Welcome to Orinda
The very definition of serene, Orinda is a blissful and bucolic escape into rolling countryside and old-world charisma
Moving into town from the sprawling pastures and hilled, green terrain, visitors to Orinda will feel as though they’ve stepped back in time to a quieter, more peaceful era of the past. A signature archway and stone fountain welcome travelers to the city’s relaxed Downtown district filled with locally owned businesses.
An Art Deco marquee nods to California’s Hollywood history, and, stretching deeper into Orinda Theater Square, a stone path is lined with boutiques and quaint cafes. Orinda is tucked away in the eastern swath of the Berkeley Hills, bisected by Highway 24 and separated from the general high traffic of urban living by the presence of massive open space preserves and regional parks on its western border.
Homes in Orinda are captivating, perched on verdant slopes to overlook the expanse of the valleys. Architectural styles of semi-rural neighborhoods tend to find unity with nature, and single-family homes in the hills are thoughtfully designed to invite the outdoors in and blend with the land.
More traditional, cul-de-sac neighborhoods in and around the busier portions of the city are populated with wistful, mid-century ranches and bungalows. Orinda is one of the few Alameda County towns with land available for development, and large parcels are going quickly as homeowners purchase the space for their dream abode.
What to Love
- Arcadian feel and a community-focused mentality
- Large lots and plenty of sweeping hillside views
- Only 15 minutes from Berkeley and Oakland
Local Lifestyle
Anyone living in Orinda knows it’s a hidden gem, replete with a palpable charm that’s impossible to replicate in metropolitan settings. Two distinct downtown areas treat residents to a diversity of shopping and dining rare to most small towns, and homeowners in Orinda have the luxury of abundant space without the sacrifice of convenience.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Orinda Village Square is the source of day-to-day necessities for locals, home to grocers, lifestyle amenities, banks, and pharmacies. When in search of upscale boutique shopping and the best of local dining, Orinda residents will traverse the cobblestone streets of the Orinda Theater District, ducking into shops such as Sweet Dreams, a specialty store of fine candy and toys.
Within the same building is a sensational Orinda dining classic: The Fourth Bore Tap Room & Grill. Patrons of this spirited brewpub are pulled in by the heady scents of sizzling American classics, then stay for the staggering list of craft beers, cocktails, and spirits.
Next door, Saffron Indian Restaurant & Bar takes pride in the slow traditions of their culinary heritage and works hard to ensure that each bite of their bold cuisine is a taste of excellence. Need a refresher? Saffron is also famed for its sweet mango lassi, a whipped yogurt smoothie blended with organic mango pulp.
Shelby’s down the street is the embodiment of creative West Coast cuisine, complete with a changing seasonal menu and French-inspired fusion dishes. Across Highway 24 and inside Orinda Village Square, Siam Orchard stands out for its classy, fashionable interior and upscale Northern Thai fare.
Things to Do
Orinda’s lush landscape doesn’t take away from its potential for remarkable elegance, and residents here will find that the agrarian beauty of Orinda is best paired with refined amenities and cultural institutions. Locals are encouraged to join the immaculate Orinda Country Club for a taste of lavishness suited for families. The 1920s landmark clubhouse radiates with glamor, and top amenities include facilities for swimming, fitness, and dining, as well as the pristine 18-hole golf course reminiscent of golf’s Golden Age of architecture.
Briones Regional Park is open to the public and a wonderful option for getting into the outdoors. More than 6,000 acres of vast and diverse terrains of undulating green hills are lined with trails accessible for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. At the park’s highest point, panoramic vistas of Mount Diablo and Diablo Valley. To get in touch with neighbors or explore Orinda’s rich traditions, Residents can partake in the weekly Orinda Farmers Market or catch a movie with friends at the historic Orinda Theater.
Schools
The city of Orinda has many excellent schools. To request more specific information about local schools, please use our contact form and we will be happy to provide you with more information.
