$2,087,649Average Value$782Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Central Orinda is convenient to the freeway, hiking trails and more
Central Orinda is a sprawling residential community just south of state Route 24, bordered by hiking trails, the Lafayette Reservoir and Orinda’s small downtown district. Top-rated schools draw many families to the area year after year, though large lots and high-end homes can go long periods without changing hands. “There is a good percentage of young families, but a slightly higher percentage of empty nesters because the area has everything and people are hard pressed to move out,” says Melanie Snow, a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker with more than 30 years of experience in the area.
Central Orinda residents can appreciate how close they live to great natural walking areas for their dogs.
Traffic flows toward San Francisco, with Central Orinda providing a picturesque route.
Central Orinda's main strip is lined with great shopping and open air dining.
At Central Orinda's Community Park, there are Pickleball courts for all to utilize and enjoy.
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A diverse variety of home sizes, including some full-acre lots
Homes in Central Orinda range widely in size and style. Development began in the 1940s and largely slowed by the early 2000s, though the housing inventory is somewhat newer than what locals find to the north. “The north side of the freeway was settled first with homes from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s,” Snow says. “The south side has more homes built from the '50s and beyond.” Winding roads are lined with an eclectic mix of ranch-style and contemporary properties, often featuring tall windows and lots of mature shade trees on the property. Generally, most homes range from $1 million to $2 million. Larger homes with more than half an acre of land, private pools or a higher elevation can fetch higher price tags, often between $2 million and $3 million. Sprawling estate-sized properties with forested parcels, sometimes exceeding a full acre, can sell for between $3.5 million and $5 million, depending on factors like size and landscaping. The neighborhood has a Cap Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to a national average of 4.
Even some of Central Orinda's more modest properties can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
Central Orinda has some palatial properties on huge lots.
Central Orinda is full of gorgeous new traditional architecture.
The homes in the Glorietta area of Central Orinda have been remodeled and renovated with new amenities.
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Top-rated schools with lots of after-school programs
Glorietta Elementary earns an A rating from Niche and offers after-school enrichment activities, including Mandarin classes and a glee club. The A-rated Orinda Intermediate has a state-of-the-art makerspace with 3D printing, laser cutting and mold-making equipment. School sports teams include pickleball, archery and esports. The A-plus-rated Miramonte High also offers a variety of athletic programs like cross-country, lacrosse and football, along with sports medicine classes.
Glorietta Elementary School serves grades K-5 in Central Orinda..
Miramonte High School has a great athletic program for students in Central Orinda.
Central Orinda's Orinda Intermediate has a state of the art maker space for students.
Miramonte High School is the top choice for parents in Central Orinda.
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Restaurants and a historic theater on the neighborhood’s edge
Orinda’s small downtown district sits at the neighborhood’s corner, anchored by the historic Orinda Theatre, which first opened in 1941. The venue continues to show new releases and indie films, surrounded by small shops and restaurants. The Fourth Bore Taproom & Grille is a favorite for classic American fare like burgers and steak. Casa Orinda specializes in Italian cuisine with rustic Old West-inspired décor. Safeway is the closest grocery store, though locals can also shop for produce at the weekly Orinda Farmers Market, held every Saturday at Orinda Community Park.
Fourth Bore Taproom & Grill is a popular happy hour spot in Central Orinda.
Central Orinda's Theatre Square bustles with shops, offering a vibrant retail experience.
Kibi's has outdoor seating, allows dogs, and serves vegan options in Central Orinda.
Kibi's Cafe is a Cafe in Central Orinda serving classic Vietnamese items such as Banh Mi sandwiches.
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Hiking trails around hills and reservoirs surround the community
Just east of the community, the Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area offers access to its namesake reservoir, a popular area for fishing and boating. Two hiking trails circle the water, totaling over 10 miles, including connector paths. South of the neighborhood, Orinda Oaks Park has hiking trails that lead up Mulholland Ridge with panoramic views of the town. Residents can also join the Meadow Swim & Tennis Club, which features a pool and four tennis courts.
Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve provides lots of great day hiking opportunities for Central Orinda.
Central Orinda's hills are filled with gorgeous hiking trails.
Above the homes of Central Orinda, residents can find amazing views of the golden rolling hills.
California poppies bloom, framing the scenic backdrop of Central Orinda.
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Accessing the Bay Area using the freeway and light rail
State Route 24 borders Central Orinda on the north side, leading about 10 miles to Oakland and 20 miles to San Francisco. There’s a Bay Area Regional Transit park-and-ride station right next to the neighborhood, served by the Yellow Line light rail, and County Connections operates local bus routes in the area. Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center is less than 10 miles east and Oakland International Airport is less than 20 miles away.
Central Orinda is connected to the rest of the Bay Area via the Bay Area Rapid Transit train.
Central Orinda has very walkable streets that are great for getting the whole family out together.
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Annual Fourth of July parade held nearby
Orinda holds several community events during the year, and the annual Fourth of July Parade is one of the largest. Marching past Orinda Theatre and ending north of the freeway, the festivities are followed up by a large concert and carnival held at the nearby Orinda Community Park.
Central Orinda's streets fill with life during community events like the Orinda Classic Car Show.
Central Orinda's residents get together for Orinda's Farmer's Market, a small yet vibrant open market occurring on Saturday mornings.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Central Orinda neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central Orinda
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central Orinda Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Orinda, Orinda sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Orinda, Orinda over the last 12 months is $1,980,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Perched atop the Orinda Oaks Open Space Preserve, this estate offers sweeping views of Mt. Diablo and the Berkeley hills. Mature oaks, Japanese maples, wisteria, lavender, roses, and other lush foliage flank the home. Step inside the foyer beneath 15-foot ceilings. To the left, a 360-sq-ft living room sits under a coffered ceiling; to the right, the dining room accommodates 10-12 with garden
First time on market in decades!! Discover an exceptional opportunity to own this charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath 1716 sf home tucked away on a private, expansive 0.46-acre lot located in Orinda’s highly desirable Glorietta neighborhood. Built in 1947 and featuring a quaint kitchen, formal living and dining rooms, family room, laundry room, 3 year old roof, and a newly built, detached 2 car garage
Fantastic opportunity to build your dream home in the Glorietta neighborhood! This .26 acre lot is located on the "up" side of Glorietta as you approach Moraga Via. Property has a gradual incline and a concrete pad from an old storage structure. A short walk to Glorietta Elementary School and Meadow Swim & Tennis Club, great proximity to downtown Orinda and commute.
Beautiful flat lot from the street. Area of high end homes with Mt. Diablo views from the other side of the street. Great schools, hiking trails close by, and urban living just a short drive away can all be yours with this beautiful lot in Orinda.
Enjoy spectacular views and single-level living in this beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home plus office located in Orinda’s highly desirable Glorietta neighborhood. The open floor plan features multiple French doors, creating a bright and airy indoor/outdoor flow that’s perfect for entertaining or relaxed California living. The home sits on a flat, landscaped front and back yard—a rare
Furnshed rental available as of 1/1/2026. Spectacular re-freshed and traditional ranch style home with an upstairs addition. Gorgeous and private level lot ideal for entertaining and enjoying serenity for soothing moments. Magnificent custom detail and designer touches throughout the home. Main level with an open living room/dining area, kitchen and media room, plus laundry room and 4 bedrooms,
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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.
