The town of Moraga is a small community in the San Francisco Bay Area known for its beautiful natural surroundings and a strong sense of community. Moraga is nestled between the cities of Lafayette and Orinda, and it has a population of approximately 17,000 people. It is one of the towns that makes up Lamorinda. The town’s name honors Joaquin Moraga, a descendent from the illustrious Californios, a family of notable explorers from the 18th century.

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Overall, Moraga offers a peaceful and family-friendly environment, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, outdoor recreation, and quality education.

Education is a significant aspect of the community, with the Moraga School District providing excellent public education for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The district has received numerous “California Distinguished” credentials from the state of California for its elementary and middle schools. For high school education, most students attend Campolindo High School, which is highly regarded for its academic excellence and extracurricular activities.

Moraga is also home to Saint Mary’s College of California, a private liberal arts college known for its picturesque campus and distinguished academic programs. The college enriches the town’s cultural and intellectual environment and often hosts events open to the public. SMC men’s basketball team is nationally ranked many years and locals enjoy watching their games as they play to get into the NCAA tournament.

Moraga offers numerous recreational opportunities, including parks, trails, and open spaces, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. Youth organizations run leagues in almost every sport from baseball to soccer. Many families also belong to local swim clubs where children compete on swim teams all Summer long.

A beloved community event is the Summer Concert Series held in the Moraga Commons park every Thursday evening throughout the Summer. Residents and visitors all come to enjoy this annual tradition and listen to a wide range of music in a peaceful setting. Annual town events also include the Pear and Wine Festival, Movies under the Stars and the Hacienda Food Truck Nights.

Moraga is also known for the Moraga Country Club, an elegant club that has plenty of activities to keep its members entertained, such as golf, swim, pickle ball, and a new workout facility. Locals also go to the Canyon Club Brewery where one can get a beer and some bites and listen to local bands. Moraga has beloved local coffee shops, restaurants with various cuisine and an historic movie theater built in 1957 by Donald Rheem where residents can watch the latest blockbuster or catch an indie film.

• Home to Saint Mary’s College and Moraga Country Club
• Small town charm
• “California Distinguished” public schools
• Lots of parks and green spaces
• Family-friendly activities and sports teams

Moraga has a friendly, small-town atmosphere that feels reminiscent of older times. It’s not uncommon to see residents taking leisurely walks around the neighborhood or children playing in front lawns or selling lemonade. One of the notable features of Moraga is its stunning landscape, characterized by rolling hills, scenic views, and a pleasant suburban atmosphere.

According to the website, Niche, Moraga is the #1 best place to live within Contra Costa County and ranked #9 for public schools in California. Homes in Moraga are diverse, with newer builds and older historic single-family properties nestled along the town’s picturesque countryside. There is a diversity of housing options from a gated community to a condominium complex and from country club townhouses to full neighborhoods with ranch style homes built in the 1960s and 70s.