As backpacks are packed, first-day photos are snapped, and campuses come alive again- one of my favorite seasons returns to Orinda. Back-to-school is more than the start of a new academic year. It is a reminder of one of the greatest strengths of our community and one of the biggest drivers of our local real estate market.
People often say they moved to Orinda because of the schools. What many don’t realize is that the reputation of those schools influences the value of every home in our community, whether the homeowner has children or not. My own children are growing up in Orinda’s public schools, and over the years I’ve been deeply involved- volunteering in classrooms, cheering from the sidelines, serving as OIS Parents’ Club President, and now in my fourth year as Miramonte Parents’ Club President. As an Orinda Realtor, I’ve also watched firsthand how the strength of our schools shapes the decisions of nearly every buyer considering a move here. They’re not simply purchasing a home. They’re investing in a community, an education, and a future.
The research supports what we see every day. The National Bureau of Economic Research found that for every dollar a community spends on its public schools, local home values increase by $20.¹ A separate study found homes near top-rated schools carry median list prices nearly 77% higher than comparable properties nearby,² reflecting something buyers understand instinctively: where children go to school shapes the desirability and stability of an entire community.
Orinda’s schools consistently rank among the very best. Miramonte High School holds a 10 out of 10 GreatSchools rating, while Orinda Intermediate and all four elementary schools are rated 9 or 10. That reputation attracts families from across the Bay Area and creates sustained demand that helps support home values through changing market conditions.
Strong schools and strong home values don’t simply correlate. They reinforce one another. Excellent schools attract engaged families. Those families volunteer, support local organizations, invest in the community, and help maintain the qualities that make Orinda such a special place to live. It’s a cycle that has shaped our community for generations. As both a parent and a Realtor, I’ve seen the impact from every perspective. That’s why I choose to personally support ONE-Miramonte each year as a Gold or Platinum-level sponsor. Supporting our schools isn’t just an investment in today’s students. It’s an investment in the long-term strength, character, and value of the community we all call home.
As another school year begins, it’s worth celebrating not only the return to the classroom, but one of Orinda’s greatest assets: a school system that enriches our children, strengthens our community, and helps preserve the value of our homes.
Christina Linezo
Rooted in Real Estate. Connected to Community.
Christina Linezo is a Realtor® with Village Associates Real Estate, specializing in Orinda and the East Bay. A longtime community volunteer and parent leader, she currently serves as President of the Miramonte Parents’ Club and is Vice President for both the Orinda Chamber of Commerce and Orinda Community Foundation.
Sources:
*¹Barrow, L. & Rouse, C. “Using Market Valuation to Assess Public School Spending.” National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper No. 9054, 2002. nber.org
*²National Association of Realtors. “Schools and the Homebuying Decision.” nar.realtor
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