Which Orinda Neighborhood Is Right for You?
Orinda is a charming community with stunning hill views, abundant parks, and playgrounds, making it ideal for families and Bay Area commuters. The neighborhoods in Orinda each have unique appeals, including Alice, Claremont, Northwood, Orinda Country Club/Orindawoods, Orinda Downs, Sleepy Hollow, and Wilder. Explore what each neighborhood has to offer below.
Alice / Ivy Drive
Alice is a serene, affluent neighborhood less than a square mile in size. While primarily residential, it’s bordered by lush nature areas.
Lafayette Reservoir: Just north of Alice, perfect for hiking, jogging, fishing, boating, and picnicking. It features a playground, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and rentable spaces for events.
Orinda Oaks Park: Located at Alice’s southeast corner, it offers volleyball, horseshoes, pétanque, and picnic areas, plus access to the Orinda Oaks Open Space Preserve, boasting trails with panoramic views of Mt. Diablo.
If you love a peaceful environment with nearby outdoor activities, Alice is ideal for you.
Claremont / El Toyonal
Claremont is a tight-knit, residential community covering just a third of a mile, ensuring you know your neighbors.
Orinda Sports Field: Features two baseball diamonds and a soccer field.
Orinda Park Pool: Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, with adult swim in the mornings and kids' summer camps.
Orinda Way: Offers dining and services, including Baan Thai Restaurant, Zamboni's Pizza, Genuine Goodness, and Niwa Restaurant for a variety of culinary options.
For a cozy home with easy access to amenities, Claremont is perfect.
Northwood
Northwood is conveniently situated with the Lafayette Reservoir to the east and shops to the west, providing everything you need for a comfortable life.
Lafayette Reservoir: Offers daily activities like hiking, jogging, fishing, boating, picnicking, and playground fun.
Moraga Way: Handles errands and offers dining options like Peet's Coffee, Shelby's, Smiley Nail Spa, Sharetea, Saffron Indian Restaurant, and Fourth Bore Tap Room and Grill.
Northwood lets you choose between a serene or sociable lifestyle.
Orinda Country Club / Orindawoods
Orinda Country Club (OCC), established in 1924, is East Bay’s premier private family club, fostering a close-knit community through various activities. Orindawoods, central to Orinda’s best features, is a small but affluent neighborhood offering excellent amenities.
Amenities: OCC provides a year-round pool, youth and adult programs, five lit tennis courts, a fitness center, and a classic Watson-designed golf course. Orindawoods features the Orindawoods Tennis Club and Orinda Community Park with open grass areas, playgrounds, picnic tables, tennis courts, and a small pavilion.
Clubhouse: OCC’s historic Spanish Mediterranean-style clubhouse is perfect for special occasions, offering breathtaking views and gourmet custom menus prepared by the OCC chef.
Orinda Farmers' Market: Held on Saturdays year-round, offering local produce, cheese, baked goods, and more.
Enjoy the luxurious lifestyle and community charm with local amenities like a cappuccino at Cafe Teatro, farmers’ market goodies, and a sushi dinner at Niwa Restaurant.
Orinda Downs
Orinda Downs is an exclusive, upscale neighborhood known for its spacious homes and tranquil environment. This community is perfect for those seeking luxury and privacy.
Scenic Views and Trails: The neighborhood offers stunning views and easy access to local hiking trails.
Spacious Properties: Homes in Orinda Downs are situated on large lots, providing ample space and privacy.
Community Events: The neighborhood hosts various community events, fostering a strong sense of community among residents.
For those seeking an upscale, private lifestyle with a strong community feel, Orinda Downs is an excellent choice.
Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow is a peaceful neighborhood perfect for young families, with wide tree-lined streets and spacious lots.
Sleepy Hollow Swim & Tennis Club: Offers a recreational pool, competition pool, and tennis courts, plus social events like the Annual Summer Soiree and Tennis Mixers.
Sleepy Hollow Elementary School: A small, close-knit K-5 school with a strong sense of community.
For a quiet, community-focused neighborhood, Sleepy Hollow is ideal.
Wilder
Wilder is a luxury community with 245 exceptional homes nestled among 1,500 acres of rolling hills, minutes from downtown San Francisco.
Amenities: Heated outdoor infinity pool, Spanish Colonial Revival clubhouse, renovated gym, and professionally maintained soccer fields.
Views and Hiking: Offers some of the East Bay’s most spectacular views and hiking trails.
If you’re interested in Orinda real estate, let Mandy Kilpatrick guide you to the perfect home. With her expertise, you’ll navigate the real estate process with ease and confidence.
