$2,050,918Average Value$775Average Price per Sq Ft37Homes For Sale
Orinda’s poetic beauty
Once a rural area inhabited by ranchers and their cattle, the city of Orinda in the San Pablo Valley east of Berkeley retains its pastoral heritage as a community with wide open spaces. The city was named after 17th century poet Katherine Philips, also known as “The Matchless Orinda.” The natural beauty of the fog over the Oakland Hills creates an ethereal effect. The opening of the Caldecott Tunnel in 1937 boosted Orinda’s growth by easing access to employment centers, and a BART station built in 1973 further facilitated regional travel. Now, 20,000 people call Orinda home. While about 5,500 work within Orinda, the school district being the biggest employer, many others commute to Oakland and San Francisco for work in science and tech industries.
Schools are top-notch, and though neighborhoods are spread over the hills and valleys, the community is active and looking to the future with plans to revitalize downtown and outdoor spaces. "People want to live here mostly because of the schools and the proximity to San Francisco. Some people even commute to Silicon Valley, though that's a little far," says Realtor Vlatka Bathgate, an Orinda resident who's been selling real estate in the city for over 20 years. "We always have a shortage of inventory because we want to preserve the open spaces, but that's also what attracts people—because it's not crowded."
From old homes in Orinda Village to new construction in Wilder
Trees blanket Orinda and one- and two-lane streets run up and and down the hills. Homes sit on large lots, many with striking views. Orinda Village is one of the oldest neighborhoods, with homes built as early as the 1920s, and it includes the downtown Theatre District. In the Del Rey, Glorietta and Estates neighborhoods, homes were built between the 1950s and 1970s. The Wilder neighborhood has newer construction.
Many homes are midcentury modern in style with slanted rooflines in muted color palettes. Others are sprawling ranch-style homes with brick facades. Spanish Mission and Pueblo Revival-style homes are common as well. The median home price is $1.8 million, and home values in Orinda are about four times the national average. They range from about $900,000 to $2 million for fixer-uppers. Homes in good to excellent condition range from $2 million to $5 million, with rambling hillside estates at the upper end of that range. A few estates over 6,000 square feet exceed $6 million.
20th-century homes in Orinda reflect a blend of charm and history.
Affordable 20th-century homes showcase Orinda's diverse housing market.
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Downtown Orinda is ripe for revival
Orinda’s downtown has two districts. The Village District lies northwest of the Interstate 24 corridor. It has a suburban layout with buildings set back from the street and includes the town hall, library and some senior housing communities. The Theatre District, southeast of I-24, is centered around the Orinda Theatre, a historic Art Deco movie house built in 1941 that presents movies and live concerts. Shops and restaurants are walkable, including Casa Orinda, a restaurant with moose head décor that has been operating since 1932. The city is considering projects to further revitalize downtown by, for example, supporting the restoration of Phair’s Store, a historic 1925 building that is currently vacant. However, the city faces competition as a commercial center from thriving downtown Lafayette, 5 miles to the east, and Rockridge, a busy food and shopping district in Oakland, 5 miles west.
Come and enjoy the Orinda Village with its many retail shops and eateries.
The Orinda Theatre stands as an iconic beacon of entertainment, a jewel in Orinda's cultural
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Recreation and community life in the San Pablo Valley
Orinda Community Park, next to the historic community center, has picnic areas, playgrounds and pickleball courts, and is a primary location for community events. It hosts the city's Fourth of July celebration and a classic car show in September. Local produce and beef, pork and lamb are sold every Saturday year-round at the Contra Costa Farmers Market. The city is working to revitalize San Pablo Creek, which runs through downtown. A regional destination in the 19th century, the creek was eventually urbanized and neglected. Community groups have cleaned it up, and the next step is to make it accessible to residents for recreation while protecting the wildlife habitat.
Orinda is surrounded by regional preservation areas and recreational spaces, including the Siesta Valley Recreation Area, which has trails among the hills, and views of the bay and Mount Diablo. Orinda Oaks Park is another recreation option with scenic, interconnected trails that lead to the adjoining 110-acre Orinda Oaks Open Space Preserve.
