$2,111,981Average Value$793Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
On average, homes in Central Orinda, Orinda sell after 21 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 $2,150,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set on 1.73 acres of landscaped grounds, this reimagined mid-century modern home spans 3,174 square feet & is filled with natural light, accentuated by clean architectural lines. The open-concept layout features wide-plank oak flooring & soaring ceilings, framed by expansive glass walls showcasing captivating, level-out private grounds & hillside views. At the heart of the home, the sleek kitchen
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
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 into 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
Discover this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering 1,450 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space on a picturesque 1/3-acre lot. Hardwood floors flow through most of the home, complemented by tile flooring in the kitchen and bathrooms. The remodeled kitchen features updated cabinets, granite countertops, new appliances, and stylish tile flooring. The spacious primary suite boasts a
Opportunity awaits in the highly coveted Glorietta neighborhood of Orinda! This very livable 6-room, 5-bathroom home offers aprox 3,052 square feet of living space on a generous .75-acre lot, ready for your personal touch and upgrades. The main living area is conveniently arranged on one level and features an eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, family rm, dining rm, and direct access to the 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.
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
Furnshed rental available now. Spectacular fresh and new tradiotional ranch style home. Gorgeous and private level lot ideal for entertaining and enjoying serenity for soothing moments. Magnificent custom detail and designer touches throughout the home. Level one with laundry room and 4 bedroom and additional bedroom suite added about the garage. Dream kitchen with high-end finishes, center
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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.
