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 moderately-sized city with a population of 19,461 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Orinda is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Based on an average age of 49, Orinda appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Orinda might be a good fit as 72% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 45% have kids who are 18 years old or younger. Something to be aware of when living in Orinda are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 38 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Orinda could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like crime, cost of living, commute, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Orinda and in the areas around Orinda is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Orinda has received a livability score of 73/100. This score is ranked in the 84th percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Orinda scores well for crime (A+) There are some categories that Orinda does not rank well for, including: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Orinda, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 57 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
The unemployment rate in Orinda has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.92%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Orinda, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 87%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
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 $1,515,500, which is 270.3% 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 6.6, which is 3.1% 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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