Lafayette has roots dating back to before the turn of the century. It started as a small, one-street town, and retains some of that quality even today. The downtown area is essentially one main street which parallels the freeway to San Francisco. The rest of the community consists of homes, modest to opulent, nestled in the valleys and perched on the hills of the city. Lafayette is keen to keep it's small town feel, and has kept growth to a minimum for many years. The population in 2000 was about 24,000. The crime rate is one of the lowest in Contra Costa County, and the schools rank among the highest in the state. For recreation, many residents go to the Lafayette Reservoir, pictured here, to go fishing, boating, and to jog or hike the trails. Lafayette is the "La" in Lamorinda, a term used to refer to the three communities of Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda.

Average home price: $1,368,000.
City of Lafayette Home Page
Elementary Schools
High Schools

The "mo" in Lamorinda, Moraga shares many of the same qualities with it's neighbors, Lafayette and Orinda. An extremely low crime rate, high ranking schools and a generally affluent population make this town a sought-after address. Home of picturesque St. Mary's College, shown here, and a beautiful golf course and country club. Hiking and jogging trails run throughout the town, and the centrally-located Moraga Commons hosts outdoor theatrical productions in the summer months.

Average home price: $1,227,000.
Town of Moraga Home Page
High Schools

The "rinda" in the Lamorinda trio, Orinda is probably one of the most prestigious cities in Contra Costa County. The charming Orinda Theater, shown here, was lovingly restored after a long battle with developers to tear it down. In 1991 a Shakespearean festival and theater opened in the Gateway area, and is well-attended every year. Housing in Orinda varies from small, established residences to newer, custom-designed homes. Orinda backs up to Tilden Park, part of the East Bay Regional Park system. Tilden offers a multitude of recreation possibilities, including horseback riding, hiking, golfing and even a visit to the botanical gardens. Like it's Lamorinda sister cities, Orinda has top-rated schools and low crime. The commute to San Francisco is one of the best, as Orinda is the closest city to the tunnel leading to Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco.

Average home price: $1,288,000.
City of Orinda Home Page
High Schools

Behind the fences of this gated community lie some of the biggest, most expensive homes in Contra Costa County. Originally developed by Ken Behring, owner of the Seattle Seahawks, Blackhawk was designed to be upscale living at its finest. Among its amenities are two 18-hole golf courses, a country club, 20 lighted tennis courts, and a sports complex with pool and playing fields. Just outside the gates is Blackhawk Plaza for shopping, movies and the Behring Museum, a $100 million collection of vintage cars.

Average home price: $1,633,000.
Schools