Thinking about living near Saint Mary’s College in Moraga? If you want a quieter Lamorinda lifestyle with tree-lined streets, easy trail access, and a small-college vibe, this pocket of Contra Costa County might be a great fit. In this guide, you’ll learn what housing looks like near the campus, how commutes work, where to find parks and trails, and what to consider before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Why live near Saint Mary’s
Quiet Lamorinda setting
Moraga sits in the Lamorinda hills, surrounded by oaks and open space. You get a small-town pace with residential streets, neighborhood parks, and convenient shopping in the Rheem and Moraga Center areas. Daily life feels calm, yet you are still within reach of major Bay Area job centers via Highway 24 and BART.
Campus culture at your doorstep
Saint Mary’s brings arts, lectures, and NCAA athletics to town, with select events open to the public. Explore schedules and campus information through the official site for Saint Mary’s College of California. Living nearby also means seasonal energy on game days and commencement, so it helps to understand block-level parking and traffic patterns.
Housing near the campus
What styles you will see
Single-family homes are the norm near Saint Mary’s. You will find mid-century ranches, 1960s to 1980s tract and custom homes, Mediterranean-influenced remodels, and some newer custom rebuilds on larger lots and ridgelines. Many streets feature cul-de-sacs and curving roads that add privacy and reduce through traffic.
Lots and topography
Lots range from modest suburban parcels to larger hillside properties. Sloped sites are common. Plan for inspections that address grading, drainage, retaining walls, and slope stability. Mature oaks create shade and character. They also call for routine vegetation management and defensible space planning.
Condos and townhomes
If you want lower-maintenance living, look for condos and townhomes around Rheem Boulevard and the Moraga Center corridor. These areas often offer quicker access to shops and services. Inventory is limited compared with single-family homes, so timing and preparation matter.
Rentals near the college
Proximity to the campus supports steady rental demand from faculty, staff, and some students. If you are exploring an investment, review local rental policies and any short-term rental rules with the Town of Moraga. For an owner-occupied home, consider how close you want to be to event traffic and pedestrian activity.
Micro-areas to know
Campus-adjacent pockets
Homes within short walking or biking distance to Saint Mary’s offer daily convenience. Walkability varies block by block, so check distances and campus access points before you decide.
Rheem Valley and Moraga Center
These mixed-use corridors place you near restaurants, groceries, and basic services. You will find some multifamily complexes, quicker errands, and easier access to local bus connections.
Hilltops and ridgelines
Higher-elevation homes offer more privacy and views. Expect larger lots, custom builds, and a stronger focus on hillside maintenance and wildfire preparation.
Quiet interior subdivisions
Interior streets feature traditional suburban layouts and yards. Many buyers choose these areas for a calm neighborhood feel with schools and parks nearby.
Getting around and commute
Highway 24 and main routes
Moraga connects to Highway 24 through Moraga Way or Moraga Road to Orinda and Lafayette. From there, the Caldecott Tunnel leads to Oakland and San Francisco. Canyon Road and Rheem Boulevard help with local east–west travel.
BART and local buses
Most residents drive or bike to nearby BART stations in Lafayette, Orinda, or Walnut Creek. Plan roughly 10 to 25 minutes to a station by car, depending on your starting point and time of day. Check station locations and schedules on BART and use County Connection for bus routes that link Moraga to BART and nearby centers.
Typical commute ranges
- Downtown Walnut Creek: about 10 to 20 minutes by car, depending on origin and traffic.
- Downtown Oakland: about 25 to 45 minutes or more with Caldecott Tunnel flow.
- San Francisco’s Financial District: about 35 minutes off-peak to 60 to 90 minutes or more during heavy traffic by car or drive plus BART.
Always check real-time mapping tools during your target hours to confirm actual times.
Biking and the regional trail
Casual cycling is popular in Lamorinda. The paved Lafayette–Moraga Regional Trail supports walking, running, and biking between neighborhood segments and nearby towns. Hills and traffic vary by route, so plan your rides with safety in mind.
