Buying a Home in Irvine California
Buying a Home in Irvine, California
Irvine, California, is one of the most desirable cities in the nation, known for its exceptional schools, master-planned communities, and world-class amenities. If you’re considering buying a home in Irvine, this guide will help you navigate the diverse neighborhoods and their unique offerings, pricing, schools, and benefits, organized geographically from north to south.
1. Orchard Hills
Located in northern Irvine, Orchard Hills offers a blend of luxury, suburban charm, and scenic beauty. New developments such as Fresco are underway, providing additional modern home options in this thriving area. Most homes were built between 2014 and 2022, showcasing modern designs with Mediterranean and Tuscan-inspired styles. Located in northern Irvine, Orchard Hills offers a blend of luxury, suburban charm, and scenic beauty.
- Pricing: Townhomes start around $1 million, while single-family homes in gated communities like The Groves can exceed $5 million.
- Schools: Top-rated schools include Canyon View Elementary (10/10), Orchard Hills School (K-8), and Beckman High School (9/10).
- Amenities: Features include private parks, pools, and clubhouses. Residents have easy access to Orchard Hills Shopping Center, offering grocery stores, dining options, and specialty shops.
- Attractions: Scenic hiking trails weave through the surrounding hills, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.
- Benefits: The gated sections provide exclusivity, while the elevated location offers stunning vistas and a serene environment.
2. Northwood
One of Irvine’s original communities, Northwood combines established charm with modern conveniences. Homes in this area were primarily built in the 1970s and 1980s, with many properties updated to include modern features. One of Irvine’s original communities, Northwood combines established charm with modern conveniences.
- Pricing: Homes typically range from $1.08 million to $2.4 million.
- Schools: Top-rated schools include Northwood Elementary (10/10), Sierra Vista Middle School (9/10), and Northwood High School (10/10).
- Amenities: Abundant parks and playgrounds, including Northwood Community Park, which features athletic fields, tennis courts, and picnic areas.
- Attractions: Proximity to shopping at Northwood Town Center and access to Jeffrey Open Space Trail for walking and biking.
- Benefits: Tree-lined streets and a close-knit community atmosphere make Northwood ideal for families.
3. Cypress Village
Cypress Village offers modern living with excellent accessibility to Irvine’s amenities. Homes here are relatively new, with construction starting in 2013 and continuing through the late 2010s. Cypress Village offers modern living with excellent accessibility to Irvine’s amenities.
- Pricing: Homes range from $1.02 million to $1.8 million.
- Schools: Cypress Village Elementary (9/10), Jeffrey Trail Middle School (10/10), and Irvine High School (9/10).
- Amenities: Includes resort-style pools, parks, and sports courts, as well as Cypress Village Shopping Center with various dining and retail options.
- Attractions: Close to the Jeffrey Open Space Trail, providing miles of scenic walking and biking paths.
- Benefits: A central location makes commuting and accessing citywide amenities convenient.
4. Eastwood Village
Eastwood Village is a thoughtfully designed community, offering homes constructed from 2015 onward. These properties feature contemporary layouts and smart home features, catering to modern lifestyles. Eastwood Village is a newer development offering a range of modern homes and townhomes designed with families in mind.
- Pricing: Properties start around $1 million and can go up to $2.5 million.
- Schools: Eastwood Elementary (10/10), Sierra Vista Middle School (9/10), and Northwood High School (10/10).
- Amenities: Parks, sports courts, pools, and playgrounds are abundant. Eastwood Village is also near Woodbury Town Center for shopping and dining.
- Benefits: The thoughtfully designed community provides comfort, style, and functionality, making it a favorite for families.
5. Stonegate
Stonegate is a popular neighborhood for families seeking newer homes, with properties primarily built between 2012 and 2018. These homes are characterized by modern architecture and family-friendly floor plans. Stonegate is a popular neighborhood for families seeking newer homes and strong community ties.
