$2,101,615Average Value$773Average Price per Sq Ft36Homes 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 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Orinda, CA over the last 12 months is $1,898,718, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming, single-story ranch featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,845 sq. ft. extremely private, no other homes are visible from the house, on a rare 1.1-acre park-like setting with peaceful views from every room. A fenced front yard with lovely gardens welcomes you to this move-in ready home featuring a hardwood entry, living room with cork flooring, wet bar, bright galley kitchen with breakfast
Tucked at the end of a cul-de-sac in coveted Glorietta, this home offers a rare combination of privacy and convenience. Surrounded by mature trees, the property feels like a tranquil retreat, yet is just a half mile to Glorietta School and less than 2 miles to Orinda BART and downtown Lafayette. A brick courtyard leads to the entry foyer and the expansive open-concept living/dining room. Spanning
As you approach the flagstone entry accompanied with IPE railing and stairs, 59 El Toyonal welcomes you with the timeless warmth of a classic traditional home. Situated on a sprawling lot graced by majestic oaks, this 4-BD / 3.5-BA property offers a rare blend of serene privacy and close proximity to a bustling downtown, top-rated Orinda schools, and the Orinda Park Pool. The main level provides
Nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac in Orinda's sought-after Ivy Drive neighborhood, this beautiful Mediterranean home offers the perfect blend of timeless charm, thoughtful updates, and exceptional indoor-outdoor living on a .3-acre lot. Graceful archways, a covered front porch, stone paver driveway, and classic tile roof create a warm and inviting first impression. Designed for gathering and
Wonderful Location, Steps from Downtown Orinda and BART with a Garage! This updated Light & Bright End Unit Two bedroom, one bathroom condo has Updates that include: Dual Pane windows and sliders, LVP flooring throughout, Newer interior neutral paint including white kitchen cabinets. Stainless Steel appliances, some newer interior lighting and refreshed Backyard space. One of the few units with
OPEN Sat and Sun 1-4 Nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac in Orinda's sought-after Ivy Drive neighborhood, this beautiful Mediterranean home offers the perfect blend of timeless charm, thoughtful updates, and exceptional indoor-outdoor living on a .3-acre lot. Graceful archways, a covered front porch, stone paver driveway, and classic tile roof create a warm and inviting first impression. Designed
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
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
This is the house everyone wants an invite to. Step through the brick courtyard entry into a 4 bedroom, 4 bath home built for a life that spills outdoors. The living room makes the first impression count, with soaring wood-beamed vaulted ceilings, a wall of windows pulling in natural light, and a classic tiled fireplace, with an office just a few steps up for anyone who needs to work from home. A
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
2 other lots are available for the same price one is adjacent and the other has one parcel in between. Each lot has frontage on Diablo Dr. 2 lots have frontage on both Starkville Court and Diablo Dr. One lot has frontage on Skyline Blvd. and Starkville Court.
42 Brookside Road offers exceptional curb appeal in the heart of Glorietta. Set on a prominent corner lot, the beautifully landscaped wraparound yard, framed by mature trees and lush gardens, creates a warm first impression. A charming front porch is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the neighborhood. Inside, exposed beam ceilings, multiple fireplaces, and inviting living spaces reflect the
Rare offering in secluded Sleepy Hollow, -quiet cul-de-sac location with private driveway, substantially sunny exposure, yet also verdant views. Great privacy, large flat pad parking/garage area for entry and living level. Orinda SB-9 approved split, with possibly NO discretionary approvals needed. No cramped feel here! Walk to Sleepy Hollow Elementary and Swim & Tennis. Value-added in very
RARE ORINDA RESIDENTIAL BUILDING OPPORTUNITY! An exceptional opportunity to build in one of the East Bay's most desirable residential communities. This approximately 12,008 sq. ft. vacant lot (APN 273-081-029-4) is zoned RL-6 – Residential Low Density, offering an exciting opportunity for a builder, developer or future homeowner looking to create a custom residence in Orinda. With an
Serene and recently built (2021) "california casual" furnished rental with abundant greenery and privacy (some variation in furnishings from pictures may occur based on updates and refreshes made)Detached second-story 1100 sq. ft. unit above garage on our property (access via stairs)Hardwood floors and designer finishes & furnishings throughoutINCLUDED is $200 utilities fee (water,
Award Winning Orinda Schools. Commuters Dream. Modern Home in the Heart of Orinda Grove This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers contemporary style, comfort, and an exceptional location. Designed for easy living, the open floor plan with soaring ceilings features a spacious great room that flows seamlessly into the well-appointed kitchen, complete with stone countertops,
Marie LloydVanguard Properties
$5,000 per month
(Coming Soon) A Spectacular Hillside Home with Breathtaking Valley Views
Come see this luxury, private home with beautiful views of the Orinda and Lafayette Valley. A short distance from the freeway and downtown Lafayette, sits this quite 4bed/2bath property. Views of Orinda span across the entire valley and can be seen from every end of the house. Updated and ready for move in with in unit Washer/Dryer. Plenty of space and secluded as the last property on a dead end
Situated above street level for added privacy, this 2,437 sq. ft. home sits on a generous 73,791 sq. ft. lot in Orinda. The property features 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and 1 half bath, offering a spacious and practical layout. The home features an open living and dining area designed for comfortable daily living and entertaining. There is also a separate family room, providing a distinct
If interested in this property and would like to schedule a viewing, please callWelcome to 18 South Trail, a beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the highly desirable community of Orinda.This inviting residence offers a spacious and functional layout, featuring a gourmet kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a refrigerator, stove,
Fabulous single-level executive home with beautiful hardwood floors in the highly sought-after Ivy Drive neighborhood. Shows like new with newly refinished floors, repainted interior/exterior, new oven range and new EV charger! Close to thirteen years of superior schools--just two blocks from the coveted Miramonte High School. Large corner lot, oversized living room, elegant formal dining room,
Mary Beth MacLennanColdwell Banker
$6,250 per month
Spacious Home on a Private Wooded Lot Now Available!
Welcome to this charming and inviting single-family home offering space, privacy, and a large living space. This home provides a spacious layout with bright, open living areas and a large backyard with a deck - perfect for gatherings and entertaining.Key Features:4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms2,694 sqft of living spaceTwo story house Beautiful woodsy yard and a deckSpacious
THIS LOVELY HOME IS ALL ABOUT RELAXING VIEWS FROM EVERY WINDOW. HOUSE SITS AT HIGHER STREET LEVEL CONVERTING IT INTO A REAL LOVERS NEST. MATURE OAKS EMBRACE THE SITE CREATING AN AMBIANCE OF TRANQUILITY AND PEACE. A LARGE LIVING ROOM WITH TALL WINDOWS ALLOW NATURAL LIGHT TO FILTER IN. LOWER LEVEL HAS SLEEPING QUARTERS, FULL BATH,PRIVATE DECK, SEPARATE LAUNDRY FACILITY AND ABUNDANCE OF STORAGE.
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.
