Orinda is a quiet, affluent residential community in Contra Costa County, prized for its award-winning schools, natural beauty, and close-knit community feel. As part of the Lamorinda tri-city area, it offers an escape from urban density while maintaining excellent connectivity to employment centers.
Life in Orinda revolves around family, outdoor recreation, and community involvement. The Orinda Union School District feeds into Miramonte High School in the Acalanes Union High School District, both among California's most highly regarded. Parents are deeply involved in schools, and educational excellence is a defining community value. The natural environment provides endless recreational opportunities—hiking and biking in Briones and Tilden Regional Parks, swimming at the community pool, and playing at numerous neighborhood parks. The Orinda Theatre hosts both first-run films and the acclaimed California Shakespeare Theater's summer season in an outdoor amphitheater nearby. Downtown Orinda's restaurants and services meet daily needs, while Walnut Creek's more extensive retail is just minutes away. BART access from Orinda station makes San Francisco commuting practical, while Highway 24 provides car access to both directions.
Living in this Neighborhood
Orinda spans approximately 12.5 square miles of scenic East Bay hills, with terrain ranging from valley floors to ridgetops with expansive views. The town was developed primarily in the mid-20th century as a bedroom community, with homes built to take advantage of the beautiful natural setting. Today, Orinda's roughly 19,500 residents live in a mix of ranch-style homes, contemporary residences, and larger estates, many on properties with significant landscaping and mature trees. The town center, located near the BART station, includes the Orinda Theatre, a beloved Art Deco landmark, along with shops and restaurants that serve the community. Orinda's character has been shaped by residents' commitment to preserving open space—the town is surrounded by East Bay Regional Parks, and even within city limits, hiking trails wind through protected areas. The Orinda Country Club provides golf and social amenities for members.
Real Estate Snapshot
Median home price in 2025: $1.9 million
Price per square foot (2025): ~$761
Average days on market: 44
Market trends: Very competitive with multiple offers common
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