At Orinda Community Park, there are Pickleball courts for all to utilize and enjoy.
A child plays joyfully in the sandpits at Orinda Community Park.
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ArtSpace Orinda and well-preserved history
The arts community is active in Orinda. There are 10 public murals, including one depicting local flora and fauna on a wall of the public library. ArtSpace Orinda presents over 30 public art installations annually. Historical sites include the Orinda Bridge Historic Landmark, built in 1920, and the Joaquin Moraga Adobe, the oldest building in Contra Costa County. It was built in 1841 on land granted by Mexico.
Great schools with Miramonte High School nationally ranked
The Orinda Union School District serves the city, operating four elementary schools and a middle school. The district gets a grade of A-minus by Niche. Students attend Miramonte High School in the Acalanes Union High School District. Miramonte is graded A-plus and U.S. News ranks it 217 nationally.
Glorietta Elementary is ranked #75 for excellent schools in California and has 437 students.
The main quad at Miramonte High School has serious school spirit.
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Easy access to Bay Area hot spots
Orinda's location in the northern part of the East Bay puts it near several major cities, including Oakland, Berkley and San Francisco. The city is dissected by California State Route 24, which is a designated Scenic Highway. Public buses stop in central Orinda, and there is a BART station downtown. The city has ongoing projects to improve bike and pedestrian features. Oakland International Airport is 17 miles south on U.S. Interstate Highway 880. Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is 5 miles away in Berkeley.
Low crime and mild weather, but wildfire risk creates problems
Orinda receives a crime score of 1 out of 10 on the CAP Index, lower than the national average of 4. The weather is mild, a little warmer in the summers than Oakland, but with less fog. The winters are cool and wet. The entirety of California is dealing with a homeowners insurance crisis because of increasing wildfire risks, and Orinda has been hit hard, with more homeowners having their policies cancelled than any other zip code in the state. California regulators are working with the insurance industry to address the crisis.
Written By
Carol Parish
Photography Contributed By
Jean Paul Toshiro
Video By
Peter Medawar
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Orinda, CA sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Orinda, CA over the last 12 months is $1,850,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning Modern Remodel | Luxury Living in Prestigious Orinda 4 BD • 4 BA • ±4,238 sq ft • ±0.50 acres • Remodeled 2019 Remodeled to the studs and fully rebuilt in 2019, this stunning contemporary residence is perfectly positioned near the Orinda Country Club on a serene, private cul-de-sac — just minutes from Hwy 24, downtown Orinda, and BART. All-new plumbing, electrical, and fiber optic Wi-Fi.
This Mediterranean-style retreat sits peacefully on a quiet street between downtown Orinda and Miramonte High School. A manicured garden and warm Brazilian cherry staircase lead to the main level, where natural light fills the open-concept living and dining spaces. The expansive living/family room—spanning 520 sq ft under a coffered ceiling—features a wet bar, wine cellar, grand fireplace, and
A luminous masterpiece blending Japanese-influenced design with the soul of California living, this Sleepy Hollow residence was made for entertaining. Soaring glass floods the home with golden light and treetop views, while dramatic architectural bridges connect bedroom wings with a sense of arrival and discovery. Shoji screens glide open to create expansive spaces or close for intimate retreats.
