A quiet and peaceful suburb outside San Francisco, Moraga is ranked by Niche as the #1 Best Place to Live in Contra Costa County. Due to its fantastic public schools, ample greenery, and calm atmosphere, Moraga is a fantastic place to raise a family in close proximity to major cities.

 

Not far from Berkeley, Moraga was originally a stop along the Sacramento Northern Railroad before opening its first post office in 1886. It was officially incorporated in 1974, combining together the communities of Moraga Town, Rheem, and Rheem Valley. Today, the town is known for its excellent schools and beautiful nature.

 

This is a great place to look for homes that are more affordable than in Lafayette or Orinda, yet still in close proximity to the California Distinguished Schools and a commuting distance from San Francisco, Oakland, and Walnut Creek. Homes in this area range from sprawling California ranch-style houses to contemporary estates overlooking the towering Moraga Hills.

 

What to Love

• Small-town charm

• Lots of community programs and activities

• Views of Moraga Hills and Mt. Diablo

• Convenient location near Walnut Creek, Berkeley, San Francisco, and Oakland

People & Lifestyle

 

The smallest of Lamorinda’s three towns, Moraga is a little quieter and more rural due to its location further from the freeway and BART line. Nevertheless, Moraga remains a laid-back and beautiful area to call home.

 

Thanks to a great school system and plenty of educational opportunities, Moraga is a wonderful place to raise a family. There are lots of beautiful outdoor spaces to walk, hike, or bike, and local schools put a prominent focus on sports, whether they’re extracurricular or team-based. Because of its relaxing atmosphere, Moraga is also popular with retirees.

 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

While Moraga is a quiet town not necessarily known for its nightlife, there are still opportunities to enjoy exciting restaurants and shops around the area. It’s also just a short drive from Orinda, Lafayette, and Walnut Creek for further fun activities.

 

Residents can enjoy amenities at the prestigious Moraga Country Club, a combined country club and homeowners’ association that includes a beautiful 18-hole golf course, tennis facilities, pool and swim team, and recently renovated clubhouse.

 

There are several great spots to grab a bite to eat in downtown Moraga. Several restaurants are located in Rheem Valley Shopping Center, including Japanese-inspired eatery Noodle Theory, cozy Italian bistro and bar Ristorante Amoroma, and traditional Chinese spot China Moon. There’s also Chef Chao Restaurant, a local favorite serving Sichuan and Mandarin cuisine.

 

Things to Do

 

Located in the heart of East Bay, Moraga provides plenty of fun local events to foster a sense of community. Take a walk along one of Moraga’s picturesque trails or get to know your neighbors at an annual celebration.

 

Sporting events are popular in Moraga; the local Campolindo High School is home to the renowned Soda Aquatic Center, which features an Olympic-sized competition pool that’s considered one of the fastest pools in the country. Alumni have gone on to compete in the Olympics, including 11-time medalist Matt Biondi. Dedicated athletes train year-round at this facility. Campolindo also boasts an incredible football team that has won two state titles in the past few years.

 

Moraga is home to a variety of beautiful parks, including Moraga Commons Park, which features a bandshell for entertaining performances, picnic areas to enjoy with your family, and multiple kid-friendly playgrounds. There’s also the historic town-owned Hacienda de las Flores, a romantic Spanish-style estate featuring gardens and stunning palm and blue atlas trees.

 

Schools

 

Moraga is zoned to the Moraga School District, which includes several elementary schools, Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, and the nationally-ranked Campolindo High School. Campolindo excels in athletics but is also known for its academics.

 

Moraga is also home to St. Mary’s College, which was tied for 9th in the U.S. News & World Report’s Regional Universities (West) rankings in 2017.