Loading...Irvine Real Estate For Sale In CA
Conveniently located south of Los Angeles and north of San Diego, this Orange County gem is one of the largest master-planned communities in the United States. Real estate in Irvine is clean and vibrant, with a quaint collection of villages, abundant natural beauty, state-of-the-art amenities, and some of the best schools on the west coast. The Irvine, CA Real estate is consistently ranked among the safest places to live and raise a family in California. It was also named the second healthiest place to live in America in 2021 and the fifth happiest city in the nation in 2022. If you are thinking about buying California real estate, keep reading to discover why Irvine should be on your list of prospects.
More About Irvine CA Real Estate
Real estate in Irvine is one of the six master-planned communities built in California between the 1960s and 1970s. It all started in 1959, when The Irvine Company sold 1,000 acres of land to the University of California for a new campus and devised plans for a 50,000-person community to surround the new university. Irvine was incorporated as a city in 1971 and has seen its population grow from 10K to over 300K in 50 years.
The Irvine real estate is located around 42 miles south of Los Angeles, a commute of around one hour by car depending on traffic. Irvine is bordered on the north by Tustin, on the northwest by Santa Ana, on the east by Lake Forest, on the southeast by Laguna Hills and Laguna Woods, on the west by Costa Mesa, and on the southwest coast by Newport Beach. It also borders Orange to the north along SR 261.
Irvine Nearby Cities
Irvine CA Real Estate Market
Being a prime residential location in "The Golden State", more specifically in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, Irvine, CA real estate market can only be described as scorching hot. This Orange County city has an average home price of $1.4M, an increase of 44% since last year.
Considered a Los Angeles suburb, Irvine has seen significant growth as people started to move out of the overvalued L.A. area in the last couple of years. Similarities have occurred in surrounding cities like Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and Santa Ana. Newcomers are commonly looking for a new place to relocate within Cali so they can maintain their living standards without sacrificing proximity to their high-income jobs.
With so many house hunters attacking the market, low-interest rates, and a diminished inventory, prices are rising non-stop in each Irvine village, confirming the city as a prolific seller's market. Real estate in Irvine sells within days, with owners listing their properties for premium prices to take advantage of the sky-high demand.
Homes For Sale In Irvine, CA
Being a master-planned city, many people may mistakenly think the houses in Irvine are all cookie-cutter, and that's not true. The homes for sale in Irvine, CA, are among the most beautiful and well-crafted in this southern Los Angeles area. The detached single-family home is the pick of the bunch in the Irvine housing market, especially across its many suburban villages.
Homebuyers can find modern, spacious single and two-story homes on generous lots with groomed lawns and desirable custom updates. Open floor plan residences are particularly sought-after in this city, and the most common architectural styles are Tuscan, Spanish, California, and French contemporary. A large proportion of the houses date back to the area's first development between the '60s and the '70s (many have been thoughtfully renovated), but there's no shortage of new construction homes in Irvine for those who might prefer it.
Condos For Sale In Irvine, CA
Most of the condos for sale in Irvine are in low and mid-rise residential projects or gated communities and are located in urban areas. The units feature modern designs and comfortable layouts with available studio, one, two, and three-bedroom. Condo-living in this city frequently means having access to resort-like amenities like swimming pools, spas, tennis courts, include utilities, and more. Condo prices can range from $415K to $2.5M in Irvine.
Irvine CA Neighborhoods
Irvine real estate consists of 50 distinct villages. If you wonder what is the best area to live in Irvine, keep reading about some great areas you can consider as you narrow down your options:
- Woodbridge: This vibrant and urban village in central Irvine covers 2.65 miles and most of its real estate is located around its two artificial lakes. Woodbridge offers trendy amenities, stunning parks & outdoor attractions, and high-ranked schools. In a word, this is a superb spot to retire in style or raise a family in California. Most real estate in Woodbridge are detached single-family dwellings, but townhouses and condos are also alternatives for homebuyers. In Woodridge, residents enjoy a safe, peaceful existence with superior community services, lakefront entertainment, friendly neighbors, and countless opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
- Turtle Rock: The active community of Turtle Rock is picturesque and vibrant, with many college students, young professionals, and affluent families calling it home. This village's real estate supply comprises upscale single-family detached homes. Well-located near two major roads (San Diego Freeway and California Route 73), Turtle Rock residents are close to plentiful top-ranking schools, and a plethora of nearby amenities such as golf clubs, high-end shop and dine opportunities, and scenic parks and gardens.