- Pricing: Homes range from $1.08 million to $3 million.
- Schools: Served by Stonegate Elementary (10/10), Sierra Vista Middle School (9/10), and Northwood High School (10/10).
- Amenities: Includes parks, pools, sports courts, and easy access to Woodbury Town Center.
- Attractions: Stonegate Park offers fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
- Benefits: A family-friendly atmosphere with modern conveniences.
6. Woodbury
Situated near Eastwood Village, Woodbury is a master-planned community known for its resort-style amenities. Most homes were built between 2005 and 2012, offering a mix of detached and attached properties in various styles. Situated near Eastwood Village, Woodbury is a master-planned community known for its resort-style amenities.
- Pricing: Homes range from $900,000 to $2.5 million.
- Schools: Woodbury Elementary (10/10), Jeffrey Trail Middle School (10/10), and Portola High School (10/10).
- Amenities: Features 14 parks, 7 pools, tennis courts, and the Woodbury Town Center with shopping, dining, and fitness options.
- Benefits: Woodbury offers a vibrant lifestyle with plenty of recreational opportunities and a strong sense of community.
7. Great Park Neighborhoods
Centered around the Orange County Great Park, this area features modern homes built from 2013 onward. Upcoming projects include additional housing developments and expansions to community amenities, ensuring continued growth in the area. The properties boast cutting-edge designs and energy-efficient construction, ideal for eco-conscious buyers. Centered around the Orange County Great Park, this area features modern homes and a family-friendly environment.
- Pricing: Homes range from $960,000 for townhomes to over $3 million for spacious single-family residences.
- Schools: Innovative schools like Cadence Park School (K-8, 10/10) and Portola High School (10/10) serve the area.
- Amenities: Pools, parks, sports facilities, and cultural events at the Great Park. The FivePoint Amphitheatre hosts concerts and live entertainment.
- Attractions: Great Park Balloon and ice-skating rink are notable highlights.
- Benefits: A dynamic area with ongoing developments, making it ideal for families and active individuals.
8. Portola Springs
Portola Springs is known for its diverse architecture and tranquil environment. Future phases of development will include new residential communities and enhanced recreational facilities. The community includes homes built from the mid-2000s through the late 2010s, offering a variety of architectural styles. Portola Springs is known for its diverse architecture and tranquil environment.
- Pricing: Homes range from $800,000 for townhomes to $2.5 million for single-family residences.
- Schools: Portola Springs Elementary (9/10), Jeffrey Trail Middle School (10/10), and Portola High School (10/10).
- Amenities: Features numerous parks, pools, sports courts, and community centers.
- Benefits: Offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to nearby shopping and dining options.
9. Laguna Altura
Laguna Altura is a gated community offering Mediterranean-inspired luxury. Homes were constructed between 2011 and 2014, emphasizing exclusivity and elegant design. Laguna Altura is a gated community south of the 405 Freeway, offering Mediterranean-inspired luxury.
- Pricing: Homes range from $1.8 million to $4.2 million.
- Schools: Alderwood Elementary (9/10), Rancho San Joaquin Middle School (9/10), and University High School (10/10).
- Amenities: Includes a pool, clubhouse, and access to nearby hiking and biking trails.
- Benefits: Conveniently located near major freeways and Irvine Spectrum.
10. Quail Hill
Quail Hill combines natural beauty with urban convenience. Developed between 2003 and 2008, the neighborhood offers a range of properties from townhomes to spacious single-family residences. Quail Hill combines natural beauty with urban convenience.
- Pricing: Homes range from $1.2 million to $3 million.
- Schools: Alderwood Elementary (9/10), Rancho San Joaquin Middle School (9/10), and University High School (10/10).
- Amenities: Features hiking trails, parks, and proximity to Irvine Spectrum and Quail Hill Shopping Center.
- Attractions: Adjacent to Shady Canyon Golf Club.
- Benefits: Perfect for those seeking a balance of tranquility and accessibility.
