Table of content
- Moraga, CA is a picturesque small town in Contra Costa County surrounded by natural beauty.
- There is something for everyone here, from professionals to families and even retirees, with a small-town feel and low crime rate.
- Conservation and sustainability are strong principles in this beautiful, semi-rural setting.
- You will find spacious homes, clean streets, and excellent schools in the town of Moraga, CA.
- We are established real estate agents in Moraga, CA with an abundance of skill and expertise to help buyers and sellers with property transactions here.
Is Moraga, CA A Good Place To Live?
If you can afford the high cost of living in the town, Moraga, CA is a great place to live. Amongst its many attractive features, you will find that it offers a high quality of life, outstanding natural beauty, and a very low crime rate. It is a suburban, family-friendly community with very good schools, so families and young couples often choose it as a place to build a life. The population is known for its robust community spirit, with a modest population that offers a welcoming atmosphere and lots of great community events.
As you explore why Moraga is a good place to live, there are several features that stand out. The beautiful natural surroundings are a particular positive, and the peaceful suburban charm is a popular feature, with good access to the hustle and bustle of nearby metros. There are lots of places to enjoy a little outdoor recreation there, such as:
- Moraga Commons Park
- Lafayette Reservoir
- Briones Regional Park
- Saint Mary’s College of California
Nestled in the heart of the East Bay, Moraga is a short commute from bustling employment centers like San Francisco and Oakland. You will find clean, tree-lined streets, small-town charm, and spacious homes amid quiet surroundings that we can help you explore as the region’s premier real estate agents.
What Is It Like Living In Moraga, CA?
Taking a deeper look into why Moraga is a good place to live, you will find a very sought-after lifestyle that makes it a unique experience. With no BART station or freeway, Moraga is the epitome of quiet, small-town living. It offers convenient amenities and there are many recreational activities to enjoy, such as:
- Outdoor sports
- Hiking and walking
- Picnicking
- Fishing and boating
- Birdwatching
- Community events
The streets are kept in immaculate condition and the low crime rate contributes to an upmarket feel.
Despite the lack of a freeway, one significant perk of Moraga, CA is its close proximity to Oakland and San Francisco. It takes less than half an hour to reach San Francisco, and even less time to get to Oakland – perfect for employment or a little excitement. And there are robust initiatives in place to protect the natural beauty of Moraga and maintain its semi-rural paradise.
One of the major attractions of Moraga, CA is the presence of Saint Mary’s College of California. It is a place where students thrive, and it offers opportunities for picturesque visits and other educational programs for communities to enjoy. You will find some of the most scenic suburban settings in all of California in Moraga, alongside important community conveniences and a unique character throughout. It is a sought-after location, and there is always a great deal of interest when people here look to sell their homes.
What’s Good About Moraga, CA? Exploring Its Unique Identity
Generally speaking, people around the United States acknowledge that it is worthwhile to buy a house in California. The state has a robust real estate market and offers attractive lifestyles. But Moraga, CA stands out for its own unique features among other towns in the state.
The town was established in the 1950s, named after the 19th-century Spanish military leader Joaquin Moraga. It started out as part of a large land grant and gradually evolved from agricultural roots into a residential community. Suburban development accelerated its growth, and today it is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and scenic beauty. Notable landmarks include:
- Moraga Adobe
- Saint Mary’s College of California
- The Moraga Commons Park
Residents are treated to safe, clean living throughout the town, with one of the lowest crime rates anywhere in California. Residents in Campolindo and Moraga Country Club enjoy particularly low crime rates, but both violent crime and property crime are exceptionally rare throughout Moraga. There is an affluent community in the town, with excellent policing, robust home security systems, and established neighborhood watch schemes.
How Accessible Is Moraga, CA For Buyers? Cost of Living and More
Moraga, CA is a good place to live, but property prices and the cost of living are far above the national average, making it an exclusive location. There are not many places in Contra Costa County with higher house prices than Moraga, so some may find it quite inaccessible. With that being said, average household incomes in the town are a little over $190,000, so there are opportunities to earn the necessary income.
- Housing costs: At the time of writing, the median home price in Moraga, CA, is around $1.68m, and the median rent stands at approximately $2,995 per month. The cost of real estate there is over 300% of the national average, giving you a broad idea of a major hurdle to living there.
- Groceries: Moraga grocery prices are around 30% higher than the national average, with a loaf of bread costing around $5.05 and a bunch of bananas prices around $4.37. This sums up the general statistics around the cost of living in Moraga, CA.
- Transportation: The cost of gas in Moraga, CA can be as much as 34% higher than the national average, which is not unusual for the Bay Area.
Essentially, the cost of living in Moraga, CA is high. This is a prohibitive factor for many households, but media salaries are high as well. With the help of the right real estate agent, you may be able to find some slightly more affordable housing to access the market.
Be mindful of Contra Costa property tax when pricing up your living expenses, as this is something everyone must pay in Moraga, CA.
Is Moraga, CA, A Good Place To Relocate?
Making a move to Moraga, CA will open up a sought-after blend of scenic surroundings and upmarket living for your family. Our team of experienced real estate professionals is available to offer tailored advice in Moraga, so you will be in a strong position to assess whether it is the right move for you.
