Updated Jan 11, 2024
Over the years, Irvine has become an increasingly popular home to families and businesspeople alike. With extremely low crime rates and a large number of jobs available, Irvine offers residents a safe and tranquil place to call home, while still having a number of activities within reach.
Many people new to Irvine don’t know that Irvine was developed as a planned community in the 1970s by the Irvine Company. With the development of the University of California, Irvine, the Irvine Company sought to build a development that could support up to 50,000 people. Today Irvine is home to over 215,000 people, with more than 20 different neighborhoods, which can make choosing the right one a little tricky.
Before choosing your new home in Irvine, there are several things you’ll want to consider. Think about the real estate market, your desired home features, school districts, and the overall neighborhood feel you’re going for before making your selection. Everyone is different when it comes to their preferences, especially when buying a home, so this is not a decision you want to rush in to. Take your time to do your research, choose the perfect neighborhood, and review all your options prior to sealing the deal.
To help you get started, we’ve put together this guide on some of the most popular Irvine neighborhoods. This article will review the different places to live in the city of Irvine. Hopefully, by the end of this guide, you’ll have a better idea of which neighborhood will suit you and your family best. Let’s get started!
Combining natural landscapes, a booming economy, and secure neighborhoods, the city of Irvine is truly one of the best places to live in California today. Located close to airports, highways, and other Orange County cities, you’re never too far from where you need to be when living in this peaceful area. For residents looking for new job opportunities, this city is home to over 100 global corporations and is considered one of the leading business centers in Southern California.
When it comes to recreational activities, Irvine has it all. From sports facilities to hiking trails, any outdoor enthusiast would be happy to call the city of Irvine home. Both visitors and locals alike are able to take advantage of the temperate California weather. With over 16,000 acres of wide-open spaces, there are endless opportunities to enjoy wide-open vistas on a morning walk, hike, or bike ride through Irvine’s natural landscapes.
When it comes to dining, this city offers a true melting pot of flavors and cuisines. For foodies who love sampling innovative and global dishes, Irvine is the perfect spot to do it. Since 40 percent of the population is of Asian ancestry, you can find an impressive selection of Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Taiwanese restaurants. However, it’s also important to note that Irvine is quite progressive in its culinary efforts, constantly adapting to new styles, flavors, and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a fun bar to do your weekly happy hour with friends, or you’re looking to sample some authentic Chinese food, you’ll be able to have it all in the city of Irvine.
Northwood Point is known for its quiet and friendly atmosphere and is a favorite among families seeking a peaceful place to call home. With well-maintained streets and abundant green spaces, Northwood Point offers a welcoming environment for residents of all ages. Nearby parks enhance the community’s appeal, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure. Beyond its serene ambiance, Northwood Point boasts proximity to top-rated schools, ideal for families looking to establish roots in Irvine. The careful planning and accessibility to essential amenities make Northwood Point a standout choice and one of the best neighborhoods for those seeking the perfect blend of suburban calm and family-friendly living.
Built around the perimeter of the Orange County Great Park, Irvine offers residents a community lined with walking and bike paths. Perfect for families with young children, the Great Park touts a strong sense of community and encourages neighbors to share in building a unique bond together. With access to Irvine Unified School District schools, residents can feel confident they are setting their children up for success from day 1. With Orange County Great Park in the community, ample activities are always available through the state-of-the-art sports complex. It’s the perfect fit for active families.
Featuring a number of mid-sized residences, Oak Creek is a mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes. With neighborhood amenities such as tennis courts and a golf course, there are plenty of options for residents to stay active. Good schools are a mainstay in Irvine and Oak Creek is no exception. If golfing is your favorite sport, you will be pleasantly surprised by Oak Creek’s impressive golf club. All in all, if you’re looking for a safe neighborhood with lots of restaurants, shops, and activities, Oak Creek is the perfect neighborhood for you.
The community of Woodbridge offers residents the opportunity to own lakefront property within two main developments that are split down the middle by a commercial strip mall. With over 22 pools, parks, and open space, Woodbridge was designed to incorporate key elements of nature while providing gathering spaces for residents. In addition to homes, Woodbridge features a number of apartments to choose from. Woodbridge also is within the Irvine Unified School District, making it a great place to raise a family.
A popular neighborhood for young professionals, West Park offers residents a good mix of restaurants and is home to a number of businesses. With a slightly more urban feel than some other neighborhoods in Irvine, West Park offers residents something a little more updated than some of the surrounding suburbs. Complete with a number of apartment complexes, there are a number of options for working professionals who may be relocating to the area for a new opportunity. As with all of Irvine, the crime rate is extremely low, and great schools are in proximity to West Park as well.
Shady Canyon is a group of luxury neighborhoods within the Turtle Rock community. Complete with a country club and golf course, Shady Canyon offers residents a number of resort-like amenities and ample privacy. With about 400 homes, Shady Canyon offers a higher price point than other neighborhoods in Irvine as it was designed to serve the luxury market within the community. If you’re looking for a secluded home that’s tucked away in beautiful rolling hills that’s also close to restaurants, shops, and beaches, Shady Canyon is an excellent neighborhood to go with.
The first major development in Irvine, University Park borders the University of California, Irvine, and consists of a mix of single-family homes as well as apartments. Complete with a number of bike paths and greenways, University Park also offers residents a number of commercial establishments, making it easy to have everything in one place. Plus, for faculty and students, the convenience of being located next to the university is hard to resist.
The Irvine Business Complex (IBC) offers a unique and dynamic living experience in the heart of Orange County. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its modern architecture, diverse culinary scene, and a thriving cultural atmosphere, IBC attracts residents seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle. With convenient access to shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options, IBC caters to individuals who appreciate the convenience of city living. The area’s strategic location, coupled with a strong sense of community, makes Irvine Business Complex an appealing choice for those looking to balance work and leisure in a contemporary and well-connected neighborhood in Irvine.
When it comes to choosing the right neighborhood for you in Irvine, it’s hard to go wrong. Whether good schools or a strong sense of community are at the top of your list, it’s likely you’ll find both in the majority of Irvine neighborhoods. Combining beautiful landscapes, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy, Irvine truly is an excellent area to live in. The best thing you can do is to go out and explore a number of neighborhoods and look at a variety of properties to decide if a single-family home or a townhome is truly the right fit for you.
The team in our Irvine office is always happy to show existing and new residents around to help you #FindYourPerfect in Irvine. For more information, please call our team of experts today.
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January 4th, 2024 at 11:00 am