Northwood, Orinda, CA
At a glance
Northwood is ranked #11 of 29 neighborhoods in Orinda with an overall score of 3.9/5. Its standout factors are schools (4.9/5, 16th of 28 in Orinda) and curb appeal (4.0/5), at a median home price of $2.51M, which Houseberry currently rates as overvalued by about $86,000. The trade-offs are nearby merchants (1.6/5) and safety (3.0/5), with prices running about 29% above the Orinda median.
Neighborhood Reviews & Questions
Northwood lies just east of downtown Orinda, tucked between Highway 24 and the wooded Glorietta hills. It’s a compact, peaceful area defined by its winding residential streets-Southwood Drive, Tara Road, and Meadow Lane-where mid-century and contemporary homes sit on well-kept lots shaded by mature trees. The feel is quintessential Orinda: private, green, and residential, yet only a few minutes from BART and the Orinda Theatre Square. The neighborhood offers excellent connectivity without sacrificing calm. Commuters appreciate the fast freeway access, while nearby trails and the Meadow Swim & Tennis Club give locals an easy outdoor escape. Many homes back into sloped terrain, adding privacy and views, and the curving roads keep traffic light. Noise from Highway 24 is faint but noticeable in some sections closer to Davis Road. Northwood’s appeal comes from its balance-close to town but tucked away, family-oriented yet quiet, with reliable curb appeal and a distinctly Orinda sense of space. It’s an easy neighborhood to settle into and stay a long time.
Top Neighborhoods in Orinda, CA
Neighborhood Amenities
Near good merchants1.6
Public Spaces3.5
Curb Appeal4
Overall Amenities score: 3.3
Neighborhood Weather
Neighborhood Photos
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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 | |
| Glorietta 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
Northwood FAQs10 answers
Is Northwood a good place to live?
Northwood ranks 11th 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 (1.6/5) and safety (3.0/5) and a median home price of $2.51M against the Orinda median of $1.94M.
Is Northwood safe?
Northwood, Orinda scores 3.0 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 10th of 29 neighborhoods in Orinda.
What do homes in Northwood cost?
The median home price in Northwood, Orinda is $2.51M, compared with $1.94M for Orinda as a whole. Houseberry currently rates it overvalued by about $86,000 against comparable neighborhoods.
Are home prices in Northwood rising or falling?
The median home price in Northwood, Orinda is down about 1.1% over the past 12 months, from $2.54M to $2.51M. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.
Which schools serve Northwood?
Schools serving Northwood, Orinda include Beach Elementary (5.0/5), Havens Elementary (4.7/5), Wildwood Elementary (5.0/5), Glorietta 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 Northwood?
Northwood, Orinda receives 79% of its possible sunshine, 10th of 29 in Orinda. Summer days run 54° to 80°F and winter days 42° to 57°F, August is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 28 inches a year.
Is Northwood walkable to shops and restaurants?
Northwood, Orinda scores 1.6 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 3.5 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.3 out of 5, 10th of 29 in Orinda.
What is Northwood known for?
Northwood, Orinda is associated with Close to downtown Orinda, Shaded, winding streets and Calm suburban rhythm. Its highest-scoring factors are schools (4.9/5) and curb appeal (4.0/5).
How does Northwood compare to other Orinda neighborhoods?
Northwood ranks 11th of 29 neighborhoods in Orinda. It ranks 16th of 28 in Orinda for schools (4.9/5) and scores lowest on nearby merchants (1.6/5). The highest-ranked neighborhoods in Orinda are El Toyonal and Claremont.
What are the downsides of living in Northwood?
Northwood, Orinda scores lowest on nearby merchants (1.6/5) and safety (3.0/5). Its median home price of $2.51M runs about 29% above the Orinda median of $1.94M.
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