- University Park: Comfortably located in southern Irvine, University Park is the city's first master-planned community village developed mostly in the '60s, but some newly-constructed properties are also available. Filled with desirable mid-size California-style single-family homes, the 250-acre area attracts families, but primarily young professionals and students due to its proximity to the local campus of the University of California and Concordia University. The village has a predominantly urban atmosphere and multiple shopping, dining, and recreation alternatives. It also comprises a large renter population, making investing in University Park real estate a good idea.
- Oak Creek: The prestigious and secluded village of Oak Creek is one of the most affordable pieces of real estate in central Irvine. Dynamic, peaceful, and family-oriented, Oak Creek offers residents gorgeous single-family detached residences, townhomes, and condominiums near top-notch schools and spectacular amenities, including golf clubs, lush parks and gardens, shopping malls, and sports and recreational facilities. With the San Diego Freeway running along its southern end, Oak Creek is also a fantastic place for students and young professionals studying or working in the surroundings.
- Turtle Ridge: Cozy and affluent, Turtle Ridge is one of Irvine's smallest neighborhoods with under 5,000 residents, which gives it a sense of privacy and exclusivity. Highly sought-after among luxury real estate buyers, this suburban and family-friendly area boasts high-end properties, mostly single-detached sizeable houses, near great schools and convenient amenities such as parks, shopping centers, restaurants, and cafés. Turtle Ridge is also close to some of Southern California's most popular attractions, including Orange County Great Park, Crystal Cove State Park, the Pretend City Children's Museum, and the Balboa Pier.
Irvine CA Schools
The local public schools in Irvine, CA (24 elementary, four middle, and six high schools) consistently exceed state and national average scores and offer various world-class academic and extracurricular programs for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th. Most of the schools in Irvine are under the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) supervision, consistently regarded as one of Orange County's and California's finest school districts. There are also 16 home and satellite campuses in Irvine for those looking to start or further their careers. Read below for a brief list of top Irvine schools:
Public Schools In Irvine
Elementary & Middle Schools
- Brywood Elementary School
- Vista Verde Elementary School
- Westpark Elementary School
- Meadow Park Elementary School
High Schools
- University High School
- Northwood High School
- Woodbridge High School
- Irvine High School
Private Schools in Irvine
- Pacific Academy
- TVT Community Day School
- Crean Lutheran High School
Colleges & Universities In Irvine
- University of California - Irvine
- California Southern University
- Stanbridge University
- Concordia University Irvine
Frequently Asked Questions About Irvine CA Real Estate
What’s The Best Place To Live In Irvine, California?
- Best neighborhoods for young professionals: Oak Creek, El Camino Real
- Best Neighborhoods for families: University Park, Northwood Point, Turtle Rock.
- Best Neighborhoods for outdoor lovers: Turtle Ridge, Woodbridge,
- Best Neighborhoods for luxury real estate: Laguna Altura, Turtle Rock.
Is Irvine A Good Place To Invest In Real Estate?
Over the last decade, Irvine real estate has had one of the highest home appreciation rates in the United States. The median home value in Irvine, CA, has risen by 70.8% in the last ten years, which translates to a 5.5% annual appreciation rate on average. The city is one of the greatest long-term real estate investments in the country.
What Is The Zip Code For Irvine?
Here is a list of the zip codes for Irvine, California:
92602 | 92603 | 92604 | 92606 | 92610 | 92612 | 92614 | 92616 | 92617 | 92618 | 92619 | 92620 | 92650 | 92697
Where Is The Nearest Commercial Airport In Irvine CA?
For those looking to fly into or out of Irvine, CA, the closest commercial airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA / KSNA), only 4 miles away.
What County Is Irvine CA In?
The city of Irvine is in Orange County, California.
What Is The Weather Like In Irvine CA?