Here are some neighborhoods that we have come to know as good locations for families, young professionals, or retirees:
- Campolindo: With top-rated schools, family-oriented amenities, and a safe environment, this is a supportive community for families.
- Downtown Moraga: With its charming small-town feel and good access to local shops and dining opportunities, this is an attractive area for young couples.
- Moraga Country Club: Retirees love this gated community as it provides a serene environment, various social and recreational activities, and added security and amenities.
Let us help you make the transition into this stunning Contra Costa town smoothly to tap into the benefits of living there.
The Real Estate Market in Moraga: Opportunities and Considerations
There is not a bustling real estate market in Moraga, CA, so the demand is always high when something does become available in this exclusive location. We are used to seeing median house prices in the region of $1.7m, but we have seen that average soar as high as $2.2m in recent years. House prices tend to fluctuate based on complex considerations, so you will need to watch price trends carefully.
If you are a first-time buyer with an eye on Moraga real estate, flexibility will be key to your success. Emerging neighborhoods or properties with renovation potential might offer you opportunities to discover homes with a lower price tag. It is important to get pre-approval for your mortgage if you want to be in a strong position when putting in an offer.
If you would like to work with us, take a look at the properties in our listings and explore our record with past clients. We are confident that our local experience will be a major benefit to you, and our expertise has helped us navigate this nuanced real estate market many times. You may need to practice patience with this pursuit, but we can help you identify opportunities when they arise.
Who Lives in Moraga, CA? A Demographic Overview
As you explore what it’s like to live in Moraga, CA, you will see that there is a good mix of age groups present. The overall population is close to 18,000, and it is made up predominantly of caucasian people with a median age of 41. Besides the caucasian population, there is a fairly large community of people of Asian ethnicity, and the median household income is in the region of $190,000, making it an affluent community that also has many younger residents earning close to minimum wage.
What it lacks in diversity, Moraga makes up for in inclusiveness. The town is proud of its history, and offers many cultural events and community gatherings that bring people together regardless of race, age, or background. Conservation and preservation of natural beauty are important principles in Moraga, and you can get involved in the sustainability efforts to take pride in this beautiful location. Newcomers are always welcomed with open arms and there is a strong emphasis on community, no matter what part of Moraga, CA you live in.
How To Live In Moraga, CA: Amenities, Attractions, and Transportation
One of the notable features of Moraga, CA is its excellent education options. There are various respected schools, with stand-out options including Campolindo High School, Los Perales Elementary, and, of course, Saint Mary’s College of California. But there are several other superb choices for you to discover.
Recreational activities are a popular pastime in Moraga. One popular choice is golfing at the Moraga Country Club or hiking around Briones Regional Park. Visits to the college campus are enjoyable, and you can take a short drive out of the town to take in the hustle and bustle of Oakland and San Francisco for a stunning city visit. There are also many great healthcare facilities close to Moraga and the wider Bay Area.
The quiet, small-town living in Moraga means it lacks a BART station or nearby freeway. As such, the transportation infrastructure looks like this:
- Local roads and highways
- Bus routes to nearby BART stations
- Excellent biking and walking routes
Overall, Moraga, CA is a great place to live for an array of reasons. If you want to live in the Bay Area and enjoy scenic surroundings, great community, and quiet, small-town living, it could be the perfect place for you to settle.
Moraga, CA Vs. Other Areas: How Does It Compare?
Living in Moraga, CA is different to many surrounding areas in Contra Costa for various reasons. Let’s examine some key comparisons:
- Safety and community: Residents of Moraga enjoy exceptional safety with low crime rates and a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere. You will get to know your neighbors well, which is important for the town’s family-friendly appeal.
- Scenic beauty: Similar to nearby Lafayette, Moraga is simply a more beautiful place to look at than nearby cities like Walnut Creek and Concord. You will be surrounded by mature trees, rolling hills, and an exceptional sense of peace and tranquility.
- Culture and dining: Though far smaller than nearby cities like Berkeley, you will find lots of high-quality dining options in Moraga. And the town is proud of its history, so there are cultural events and establishments to be explored.
- Schools: There are some top-rated schools in Moraga, CA. Other areas in Contra Costa have good options too, but Moraga has a great combination of academic excellence and experienced teachers.
- Housing: There are lots of different types of housing options in Moraga. The prices are high, but you will find different options for different lifestyles, catering to a range of buyers.
Overall, Moraga is quite unique in its balance of safety, scenic surroundings, excellent schools, and quiet, small-town living. It is something a little different in Contra Costa County for anyone who wants a welcoming community and a slower pace of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moraga, CA A Nice Place To Live?
Yes, you won’t find many towns that offer such lush semi-rural surroundings, strong community spirit, and quiet, small-town living. And the safety of residents is virtually second-to-none.
What Are The Best Aspects Of Living In Moraga, CA?
The peaceful suburban setting is definitely the biggest highlight of living in Moraga, CA. But it also benefits from excellent schools, close proximity to nearby employment centers, and an abundance of recreational activities.