Nestled in one of Orinda’s most desirable neighborhoods, this beautifully updated Single-Story Four-Bedroom Two-Car Garage ranch home offers comfort, charm, and an exceptional lifestyle. Sun-filled living spaces feature hardwood floors, an inviting fireplace, and a seamless flow between the living, dining, and family rooms, creating an ideal setting for both everyday living and entertaining. The
46 Underhill is a sun-filled retreat where nature meets comfort in the desirable Oak Springs neighborhood. This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a 5,460 sq. ft. lot surrounded by serene, tree-lined streets. Expansive picture windows fill the home with natural light, enhancing the seamless indoor-outdoor flow and Orindas warm, sunny climate. The chef-inspired kitchen features stainless
NEW LOW PRICE for a top location in Orinda! PRIVATE street home only 1 mile from downtown, BART, & freeways. The ideal “Buyer family” for this one wants SPACE at a lower price near TOP schools, while putting their own PERSONAL touches on their desired house updates (some updating completed already!). Contractor has included a bid to FULLY update the home in less than 2 months for a Buyer to
This beautiful home has been lovingly updated with an artistic eye. The gourmet kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, dark quartz counters and oodles of cabinetry and opens to to dining room with vaulted ceilings and beams. Each room is adorned with hardwood floors, dual pane windows and a bright and light environment. The living room has a modern and inviting gas fireplace and opens to the
Modern architecture meets effortless California living at this exceptional custom residence in Wilder. Spanning 5,088 square feet on a 0.37-acre view lot, this 6-bed, 6.5-bath home is thoughtfully designed with a seamless blend of light, scale, and indoor-outdoor living. A dramatic circular foyer with skylight creates a striking arrival, opening to expansive living and dining spaces framed by
New Price! Welcome to 2 Crane Court – A Stunning and Modern custom designed home by noted Bay Area architects, EnvelopeAD, whose aim was to conform the vertical surfaces of the home to engage the interior living spaces with the beauty of the site while offering vistas of the prominent ridgeline to the west. Striking and unique design elements such as cast-in place concrete walls, floor to ceiling
Stunning Move in Ready Home in Desirable Ivy Drive Neighborhood of Orinda! Offering 1,498 sq. ft. of living space, this updated home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, situated on a generous 17,840 sq. ft. lot with VIEWS! Upgrades include; flooring, painting inside and outside ,and remodeled primary bathroom. Key Features; Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and lush
Fantastic price for this great lot near the end of the paved section of Lucille Way. Gentle up-slope. Close to Oak Springs Pool and less than a mile to Orinda Village. Utilities are available near the end of Lucille Way which is about 50' from the subject property. Available reports and documents include survey, topo map, soils report, and city staff reports. The current owner obtained planning
Once in a while, a home comes along that genuinely stops you. 240 Tappan Lane is that home. A long cobblestone drive winds beneath a canopy of Valley oaks before this stunning 6,800 sq ft contemporary comes into view. Set on 4.63 private acres above Briones Reservoir, the architecture is striking inside and out, cedar and steel exterior, glass and light throughout. The entry sets the tone
Experience modern luxury in this newly built Hillside Homes masterpiece, where elevated design meets breathtaking Mt. Diablo views. This exceptional residence offers five bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, and 6,045 square feet of beautifully designed living space, complete with a spacious bonus room, an oversized 800-square-foot three-car garage, and a 1,200-square-foot deck showcasing
NEVER BEFORE ON-MARKET -There is no better opportunity that is comparable at this price-point -in the Orinda hills! Unquestionable complete privacy with serene verdant views. Over 50 ft. of frontage and the charm of a creek-side setting. Area supports highly correlated resale comps $2m+ homes. Depicted home images are conceptual possibilities -or your own design. Walk to Farmers Market. Core Bay
Last sold for $1.65m in 2007, this lot is now offered at an incredible deal. It is one of the last lots in the upper El Toyonal neighborhood of Orinda to have all utilities, including CCCSD sewer, fiber optic internet, EBMUD water, and PG&E available for use! This lot has a few possible building sites, (buyer to verify) the one closest to Lomas Cantadas could offer sweeping views of Mt. Diablo