Irvine, California, has a Mediterranean climate with short, dry summers and cool winters often cloudy. A weather condition known as June Gloom affects the city on early summer days producing overcast mornings and sporadic drizzle. The temperature rarely reaches 90°F or drops below 40°F. Irvine has an average of 280 sunny days each year.
Things To Do In Irvine CA
Ready to discover what fun is in store for you once you decide to call Irvine home? No matter your interests, you're sure to find something to love in Irvine.
Irvine, CA Museums
- Pretend City Children's Museum: One of the top destinations for family fun, the museum features hands-on learning experiences in 17 interactive exhibits.
- Heritage Museum of Orange County: Features restored houses and constructions from the 1890s within a vast floral garden.
Irvine, CA Activities & Attractions
- Boomers Irvine: Outdoor amusement park featuring rides, minigolf, bumper boats, go-karts, arcade games, and more.
- Sender One Climbing & Sender City: Indoor rock and rope-climbing facility with yoga and fitness classes and large children's play and climbing areas.
- Strawberry Farms Golf Club: An 18-hole public golf course with scenic vistas of canyons and wetlands
Irvine CA Parks
- Orange County Great Park: The park has 1,300 acres of open greenspace, family-friendly amenities, and a huge helium balloon that offers panoramic views from 400 feet above the ground.
- William R. Mason Regional Park: 339-acre park with a 9-acre lake and amenities like an amphitheater, playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic spots, sports fields, model boats, etc.
- Crystal Cove State Park: Coastal park with 3.2 miles of beaches and 18 miles of trails through 2,400 acres of native forests.
Living In Irvine CA
If you're considering a move to Irvine, CA, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind:
- Irvine is a very safe city, not just in comparison to other cities in California but also when compared to the rest of the country. It has consistently had one of the lowest violent crime rates among cities with a population exceeding 100,000 people and among cities with a population over 250,000 since 2005.
- Irvine real estate is divided into 50 different townships known as villages, each with its own residential developments, commercial areas, and schools.
- Each village (except Northwood) has its own homeowner's association controlling everything from home appearances to landscaping, and waste disposal. And yes, there's a monthly village association fee. Additionally, homeowners living in villages developed on or after the 1980s may be charged with the Mello-Roos special tax.
- Real estate in Irvine may seem visually uniform because many apartment developments and corporate buildings owned by Irvine Company have a similar architectural design.
- Those lucky enough to live and work in Irvine will discover that everything they need for a pleasant daily existence is conveniently accessible. The city is designed so that most office buildings, amenities, service providers, and even the airport are no more than 15 minutes away from the homes.
- UC Irvine Medical Center, located in Irvine, is the only hospital in Orange County to be ranked among the best in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report. It is positioned at No. 11 in California and 6 in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
- Irvine is a green city and has received national attention for its dedication to environmental preservation with initiatives that involve the protection of natural open spaces and the conservation of natural resources.
Irvine CA Jobs
Irvine has had one of the most robust, fast-growing, and diversified economies in Orange County. The city's centrality in Southern California, rich pool of talent, and unrivaled quality of life make it an attractive destination for progressive firms, top talent, and growing venture capital investment. The city has over 15,000 companies and several strong industrial clusters, including information technology, aerospace, life sciences, high-tech manufacturing, and digital media. It is also home to one-third of all Fortune 500 companies and more than 900 tech and software companies. The following are some of the best employers in Irvine:
- University of California, Irvine.
- Irvine Unified School District.
- Edwards Lifesciences (medical tech).
- Blizzard Entertainment (Video games).
- Broadcom (communications industry).
Irvine CA Transportation
Irvine stands out as a city where living car-free is possible and encouraged in a state of notorious traffic congestion. In 2021 the area ranked as one of the top 20 cities for living without a car according to LawnStarter due to its safety, climate data, and 360 miles of connected bike lanes and walking paths. Need to commute to LA or any other neighboring area? Irvine car owners are served by several thoroughfares, including I-405, which links to cities like Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Los Angeles; I-5, which runs through Santa Ana, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento; and a few California State Routes.
In Irvine, local transportation means include buses run by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and iShuttle. A Metrolink and Amtrak train service connects Irvine to San Diego, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles at the Tustin and Irvine stations.