El Toyonal, Orinda, CA
At a glance
El Toyonal is ranked #1 of 29 neighborhoods in Orinda with an overall score of 4.6/5. Its standout factors are schools (4.9/5, 9th of 28 in Orinda) and safety (4.7/5), at a median home price of $1.46M, which Houseberry currently rates as undervalued by about $116,000. The trade-off is nearby merchants (0.9/5), though prices run about 25% below the Orinda median.
Neighborhood Reviews & Questions
El Toyonal is a hillside ribbon on Orinda’s north edge where winding lanes climb through oak and bay laurel canyons toward the Berkeley ridgeline. Homes span mid-century ranch and post-and-beam to custom contemporaries, usually on terraced, view-catching lots with big decks, picture windows, and a sense of seclusion. Wildlife sightings are common; evenings are quiet and starry. Trail access is the calling card. From Lomas Cantadas you slip onto the East Bay ridgeline network-Seaview/De Laveaga-style routes into Tilden and the EBMUD watershed (permit trails)-while Orinda Park Pool, sports fields, and everyday errands in Orinda Village sit just down the hill. Commuters drop to Hwy-24 and Orinda BART in a few minutes; Lafayette and Berkeley broaden the dining and shopping bench. Hillside living brings a few practical considerations: narrow, curvy roads with limited sidewalks, driveway grades, and mindful vegetation management for wildfire defensible space. Drainage, retaining walls, and geotech due diligence matter on steeper parcels. Perimeter spots near Camino Pablo notice some rush-hour flow; one street in, it fades. Cell service and power resilience can vary by micro-pocket.
Top Neighborhoods in Orinda, CA
Neighborhood Amenities
Near good merchants0.9
Public Spaces4.5
Curb Appeal3.5
Overall Amenities score: 3.4
Neighborhood Weather
Neighborhood Photos
1 of 18
Schools serving this Neighborhood
| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Havens Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Wildwood Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Wagner Ranch Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Orinda Intermediate | Middle | 6-8 | |
| Miramonte High | High | 9-12 |
Click links for school listing
info at GreatSchools.org
Houseberry School Score Data
from CA Dept. of Education
Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.
Median Price
El Toyonal FAQs10 answers
Is El Toyonal a good place to live?
El Toyonal ranks 1st of 29 neighborhoods in Orinda with an overall Houseberry score of 4.6 out of 5. Its strongest factors are schools (4.9/5) and safety (4.7/5). The trade-off is nearby merchants (0.9/5).
Is El Toyonal safe?
El Toyonal, Orinda scores 4.7 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 1st of 29 neighborhoods in Orinda.
What do homes in El Toyonal cost?
The median home price in El Toyonal, Orinda is $1.46M, compared with $1.94M for Orinda as a whole. Houseberry currently rates it undervalued by about $116,000 against comparable neighborhoods.
Are home prices in El Toyonal rising or falling?
The median home price in El Toyonal, Orinda is up about 2.6% over the past 12 months, from $1.42M to $1.46M. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.
Which schools serve El Toyonal?
Schools serving El Toyonal, Orinda include Beach Elementary (5.0/5), Havens Elementary (4.7/5), Wildwood Elementary (5.0/5), Wagner Ranch Elementary (5.0/5) and Orinda Intermediate (4.8/5). 1 more school is listed in the Schools section on this page.
What is the weather like in El Toyonal?
El Toyonal, Orinda receives 78% of its possible sunshine, the least sunny of Orinda's 29 neighborhoods. Summer days run 54° to 77°F and winter days 43° to 56°F, September is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 27 inches a year.
Is El Toyonal walkable to shops and restaurants?
El Toyonal, Orinda scores 0.9 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 4.5 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.4 out of 5, 5th of 29 in Orinda.
What is El Toyonal known for?
El Toyonal, Orinda is associated with Ridgeline trail network, Canyon privacy & views and Quick drop to BART/24. Its highest-scoring factors are schools (4.9/5) and safety (4.7/5).
How does El Toyonal compare to other Orinda neighborhoods?
El Toyonal ranks 1st of 29 neighborhoods in Orinda. It ranks 9th of 28 in Orinda for schools (4.9/5) and scores lowest on nearby merchants (0.9/5). The next-ranked neighborhoods in Orinda are Claremont and Monte Vista.
What are the downsides of living in El Toyonal?
El Toyonal, Orinda scores lowest on nearby merchants (0.9/5).
Neighborhood Photos
1 of 18
Top Neighborhoods in Orinda, CA
Neighborhood Map
View Full Map
All information provided on this website including but not limited to - school ratings, safety, amenities, user opinions, and property data - is for general informational purposes only. We do not guarantee its reliability, accuracy, or completeness. Users should independently verify information and consult appropriate professionals as needed. By using this website, you agree Houseberry is not responsible for actions, decisions, or consequences arising from reliance on the information provided
houseberry.com - CA DRE# 01847391
Bay East ©2025. CCAR ©2025. bridgeMLS ©2025. Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed. This information is being provided by the Bay East MLS, or CCAR MLS, or bridgeMLS. The listings presented here may or may not be listed by the Broker/Agent operating this website. This information is intended for the personal use of consumers and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated at August 14, 2026 12:00 AM