La Cresta, Orinda, CA
At a glance
La Cresta is ranked #10 of 29 neighborhoods in Orinda with an overall score of 3.9/5. Its standout factors are schools (4.9/5, 15th of 28 in Orinda) and curb appeal (4.0/5), at a median home price of $2.02M, which Houseberry currently rates as overvalued by about $87,000. The trade-offs are nearby merchants (0.8/5) and safety (3.4/5).
Neighborhood Reviews & Questions
La Cresta rises above Orinda Village on a necklace of winding streets-La Cresta Rd, Don Gabriel Way, Valencia and Woodland-stitched through oak woodlands. Homes range from mid-century ranches with broad decks to newer custom builds tucked on cul-de-sacs; most sit on generous, view-friendly lots with canyon, ridge, or tree-top outlooks and easy driveway parking. Daily living is car-simple and outdoorsy. Orinda Oaks Park sits at the neighborhood’s rim with trail connections into the surrounding open space; Moraga Creek traces the southern edge, and you’re a quick drive to the playing fields and programs down Moraga Way. Groceries, cafés, and errands cluster in Orinda Village and Moraga Center; BART at Orinda and Hwy 24 put Oakland/SF commutes in play without dropping the hillside calm. What to know: streets are narrow and meandering, so plan on slower speeds, especially at night; sidewalks are intermittent. Most lots are in the wildland-urban interface-owners pay attention to defensible space, seasonal brush clearing, and insurance details. Expect deer, turkeys, and late-afternoon golden light filtering through oaks; weekends bring hikers loading up at nearby trailheads.
Top Neighborhoods in Orinda, CA
Neighborhood Amenities
Near good merchants0.8
Public Spaces4
Curb Appeal4
Overall Amenities score: 3.4
Neighborhood Weather
Neighborhood Photos
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Schools serving this Neighborhood
| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Del Rey Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| LIFE Academy | Middle | 6-12 | |
| 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
La Cresta FAQs10 answers
Is La Cresta a good place to live?
La Cresta ranks 10th of 29 neighborhoods in Orinda with an overall Houseberry score of 3.9 out of 5. Its strongest factors are schools (4.9/5) and curb appeal (4.0/5). The trade-offs are nearby merchants (0.8/5) and safety (3.4/5).
Is La Cresta safe?
La Cresta, Orinda scores 3.4 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 8th of 29 neighborhoods in Orinda.
What do homes in La Cresta cost?
The median home price in La Cresta, Orinda is $2.02M, compared with $1.94M for Orinda as a whole. Houseberry currently rates it overvalued by about $87,000 against comparable neighborhoods.
Are home prices in La Cresta rising or falling?
The median home price in La Cresta, Orinda is up about 21.1% over the past 12 months, from $1.67M to $2.02M. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.
Which schools serve La Cresta?
Schools serving La Cresta, Orinda include Del Rey Elementary (5.0/5), LIFE Academy (2.8/5), Orinda Intermediate (4.8/5) and Miramonte High (5.0/5).
What is the weather like in La Cresta?
La Cresta, Orinda receives 78% of its possible sunshine, 17th of 29 in Orinda. Summer days run 54° to 78°F and winter days 42° to 57°F, August is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 27 inches a year.
Is La Cresta walkable to shops and restaurants?
La Cresta, Orinda scores 0.8 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 4.0 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.4 out of 5, 7th of 29 in Orinda.
What is La Cresta known for?
La Cresta, Orinda is associated with Oak-draped ridge living, Decks, views, and cul-de-sacs and Village & BART a short drive. Its highest-scoring factors are schools (4.9/5) and curb appeal (4.0/5).
How does La Cresta compare to other Orinda neighborhoods?
La Cresta ranks 10th of 29 neighborhoods in Orinda. It ranks 15th of 28 in Orinda for schools (4.9/5) and scores lowest on nearby merchants (0.8/5). The highest-ranked neighborhoods in Orinda are El Toyonal and Claremont.
What are the downsides of living in La Cresta?
La Cresta, Orinda scores lowest on nearby merchants (0.8/5) and safety (3.4/5).
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