gallery: Cooperative gallery in the Rheem Center showcasing local artists.
Moraga Library: Branch of the Contra Costa County system, offers programs and resources.
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Moraga shines with its access to open space:
Moraga Commons Park: The town's central gathering spot! Features:
Bandshell (Summer Concerts, Movies Under the Stars)
Picnic areas, bocce courts, splash pad (seasonal).
Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail: Runs through Moraga, perfect for walking, biking, and jogging.
Mulholland Ridge Open Space Preserve: Offers hilltop trails with great views separating parts of town.
Hacienda de las Flores: Beautiful town-owned park and event facility with lovely gardens (hosts some events).
Moraga Country Club: Private golf, tennis, and swim facilities for members.
Easy access to trailheads leading into larger regional parks.
Community Life
Strong focus on youth sports and school activities.
Summer Concert Series: Free concerts at the Moraga Commons Park bandshell are a huge draw.
Pear & Wine Festival: Annual fall event celebrating the town's agricultural past (usually late Sept).
Fourth of July: Town celebration often held at the Commons.
Hacienda Nights: Occasional food truck/community events at Hacienda de las Flores.
Quiet, neighborly atmosphere where people tend to know each other.
Moraga Real Estate
The Moraga real estate market offers an attractive option within the highly desirable Lamorinda area, often providing relatively more home for the money compared to Orinda or Lafayette, while still benefiting from top-tier schools.
Market Feel: Competitive, especially for well-located single-family homes. Driven heavily by families seeking access to the excellent schools.
Key Selling Points: Outstanding schools, safe and quiet community, access to parks and trails, generally larger lots compared to some neighboring areas.
Home Styles: Predominantly single-family homes (Ranch, Traditional, Contemporary), with some pockets of townhomes/condos (especially near MCC and Saint Mary's).
Value Proposition: Often seen as offering good value within the Lamorinda context, attracting buyers prioritizing schools and space.
Having an agent who truly knows Moraga’s different neighborhoods and market trends is key to finding the right home or getting the best value when selling.