Parks, trails, and weekend life
Local favorites
Moraga Commons and neighborhood parks offer fields, playgrounds, and community green space. You will also find school fields and pocket parks for quick playtime or evening strolls.
Regional parks nearby
Lamorinda sits near expansive open space. Briones Regional Park offers rolling ranchland for hiking and trail running. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness delivers steeper climbs and big views for hikers and mountain bikers. Many residents build weekend routines around these trail systems.
Schools and education
Moraga’s public elementary and intermediate schools are part of local elementary districts. For high school, Moraga is within the Acalanes Union High School District, and Campolindo High School is located in town. School boundaries and enrollment policies can change, so verify details with the districts. Start with the Acalanes Union High School District for current information.
Buyer checklist near Saint Mary’s
- Proximity vs. privacy. Decide how close you want to be to campus. Walkable streets offer daily convenience, while homes a few minutes away can reduce event-day traffic and parking impacts.
- Wildfire awareness. Review Cal Fire’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and confirm insurance options. Begin with Cal Fire’s hazard maps.
- Hillside systems. Inspect retaining walls, drainage, grading, and slope stability. Add a roof and foundation check for older homes.
- Trees and defensible space. Mature oaks are beautiful. Plan for vegetation management and regular arborist care.
- Commute planning. Test-drive your route during peak hours. Consider park-and-ride plus BART for time savings.
- Utilities and infrastructure. Confirm sewer connection versus any exceptions, water service, and any drought restrictions.
- HOA and CC&Rs. Some condos and newer subdivisions have HOAs. Review rules, fees, and reserves.
- Property taxes and insurance. California property taxes are generally based on assessed value under Proposition 13, plus local assessments. Ask for the current tax bill and review homeowner, wildfire, and earthquake coverage.
- Rental rules. If investing, confirm local rental and short-term rental regulations with the Town of Moraga.
Who this area fits
- Buyers who want a calm, suburban feel with strong access to trails and open space.
- Faculty, staff, and students who value fast access to the campus.
- Professionals who balance a hybrid commute with a quieter home base.
- Downsizers who want single-level options, patios, and easy access to small-town amenities.
How we help you buy with confidence
You deserve a clear, confident plan from search to keys. The Dana Weiler Team pairs deep neighborhood knowledge with a boutique, family-team approach and The Agency’s marketing reach. We help you compare micro-areas, evaluate hillside and wildfire considerations, and position your offer to win. Ready to explore homes near Saint Mary’s with a trusted local guide? Connect with the Dana Weiler Team for a complimentary home consultation.
FAQs
Is living near Saint Mary’s walkable to the campus?
- It depends on the block. Campus-adjacent pockets can be under a 10 to 20 minute walk, while other streets are a short bike or drive. Verify distances and campus access points before you decide.
What housing types are common near the college?
- Mostly single-family homes, including mid-century ranches and 1960s to 1980s builds, plus some custom homes and remodels. Condos and townhomes exist near Rheem Boulevard and Moraga Center but are limited.
How long are typical commutes to Oakland or San Francisco from Moraga?
- Oakland often runs about 25 to 45 minutes depending on Caldecott Tunnel traffic. San Francisco can range from about 35 minutes off-peak to 60 to 90 minutes or more during rush hours by car or drive plus BART.
Which transit options connect Moraga to the rest of the Bay Area?
- You can drive to BART stations in Lafayette, Orinda, or Walnut Creek, and use County Connection buses to link to BART. Check BART for station info and schedules.
Are there good parks and trails close to homes near Saint Mary’s?
- Yes. The paved Lafayette–Moraga Regional Trail runs through Lamorinda, and nearby Briones and Las Trampas offer extensive hiking and biking.
What should I know about wildfire and insurance when buying near the hills?
- Check Cal Fire’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, then consult an insurance professional to understand coverage and any special requirements for defensible space or hardening.
