Located between the cities of Orinda and Lafayette in Contra Costa county is the beautiful hillside town of Moraga. It’s 20 miles across the bay from San Francisco and is rich in pastoral beauty and history. Although it’s a mixture of suburban and rural, there is a convenient nearby BART stop, providing access to all major cities and airports nearby. Moraga is ideal for people who want a residential escape without losing city access; it also has several distinct neighborhoods.
Get to know Moraga’s best neighborhoods and decide which one would be best for you.
Rheem
Rheem (also known as Rheem Valley Manor) is one of Moraga’s larger neighborhoods and is located on the city’s eastern side. Rheem provides a mix of residential and commercial spaces. Homes in this Moraga neighborhood tend to be ranch style, at an average price of around $1-2 million, and are full of small-town charm. Downtown Moraga is easily accessible from Rheem, but the neighborhood itself has an impressive number of restaurants and shops. Rheem locals enjoy an eclectic assortment of eateries. Ristorante Amoroma is a quaint Italian restaurant and bar that offers local wine tastings and an excellent weekend brunch menu. Lamorinda Pizza provides an old-school Italian feel with classic pies and slices.
Rheem is part of the Moraga School District and also encompasses part of the Saint Mary’s College of California campus.
Campolindo & Carroll Ranch
Campolindo and Carroll Ranch are small communities that border Lafayette and Orinda. Homes here tend to be modern and upscale, with average prices well above $1 million. Campolindo and Carroll Ranch each offer residents luxury amenities. A local favorite is the Campolindo Cabana Swim Club, which is home to the Marlins, the popular Campolindo swim team. The pool itself is owned by the Campolindo Homeowners Association and offers free swim time, as well as a lap pool, game shed, and playground. This is an awesome spot for kids and families to socialize and play during the summer.
Campolindo is also known for Campolindo High School, which is an A+ rated public school serving grades 9-12. Their mission is to hold students accountable for their own success and to foster a community that encourages diversity and inclusion. The Campolindo High School campus is the center of many community events.
Corliss, Donald, & Sonsara
Corliss, Donald, and Sonsara are small communities that border Orinda Oaks Park — a 12-acre park that includes a playing field, horseshoe pit, and BBQ area with picnic tables. There are also several hiking trails nearby, which offer scenic views of Mt. Diablo. Families are drawn to Corliss, Donald, and Sonsara for the close access to nature and the promise of an active outdoor lifestyle. Homes in these areas are similar to those in the rest of Moraga, in that they range from $1-2 million and tend to be ranches or split-level homes.
In addition to Orinda Oaks Park, Corliss, Donald, and Sonsara each offer access to the luxurious Moraga Country Club. Located among Moraga’s lush rolling hills, the club includes 521 private residences, a clubhouse with a restaurant, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and an 18-hole golf course. While this California mission-style clubhouse was built in 1973, it was recently renovated to include a dining room, bar, lounge area, patio, and locker rooms. The clubhouse is regarded as the center of this exclusive club. Members can sit by the fireplace after a long day of swimming, or grab a drink after a round of golf. Visit the club or its website to explore membership policies.
Larch, School Tree, & Sanders Ranch
Larch, School Tree, and Sanders Ranch are Moraga neighborhoods located in the southern part of the city. They’re known for their wide suburban streets and stately homes. Sanders Ranch is largely residential, while Larch and School Tree offer more mixed-use recreational, educational, and commercial space.
In Larch, you’ll find the Moraga Ranch Swim Club, which hosts the Piranhas swim team, as well as plenty of community events. This club is a great place to enjoy barre and mimosas or partake in a cooking party with Mia’s Kitchen. Larch is adjacent to Rancho Laguna Park, which has a playground, picnic area, and amphitheater.
These neighborhoods offer several Moraga school options, as well, including Camino Pablo Elementary School and Joaquin Moraga Elementary School. Both are excellent institutions, with solid A-ratings.
St. Mary’s Garden, Bluffs, & Bollinger Garden
St. Mary’s Garden, Bluffs, and Bollinger Garden comprise the easternmost portion of Moraga. These neighborhoods are in proximity to St. Mary’s College of California, which is their most prominent attraction. Although small, these communities still have a lot to offer. St. Mary’s Garden is a lovely place to hike. The most popular excursion is the Tree of Life trail, which is known for its stunning views, and for being peppered with wildflowers.
Bollinger Canyon is where St Mary’s College campus begins, and the location for its Museum of Art, Saint Mary’s Stadium, and Louis Guisto Baseball Field. The College adds a vibrant, youthful energy to the neighborhood and provides a fun place for residents to take a stroll and explore.
The Bluffs are a purely residential neighborhood that’s perfect for those who want to be nestled among Moraga’s rolling hills. Captain Vineyards is the neighborhood’s characteristic attraction: a gorgeous, hillside vineyard that features a private tasting patio. You can sip local wine and enjoy artisanal cheese boards while you soak up the stunning California views. Keep in mind that Captain Vineyards is a reservation-only establishment, so call or go to the website to make an appointment before stopping by.
Learn about other neighborhoods:
If you’re ready to find your own slice of Moraga luxury real estate, contact real estate agent Paddy Kehoe for local expertise and exceptional customer service.
