Why Live in Orinda
Orinda, a neighborhood in the southern part of its namesake city, is characterized by its verdant rolling hills and vibrant wildflowers. Established in the late 1800s, it offers a predominantly rural setting with the convenience of nearby stores, restaurants, and parks. The neighborhood is known for its highly rated schools, including Glorietta Elementary School, Orinda Intermediate School, and Miramonte High School, all of which have received distinctions and awards. Orinda is also one of the safest neighborhoods in the U.S., with a crime score significantly lower than the national average. The area features a mix of midcentury modern homes, traditional ranch-style houses, and Spanish Mission and Pueblo Revival-style homes, primarily built between the 1950s and '70s. Orinda Theatre Square serves as the central commercial hub, featuring the historic Orinda Theatre, an art gallery, specialty stores, and a variety of dining options such as Casa Orinda and kibi's Café Orinda. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Orinda Community Park, Orinda Oaks Park, and the Siesta Valley Recreation Area, which offer amenities like playgrounds, tennis courts, and hiking trails. Community events, including a Fourth of July celebration and a classic car show, foster a strong sense of community. The neighborhood's proximity to major cities like Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco, as well as access to public transit and highways, makes it a convenient location for commuters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orinda a good place to live?
Orinda is a good place to live. Orinda is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Orinda is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 1, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. Orinda has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 0.6 people per acre and a median age of 46. The average household income is $235,400 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 85.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Orinda are home owners, with 11.4% of residents renting and 88.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Orinda can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Orinda neighborhood guide.
Is Orinda, CA a safe neighborhood?
Orinda, CA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 1 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Orinda?
The median home price in Orinda is $989,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $198,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $5,130 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $220K a year to afford the median home price in Orinda. The average household income in Orinda is $235K.
What are the best public schools in Orinda?
The best public schools that serve Orinda are:
- Miramonte High School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
- Acalanes High School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
- M.H. Stanley Middle School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
What are the best private schools in Orinda?
The best private schools that serve Orinda are:
- The Saklan School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 5.0.
- Bentley School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 4.4.
- Orinda Academy has an A+ Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 4:1.
What are the most popular zip codes in Orinda, Orinda, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Orinda, Orinda, CA?
Home Trends in Orinda, CA
On average, homes in Orinda, CA sell after 7 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Orinda, CA over the last 12 months is $970,000, up 84% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$970,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$909,450
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,300,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$438
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
13
Median List Price
$989,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
84%