California City Guide: A Look at the Community and Lifestyle in Lamorinda (Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda)

Located in East Bay, California, Lamorinda is an area comprising three districts – Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda. The collection of towns offers diverse experiences and something for every homebuyer. Despite some differences, however, the cities of Lamorinda offer a close-knit, safe community geared toward young families, with highly-ranked schools, modern amenities, and high accessibility. If you are considering moving to Lamorinda, here is a look at its people and lifestyle.

Community and Culture

Homebuyers who value community move to Lamorinda because it is exactly that – a community. The three cities are a peaceful enclave set apart from the busy Bay Area and the population is relatively small. Although the community is not very diverse, Lamorinda hosts many local events and festivals where you can meet different people. Residents often band together to support local businesses, welcome newcomers, and pitch in community initiatives.

Homes and Neighborhoods

Although there are many homes for sale the Lamorinda real estate team The Beaubelle Group could show you, the city is sparsely populated to allow for large estates. Many homes are designed for families and feature a lot of yard space and additional bedrooms. Lamorinda spans 37.5 square miles, and of its cities, Lafayette is the largest at 15.4 square miles, followed by Orinda and Moraga at 12.7 and 9.4, respectively. Yet this large area is only home to just over 60,000 people.

Household Income and Job Market

Overall, many of the residents of Lamorinda are young families with school going children. The average family earns more than $280,000 a year in Moraga, $418,000 in Orinda, and $365,000 in Lafayette. This is ideal because the cost of living in Lamorinda is significantly higher than the national average. It is possible because much of the population is well-educated, with 7 in every 10 residents of Moraga being degree holders and 80 percent of the population in Orinda. Many people in the region work in large cities and commute, primarily in the tech or commerce industries.

Safety

The cities of Lamorinda are some of the safest in the state. While there is some crime, many reports involve robbery, petty crime, and drunk driving, with very few incidences of violent crime. Lafayette outranks 51 percent of cities in the country in terms of safety, Moraga 57 percent, and Orinda 69 percent. Orinda is, thus, the safest city in Lamorinda and one of the safest in the US.

Schools

The school system in Lamorinda is enviable and another reason why the region is ideal for families. In 2023, 10 schools in the area were recognized as some of the most distinguished education institutions in the country. Many schools offer comprehensive curriculums delivered alongside extra-curricular programs in sports, art, music, and foreign languages.

Explore Homes for Sale in Lamorinda with The Beaubelle Group

Lamorinda’s three districts are similar in many ways, including highly safe communities, excellent schools, and affluent communities. But they are also diverse in many ways. If you are considering moving here, contact The Beaubelle Group to explore this area more alongside a local agent and review homes for sale in Lamorinda.