Orinda

Orinda, ranked by Forbes as the

second friendliest town in America, lies in Contra Costa County east of Berkeley in the beautiful hills. With its own BART station, Orinda is home to many affluent suburban professionals who commute to larger cities in the Bay Area such as Oakland, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek.

Its location provides a more rustic landscape, and its many parks and trails make it a destination for Bay Area hikers and naturalists.

Originally built in 1941, Orinda's Theatre Square is a

charming shopping destination in this upscale community. Orinda Theatre Square is located adjacent to the Orinda BART station and is widely acknowledged as the historical and cultural centerpiece of the community. The Theatre's defining neon marquee is clearly visible from Highway 24 and is an Bay Area icon.

Orinda's highly-rated schools, low crime rate, tree-studded hillside and welcoming community make it one of the best places to live in the Bay Area.