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Orinda, CA

Frequently asked questions

Orinda, CA

Orinda is a city in Contra Costa County, California, United States. The city's population as of the 2020 census is estimated at 19,514 residents.

Orinda is located within four Mexican land grants: Rancho Laguna de los Palos Colorados, Rancho Acalanes, Rancho El Sobrante, and Rancho Boca de la Cañada del Pinole. The area was originally rural, mainly known for ranching and summer cabins. The Moraga Adobe was built in 1841 and is the oldest building in the East Bay. In the late 19th century, the land was named by Alice Marsh Cameron, probably in honor of the poet Katherine Philips, who was also known as the "Matchless Orinda".

In the 1880s, United States Surveyor General for California Theodore Wagner built an estate he named Orinda Park. The Orinda Park post office opened in 1888. The post office's name was changed to Orinda in 1895. Orinda was also the site of Bryant Station, a stop on the failed California and Nevada Railroad around the turn of the 20th century. Later, the area around Bryant Station was known as Orinda Crossroads.

Orinda's popularity as a year-round residence grew after the 1937 completion of the Caldecott Tunnel, which provided easier access to the west. Bisected by California State Route 24 and framed by its rolling oak-covered hills, the city of Orinda was incorporated on July 1, 1985. Its first mayor was Richard G. Heggie. The city is served by Orinda station on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Yellow Line and Route 6 of the County Connection.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.7 sq mi (33 km2), of which 12.7 sq mi (33 km2) of it is land and 0.015 sq mi (0.039 km2) of it (0.12%) is water.

Orinda gives importance to health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Orinda Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Jazzercise, Bridges Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Orinda, such as the Siesta Valley and the De Laveaga Trail, and the Scotts Peak Trail Head. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Orinda, CA are Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, Tilden Regional Park, and Chabot Space & Science Center.

Elevation: 495′. Population: 19,483 (2021). ZIP Code: 94563. Area code: 925. Area: 12.87 sq mi (33.33 km2).

FAQs

Is Orinda, CA expensive?

Orinda, California's cost of living is 105% higher than the national average. Orinda's housing expenses are 270% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 30% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 34% higher than the national average.

Is Orinda, CA a good place to live?

Orinda is in Contra Costa County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Orinda offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Orinda, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many retirees live in Orinda and residents tend to have moderate political views. 

What is the median home price in Orinda, CA?

The median home price in Orinda is $2,120,000 with a median price per sqft of $1,026. The cost of living index for housing estimates the cost of housing in Orinda to be 192.9% of the national average. This makes it one of the more expensive cities in the US.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Orinda

Orinda Recreation and Community Services Department

Jazzercise

Bridges Fitness

Anytime Fitness

Siesta Valley and the De Laveaga Trail 

Scotts Peak Trail Head

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

Tilden Regional Park

Chabot Space & Science Center

Payscale

Niche

Zero Down

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