Orinda

Orinda combines wooded scenery with friendly neighborhoods, top-rated schools, charming shops, and an easy BART commute to San Francisco.

Typical home value$1.94MZillow Home Value Index · as of Sep 30, 2026

Commute to San Francisco26 minBART schedule · as of Nov 2, 2026 · BART Orinda to Embarcadero, weekday 8 AM

Commute to Oakland14 minBART schedule · as of Nov 2, 2026 · BART Orinda to 12th St./Oakland City Center, weekday 8 AM

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At a Glance

Orinda is a luxury-leaning, family-first community that pairs serene, upscale living with real commute access, top schools, quiet hillside neighborhoods, and BART close at hand. Saturdays often mean the Orinda Farmers’ Market in Orinda Village, a movie at the iconic Orinda Theatre and Theatre Square, and quick trail time at Sibley Volcanic or Briones. BART describes it as “primarily a residential community,” and that’s the feel, peaceful, polished, and especially popular with buyers who prioritize schools, privacy, and calm.

County: Contra Costa County, CA
Typical home value: $1.94MZillow Home Value Index · as of Sep 30, 2026
Commute to San Francisco: 26 minBART schedule · as of Nov 2, 2026 · BART Orinda to Embarcadero, weekday 8 AM
Commute to Oakland: 14 minBART schedule · as of Nov 2, 2026 · BART Orinda to 12th St./Oakland City Center, weekday 8 AM
School rating: 10/10GreatSchools · as of Oct 25, 2026 · Miramonte High School
Total population: 19,514U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year · as of Dec 31, 2024
Population density: 1,518 / sq miU.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year · as of Dec 31, 2024 · Population ÷ land area
Households: 7,277U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year · as of Dec 31, 2024
Days on market: 36 daysRealtor.com · as of Oct 31, 2026 · ZIP 94563
Land area: 12.85 sq miU.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Gazetteer · as of Dec 31, 2024
Property tax rate: 1.1387%Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller, Detail of Tax Rates 2025-26 · as of Jul 1, 2025 · Most common rate; 1.0861–1.1387% across the city's tax rate areas. Special assessments and Mello-Roos are extra.
Age, sex and more: Orinda on the U.S. Census Bureau site (opens in a new tab) ↗Official demographic profile · data.census.gov

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Walk, Hike & Enjoy

There are about 30 great hiking and running trails around Orinda. Outdoor access is a daily perk. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve (Round Top) is a local favorite for hiking and big views, and Briones Regional Park nearby adds miles of scenic trails for hiking, running, biking, and riding. For closer-to-home playtime, Orinda Community Center Park offers lawns, playgrounds, and lighted tennis courts.

Real Estate Snapshot

The Buehler House in Orinda, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

Orinda is primarily single-family living, often hillside or tree-lined settings with a private, residential feel, plus a smaller set of condos/townhomes closer to BART and the village core. Buyer demand commonly tracks the “three S’s”: schools, serenity, and station access. Home feel can shift quickly by pocket, from view properties to flatter, more walkable areas near downtown.

Schools & Education

Orinda Union School District is one of the highest performing school districts in California. Orinda Union Elementary School District earns an “A” in Academics on Niche, and many Orinda addresses feed into Acalanes Union High School District, ranked #1 in Contra Costa County by Niche. Orinda’s own Miramonte High School is also recognized among the county’s top public high schools.

Eat, Sip & Enjoy

Orinda’s dining scene is concentrated and convenient, great for easy weeknights and relaxed weekends. Theatre Square is the main hub, with spots like The Fourth Bore Tap Room & Grill, Forge Pizza, and Saffron Indian Restaurant & Bar, all a short walk from BART. It’s “small-town simple,” with quality options close to home.

Shop, Stroll & Explore

Shopping in Orinda is curated and local: Orinda Village for everyday essentials, Theatre Square for a stroll-and-dine vibe, and beloved independents like Orinda Books in Village Square. When you want bigger retail variety, Lafayette and Walnut Creek are close, so you get boutique charm at home, with major shopping nearby.

Local Vibes

California Shakespeare Theater in Orinda

Orinda feels polished, calm, and community-oriented, more “neighborly village” than “busy city.” The weekly Orinda Farmers’ Market (year-round, Saturdays) is a true local ritual, and the Art Deco Orinda Theatre adds a classic, small-town landmark feel. Life here is quiet by design, with weekend energy focused on community and the outdoors.

Market Trends

Orinda remains a premium, high-demand market. The current typical home value, days on market and population are in the figures on this page, each with its source and date; the market figures are refreshed every month. Timing varies by season, price point and presentation: updated homes with great layouts and strong indoor-outdoor living tend to move first, while buyers negotiate harder on condition and pricing.

Commute-Friendly Living

Orinda is built for commuters. Orinda Station (BART) sits right in town, making San Francisco and Oakland access straightforward, and many residents love the “park-and-ride” convenience. For exact, day-specific travel times, BART’s trip planning tools are the best reference, especially during peak-hour schedule changes.

Nearby

Compare Orinda with a neighbour

Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek blends suburban comfort with vibrant city energy, offering top shopping, dining, parks, and quick access to BART and nature.

Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Lafayette

Lafayette offers a warm, small-town feel with excellent schools, scenic hills, a charming downtown, and the beloved Lafayette Reservoir nearby.

Photo: Richard Niewiroski Jr., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Alamo

Alamo is a peaceful, upscale community surrounded by rolling hills, spacious homes, strong schools, and a relaxed, family-focused lifestyle.

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