Discover Orinda

You'll find Orinda, CA tucked into the beautiful rolling hills of the East Bay, just past the Caldecott Tunnel. It offers a great mix of living close to nature while still having nice shops and restaurants nearby, plus it's easy to get to other key Bay Area cities. Orinda is one of the three towns known as "Lamorinda" (along with Lafayette and Moraga) and is popular for its green spaces, friendly community vibe, top-rated schools, and beautiful homes – everything from cozy ranch houses to larger estates.

Orinda Quick Facts:

• Location: Contra Costa County, East Bay (Approx. 20 mins to SF without traffic via HWY 24)

• Population: ~19,364 (as of 2023)

• Median Home Price: ~$2.2M (as of early 2025 - subject to market changes)

• Known For: Top-rated schools, beautiful scenery, Orinda Theatre, strong community, safety.

• Transportation: Orinda BART Station, Highway 24 access.

• Official City Website: www.cityoforinda.org

Explore Orinda's Distinctive Neighborhoods

Orinda isn't just one place; it's a collection of unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm, tucked amongst the hills and valleys. If you’d like help finding the right neighborhood for you, contact me for a neighborhood tour.

Orinda Country Club

• Vibe: Established, prestigious, serene. Home to the historic Orinda Country Club, this area features stately homes, many with larger lots and mature landscaping. It offers a mix of architectural styles, from classic traditionals to sprawling ranch homes. Feels tucked away yet provides convenient access. Known for luxury amenities and a strong sense of community among residents.

• Highlights: Orinda Country Club (golf, tennis, swimming, dining), proximity to downtown Orinda, beautiful hilly terrain.

• Schools: Often zoned for Sleepy Hollow Elementary.

• Typical Homes: Luxury estates, larger single-family homes, some mid-century gems.

Sleepy Hollow / Orinda Downs

• Vibe: Leafy, quintessential suburban feel with winding roads. Known for its highly-rated elementary school and popular swim & tennis club. Features a mix of housing, including many desirable ranch-style homes on spacious, often flat lots – a premium in hilly Orinda. Feels very residential and peaceful.

• Highlights: Sleepy Hollow Elementary, Sleepy Hollow Swim & Tennis Club, Dalewood Park, Lake Cascade access.

• Schools: Sleepy Hollow Elementary.

• Typical Homes: Ranchers, traditionals, contemporaries, often with generous yards.

Glorietta

• Vibe: Conveniently located between Orinda, Lafayette, and Moraga. Offers a mix of terrains, from stunning hillside properties with panoramic views to flatter streets and welcoming cul-de-sacs ideal for families. Known for its excellent elementary school and strong neighborhood feel.

• Highlights: Glorietta Elementary School, easy access to Lamorinda amenities, Meadow Swim & Tennis Club nearby.

• Schools: Glorietta Elementary.

• Typical Homes: Diverse mix including ranch, traditional, and contemporary; properties range from hillside view homes to homes on flatter lots.

Del Rey / Ivy Drive

• Vibe: Close-knit, convenient location near MCC (Moraga Country Club) and BART. Features many charming, well-maintained homes.

• Highlights: Del Rey Elementary School, close to Orinda Village amenities and BART station for some streets.

• Schools: Del Rey Elementary.

• Typical Homes: Mid-century ranches, bungalows, updated traditionals.

Wilder

• Vibe: Newer luxury development offering modern homes, resort-style amenities, and extensive preserved open space. Feels exclusive yet community-focused, with high-end finishes and often spectacular views. Appeals to those seeking modern construction and amenities within Orinda.

• Highlights: Newer construction, Art & Garden Center, private swim facility, playing fields, extensive trail network connecting to regional parks.

• Schools: Zoned within Orinda Union School District (check specific addresses).

• Typical Homes: Large, modern luxury homes and estates.

Other Notable Areas:

• Orindawoods: Known for its townhomes and condos offering lower-maintenance living, often with community pools and tennis courts.

• Wagner Ranch / El Toyonal: More rustic feel, often with larger lots and more seclusion. Home to the Wagner Ranch Nature Area.

• Spring Oak / Lost Valley: Scenic areas offering tranquility and access to nature.

Top-Rated Orinda Schools

Orinda is consistently recognized for its outstanding public schools, making it a major draw for families. The schools are known for academic rigor, strong parent involvement, and dedicated teachers.

Orinda Union School District (OUSD) - Grades K-8

Overview: A highly-rated district serving Orinda's elementary and intermediate students. Known for exceptional test scores (87% proficient in reading, 78% in math according to Niche.com) and a focus on well-rounded education.

• Website: www.orindaschools.org

• Elementary Schools (K-5):

• Del Rey Elementary: Serving the central Orinda area.

• Glorietta Elementary: Serving the eastern Orinda area.