Experience elevated living in one of Orinda’s most desirable communities—Orinda Woods! This beautifully updated home offers 5 spacious bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, plus a dedicated office, providing the ideal blend of comfort, functionality, and style. Thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the home features a formal dining room, an inviting fireplace, and expansive
Pet-Friendly / $1,695/month / $1,695 security deposit / 1-year lease / +$168/month shared utilities (water, trash, gas & electric)Pet-friendly unit with 1500 sqft fully fenced outdoor area with a putting green and space for a small dog to run around. Orinda safety and quaintness in a wooded setting minutes from Bart and Oakland / Berkeley food and entertainment. Peaceful detached guest
Amazing opportunity: LEASE-OPTION (or conventional lease) possible for this Stunning gated estate on Orinda's most exclusive street. Gorgeous .8 acre setting with sparkling private pool and spa, breathtaking views, and lovely gardens. Main level of home has gracious living room opening to terrace, recently renovated dream kitchen, formal dining room and warm family room. Primary suite with
3BD/2BA Orinda Home – 2,021 sq ft – Deck, Parking for Boat/RV – $4,500Spacious 3 bed / 2 bath home (~2,021 sq ft) in a quiet Orinda neighborhood.Features:Hardwood floors throughoutWalk-in tubExtra-large living room with vaulted ceilings & chandeliersBright windows with great natural lightWrap-around rear deck with secure fencingLarge driveway (easy
Brand-new ADU featuring modern finishes and all-new appliances, including an in-unit washer and dryer. Nestled in the scenic Orinda Hills on a private road, this home offers a peaceful and secluded setting. Conveniently located just 5 minutes from Highway 24 and nearby shopping centers, you’ll enjoy both tranquility and accessibility. This charming community adds to the appeal, making it an ideal
Beautiful and comfortable home available for rent in Moraga's Rheem ValleyQuiet, safe neighborhood, close to top K-12 schools and hiking trailsSpacious and private deck facing beautiful open space with patio seating and gas grillLarge, flat driveway accommodates parking 3 cars off street in addition to 2 car garage with EV chargerNew washer/dryer, refrigerator/freezer,
Welcome to 137 Donna Maria Way in Orinda, CA. This spacious single-family home features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, perfect for those looking for a comfortable and inviting living space. The house boasts central HVAC, hardwood flooring, and 2 cozy fireplaces for those chilly nights. With a large backyard and open beam ceilings, this home offers plenty of space and natural light. Situated on a
Orinda Village was once the sight of ranching and summer cabins for Bay Area residents to retreat into the Oakland Hills. Today, the neighborhood is a close community with good schools and houses tucked away in the rolling hills of the East Bay. “Orinda Village has a true small-town feel,” says Ann Sharf, Realtor at Village Associate Real Estate. “This is a neighborhood where kids grow up, and everybody knows their neighbor.” Orinda Village maintains a strong connection to the Bay Area and is no longer just a summer retreat due to modern transportation access, such as a BART Train Station.
Housing in Orinda Village dates to the early- and mid-20th century, with Ranch-style homes and cozy bungalows tucked away on hilly streets. “The neighborhood contains that classic California architecture with some Spanish Traditionals mixed in,” says Sharf. The market is very competitive, and an entry-level house in the neighborhood sells for around $1.8 million, while larger midcentury moderns can reach $2.5 million. Orinda Village is considered at risk for wildfires, but many neighborhood associations, such as the one found in Sleepy Hollow, implement fire safety measures adhering to standards set by Firewise USA®.
“Orinda Village has access to some of the best schools in the state,” says Sharf. Younger students may begin their education at Wagner Ranch Elementary School and Orinda Intermediate School, both of which scored an A rating on Niche. Miramonte High School offers a broad spectrum of Advance Placement and Honors classes to prepare older students for college-level curriculum. Miramonte High School received an A-plus rating from Niche. Graduates looking to continue their education and stay close to home may attend the University of California Berkeley, just 10 miles away.
Residents don’t have to go far for recreation as Orinda has its own community center, country club, and sports field. The Orinda Park Pool is one of ten pool clubs within the city and helps contribute to the area’s legacy of producing world-class water polo players. Golfers can head to the Orinda Country Club to tee off, while those looking to improve their background can play on the tennis courts at the Orinda Community Center. For more relaxed recreation, the Siesta Valley Recreation Area runs along the neighborhood’s southern border and has miles of hiking trails surrounded by scenic bay views.
