Set in a valley surrounded by large rolling hills, Moraga is the perfect retreat away from the city. With its Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, residents enjoy rural life while not far from the amenities of San Francisco.

Known for it’s excellent schools, tranquil living, and easy access to parks and trails, this town of only 9.4 square miles has great schools and sports activities for kids. In addition to three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, Moraga is home to The Saklan School, a co-ed independent school with a max class size of sixteen, and the Orion Academy, a private secondary school for students with ADHD, Asperger’s, or other nonverbal learning disorders.

Did you know that this area was originally inhabited by the Native American Saklan (Bay Miwok) tribe?  The town was named after Joaquin Moraga, whose grandfather led a 1776 expedition to the area. Another little-known fact: Fido will be happy… Moraga has been a dog-friendly town since 1979! It has an off-leash policy at all of its community parks.

Looking for family fun close to home? The Commons is a Moraga park with play structures, skating domes, an outdoor theater, a Frisbee golf course, and a bocce ball pit. On Thursday nights during the summer family-friendly bands play at the theater that serves as a communal gathering spot for kids to run around.