• Sleepy Hollow Elementary: Serving the western Orinda area.

• Wagner Ranch Elementary: Serving parts of northern Orinda.

• Intermediate School (6-8):

• Orinda Intermediate School (OIS): All OUSD elementary schools feed into OIS.

NOTE: School boundaries can change. Always verify enrollment eligibility with the respective school districts.

What to do in Orinda

Life in Orinda extends beyond beautiful homes and excellent schools. It's about enjoying the unique blend of small-town charm and sophisticated amenities.

Dining Scene

From casual cafes to upscale dining, Orinda offers many great options:

• Casa Orinda: A local institution since 1932, famous for its classic Western/Italian fare, especially fried chicken, in a cozy, historic setting.

• The Fourth Bore Taproom & Grill: American mains, cocktails & housemade beers served in chill industrial-edged brewpub with a patio and live-music.

• Shelby's: Contemporary European and California cuisine in a bright atmosphere, located in Theatre Square.

• Comelones: Jalisco-Cali Style Mexican Food in Theatre Square.

• Saffron Indian Restaurant & Bar: Flavorful Indian cuisine in Theatre Square.

• Kibi’s Cafe: Casual Vietnamese eatery serving banh mi, noodle salads, spring rolls, and pho, including vegan items.

• Genuine Goodness: Specializing in delicious Grab-and-Go Sandwiches, Salads, Soups, Smoothies, and Baked Sweets + Take-And-Bake Meals (TABs)

• Village Inn Cafe: A popular breakfast joint in Orinda for a classic diner experience.

• Atithi Restaurant: Authentic Bangladeshi cuisine using fresh ingredients.

• Nations Giant Burgers & Great Pies: Fast-food chain featuring oversized burgers, all-day breakfast & lots of pies in a retro setting.

• Local Cafes: Grab coffee and pastries at establishments like Peet's Coffee, Cafe Teatro, Geppetto’s Cafe, and Starbucks. Enjoy Boba Tea at Nine-Tailed Fox downtown.

• More dining at Theatre Square

Shopping and Errands

• Orinda Village & Theatre Square: The heart of downtown, offering a mix of essential services, boutiques, and dining. Key spots include:

• Orinda Books: A beloved independent bookstore.

• Orinda Hardware: Bi-level locale with an old-timey vibe offering tools, supplies, homewares & paint color mixing.

• Rechic: Women’s clothing consignment store.

• Bevmo

• CVS

• McCaulou's: Department Store in Village Square

• More shopping at Theatre Square

• More shopping at Orinda Village

• Grocery Stores: Safeway

• Nearby: Easy access to broader shopping options in Lafayette and Walnut Creek.

Arts & Culture

• Orinda Theatre: A beautifully restored Art Deco movie theatre showing current films, a true town landmark.

• Orinda Library: Part of the Contra Costa County system, offering programs, resources, and a pleasant space.

• Art Galleries: Occasional exhibits at the library and community center.

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Orinda is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise:

• Orinda Oaks Park: Features hiking trails (including the challenging Descanso Trail), picnic areas, and beautiful oak woodlands.

• Wagner Ranch Nature Area: An 18-acre historical site with trails through meadows and forests, offering environmental education programs.

• Tilden Regional Park: Easily accessible, offering extensive hiking, steam trains, a petting farm, and stunning Bay views.

• Briones Regional Park: Vast open space bordering Orinda, perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying rolling hills scenery.

• Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area: Nearby popular spot for walking, jogging, boating, and picnicking.

• Local Trails: Numerous neighborhood trails and pathways for walking and biking.

Community Life

• Orinda Community Center: Hosts classes, activities, and community events like Summer Concerts in the Park.

• Farmers' Market: Seasonal market offering fresh produce and local goods.

• Annual Events: Fourth of July parade, Orinda Classic Car Show (check yearly schedules).

• Clubs & Organizations: Numerous sports leagues, garden clubs, service groups fostering community involvement.

Orinda Real Estate

The Orinda real estate market reflects the city's desirability, characterized by strong demand, limited inventory, and premium home values. Properties range from charming mid-century homes to expansive modern estates, many taking advantage of the beautiful hillside topography with stunning views.

• Market Character: Generally competitive, often considered a "seller's market" due to high demand and low supply, though conditions fluctuate.

• Key Drivers: Top-rated schools, safety, natural beauty, community feel, and convenient commute access are major factors driving demand.

• Home Styles: Diverse architecture including Ranch, Traditional, Contemporary, Mediterranean, and custom-built luxury homes.

• Lot Types: Vary significantly from flat, usable lots in areas like Sleepy Hollow to dramatic hillside parcels with views in neighborhoods like Country Club or Glorietta.
  

Having an agent who truly knows Orinda’s different neighborhoods and market trends is key to finding the right home or getting the best value when selling.