The neighborhood’s main commercial area is centered on Orinda Way and contains numerous shops, restaurants, and administrative buildings like Orinda City Hall. While the bright lights of Hollywood may be in southern California, the Orinda has been illuminating the silver screen since it opened its doors in 1941. Locals head to Casa Orinda for an upscale dining experience surrounded by Old West Décor. For a classic American breakfast, Village Inn Café serves the neighborhood with tasty corned beef hash and Belgian Waffles. Safeway provides the neighborhood with fresh produce and groceries. The Church of Saint Maria serves the area.
Although Orinda Village may seem isolated from the Bay
Area, the BART Orinda Train Station allows direct access to the nearby urban hubs. The commercial center of Orinda is walkable, but those looking to get to San Francisco or Oakland will require a car and can use California State Route 24, running along the neighborhood's southern end. Oakland International Airport is 17 miles away for those looking to travel.
Orinda Village is a neighborhood centered around community, as reflected in the annual events hosted throughout the seasons. Residents head to the year-round Orinda Farmers Market every Saturday morning to shop for locally sourced produce, goods, and artisanal crafts. The Orinda Community Center hosts summer concerts every Thursday, and locals can enjoy the live music and food trucks free of charge.
Crime in Orinda Valley is lower than the national average, according to the CAP Index. The neighborhood also contains a more desirable climate compared to surrounding cities. “Our weather is perfect,” says Sharf. “When it is cold and foggy in Oakland, it is warm and sunny in Orinda.”
Swimming clubs, community fun, and seclusion make Sleepy Hollow-Orinda one of the Bay Area's most desirable neighborhoods. "It's a real suburban area that has great schools, and it's coveted because the lot sizes are bigger in our area," says Shannon Conner, Realtor with Village Associates Real Estate, who has been working in real estate for 15 years and lives in Orinda. "Orinda is a great community." 20 miles from San Francisco and a quick drive to downtown Oakland, Sleepy Hollow is popular with people working in the city who want to live somewhere sleepy and free of metropolitan hustle and bustle.
Sleepy Hollow-Orinda homes start in the multi-millions and range from $2-$12 million. Houses fetch these prices thanks to the neighborhood's location and the size of most of the lots here, and styles go from ranch and craftsmen to colonial and modern. The area is secluded, with the Briones Reservoir to the north, Orinda Country Club to the South, and 15 miles to downtown Oakland. Sleepy Hollow is known in part for its trick-or-treat streets. "You know, where people take their kids to trick or treat," says Conner. People decorate their houses for the occasion around Halloween, says Conner.
The area is served by the Orinda Union School District, which has four elementary schools named "California Distinguished Schools" in 2023. Sleepy Hollow Elementary and Orinda Intermediate have A ratings on Niche, and Miramonte High School has an A-plus rating. Miramonte High has plenty of activities for students, including astro, martial arts and comic clubs.
Hiking and being outside is a big part of life in Sleepy Hollow-Orinda. Biones Reservoir is less than a mile from the neighborhood. Trails loop around the water, and hikers can reach overlook points to take in the landscape and view the sparkling water. The community is active in more ways than hiking – people also love to swim in Sleepy Hollow-Orinda. "Swimming is very popular in our area. All the neighborhoods have swim clubs," says Conner. Adults and kids alike jump in the pool, volley tennis balls back and forth at the club's courts and hang out around picnic tables in the shade. Other than swimming, many people in the neighborhood enjoy a round of golf at the Orinda Country Club, which has an 18-hole course, clubhouse and swimming pool.
Sleepy Hollow is close to shops but far from noise. Orinda Village is the closest shopping center just outside the insulated residential area. Restaurants range from Mexican food to Thai, plus a Starbucks and essential businesses like a post office and a Safeway. More shopping is a short drive away, like Theatre Square, home to Orinda Theatre and additional restaurants and shops.
Sleepy Hollow-Orinda isn't sliced up by noisy interstates but is bordered by California State Route 24, which leads to San Francisco, Oakland and inland toward hiking spots like Mount Diablo. A BART station is also available that leads into Oakland and San Francisco. For international travel, the San Francisco International Airport is about 30 miles away.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