11. Turtle Rock
Turtle Rock is one of Irvine’s most prestigious neighborhoods, nestled in rolling hills. Homes here date back to the 1960s through the 1980s, with many properties updated to cater to modern preferences. Turtle Rock is one of Irvine’s most prestigious neighborhoods, nestled in rolling hills.
- Pricing: Homes range from $1.8 million to over $4.8 million.
- Schools: Turtle Rock Elementary (10/10), Rancho San Joaquin Middle School (9/10), and University High School (10/10).
- Amenities: Parks, hiking trails, and golf courses.
- Attractions: Adjacent to Turtle Rock Nature Center.
- Benefits: Proximity to UC Irvine and a quiet, upscale environment.
12. Turtle Ridge
Located adjacent to Turtle Rock, Turtle Ridge emphasizes privacy and luxury. Homes were built between 2003 and 2007, featuring luxurious finishes and high-end designs. Located adjacent to Turtle Rock, Turtle Ridge emphasizes privacy and luxury.
- Pricing: Homes range from $1.8 million to over $7.2 million in gated sections.
- Schools: Vista Verde School (K-8, 10/10) and University High School (10/10).
- Amenities: Resort-style pools, fitness centers, and scenic walking trails.
- Benefits: Tranquil escape with easy access to Newport Beach and Irvine Spectrum.
13. Shady Canyon
Shady Canyon epitomizes luxury living with custom estates and unmatched exclusivity. These homes, built from 2000 onward, feature unique, high-end architectural details. Shady Canyon epitomizes luxury living with custom estates and unmatched exclusivity.
- Pricing: Homes start at $6 million and can exceed $24 million.
- Schools: Bonita Canyon Elementary (9/10), Rancho San Joaquin Middle School (9/10), and University High School (10/10).
- Amenities: Private golf club, extensive trails, and lush landscaping.
- Attractions: Home to Shady Canyon Golf Club, a premier course.
- Benefits: Perfect for those seeking privacy and elegance in a natural setting.
14. Woodbridge
Woodbridge is iconic for its lakes and resort-style amenities. Homes here were built between the 1970s and 1990s, offering classic designs with some modernized updates. Woodbridge is iconic for its lakes and resort-style amenities.
- Pricing: Homes range from $960,000 to $2.4 million.
- Schools: Woodbridge High School (10/10), Lakeside Middle School (9/10), and Meadow Park Elementary (9/10).
- Amenities: Boating, fishing, pools, tennis courts, and lush greenbelts.
- Benefits: A central location and strong community vibe.
15. The Airport Area
The Airport Area is a vibrant urban hub offering modern living close to businesses and entertainment. The area features a mix of mid-rise condos and luxury apartments, most built from the 2000s onward, catering to professionals seeking contemporary lifestyles. This urban hub offers modern living close to businesses and entertainment.
- Pricing: Condos start at $600,000, with luxury penthouses exceeding $2 million.
- Schools: Westpark Elementary (9/10), South Lake Middle School (9/10), and Woodbridge High School (10/10).
- Amenities: Proximity to shopping at The District and Diamond Jamboree.
- Benefits: Ideal for professionals and those seeking an urban lifestyle near John Wayne Airport.
Why Choose Irvine for Your Next Home?
Irvine offers unparalleled benefits for homebuyers:
- Most Incorporated City: Known as the most incorporated city in the world, Irvine boasts numerous employment opportunities across diverse industries, making it a hub for professionals and families alike.
- Top-Rated Schools: Access to some of the best schools in California.
- Safety: Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the U.S.
- Lifestyle and Leisure: Proximity to beaches, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
- Convenience: Easy access to major freeways, John Wayne Airport, and nearby employment hubs.
If you’re ready to explore homes for sale in Irvine and find the perfect neighborhood for your lifestyle, our team at Tour SoCal Homes is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey to owning a home in one of Southern California’s most sought-after cities.
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