Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Orinda, California is a mid-sized city with a population of 19,891 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (74% White). Given that fact, Orinda could be considered less diverse than other cities. With an average age of 49 years, Orinda residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. If finding a family friendly city is important to you, look no further. With more than 72% of the population considered married and 45% with kids under the age of 18, Orinda could be considered a very suitable city for families. An important consideration when living in Orinda is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 38 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Orinda can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Orinda and in the areas around Orinda is a much easier task.
Orinda has a livability score of 76/100 and is ranked #97 in California and #3,056 in the USA. Based on this score, Orinda would be considered a very livable city! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Orinda ranks very well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B-). On a more negative note, Orinda does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Orinda has a violent crime rate of 57 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
The Orinda unemployment rate of 2% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Orinda, the average school test scores are an impressive 87%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Orinda apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Orinda meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Orinda. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Orinda are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Orinda come in at $2,693,858, which is 268.2% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Orinda, the home price to income ratio is 7.8, which is 1.3% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Orinda | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 38min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 53.5% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.4% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 21.6% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 16.7% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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