Life in Irvine, CA: Designed for the Way You Live

There is something different about living in Irvine, CA. Something that makes you feel like everything about the town is designed for the way you live.

And the reason is simple. It was!

Known colloquially as America’s Best Planned City, Irvine, California’s history offers extraordinary insight into why it is such a great place to live today.

Launched in the 1960s by the Irvine Company, urban developers of the day had a vision that is truer now than ever. They crafted a master-planned city that offers the best of everything.

If you are after a well-balanced life, the Villages of Irvine is a great place to begin your search. Let us discover some of the hidden gems that complement Irvine’s great schools, open spaces, boundless recreation, urban convenience, economic prosperity and low crime.

A Hidden Gem for Foodies

Everyone knows that southern California is a melting pot and home to tasty cuisines from around the globe but what’s not so known is that new houses for sale in Irvine put an endless selection of international restaurants right at your doorstep. The density of fantastic ethnic eateries found within just 40 square miles is truly extraordinary.

Here are a host of delicious secrets to tempt your taste buds:

  • Makino Sushi Seafood Buffet Restaurant | 1818 Main Street | The original gourmet sushi buffet.
  • Urban Seoul 2.0 | 414 Spectrum Center Drive | Korean + Mexican fusion
  • Zov’s | 3915 Portola Parkway | Only in Irvine would you find an unforgettable blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Armenian flavors on the same plate
  • Falasophy | Irvine Spectrum Center Dr | Lebanese street food galore
  • JA Jiaozi Authentic Dumplings | 13776 Jamboree Road | For those who love authentic Chinese cuisine
  • Fig & Olive | 151 Newport Center Dr | Escape to the French Riviera in the heart of Irvine

So Much to Keep You Busy

Everyone knows about the Great Park Balloon and Irvine Spectrum Center’s iconic 108-foot tall Giant Wheel – but here are five fun activities waiting under the radar near Irvine, CA real estate.

The Orange County Soccer Club

Soccer is catching on in the US in a big way, and there’s no better way to get closer to the action than to support your local MLS affiliate team.

The Irvine Fine Arts Center

Touring an art museum is great but in Irvine, you will get the chance to meet the artists and take part in open studio events, art classes and more.

Fun on Two Wheels

Irvine is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities around, with more than 60 miles of off-road trails and 300+ miles of on-road bicycle lanes. Do not forget to hit the fantastic trails through Bommer Canyon.

Access to Nature

Who says life in Orange County is all urban? Spot hundreds of unique plants and animals at the San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tanaka Farms

You might have visited Tanaka Farms’ pumpkin patch around Halloween but this 30-acre family-run farm in the heart of Irvine is open year-round for u-pick strawberries, melons and more.

Irvine is perfectly situated for fantastic day trips, too. Homes for sale in Irvine are close to both LA County and San Diego County, just one hour from downtown Los Angeles and 90 minutes from downtown San Diego.

One Gem of An Events Calendar

A planned city also means plenty of planned events. From outdoor summer concerts to guided hikes, wonderful farmers markets and drive-in movies under the stars, finding something to do in Irvine is a piece of cake.

Here are just a handful of the city’s most popular annual happenings:

  • Remember California’s gold rush past at the Irvine Park Railroad Anniversary Celebration. Along with panning for gold, you’ll find train rides, carnival games and fun for the kiddos.
  • Here’s one Easter egg you’ll want to find! Irvine Regional Park’s Easter Eggstravaganza is one of the best times of year to visit the OC Zoo.
  • Celebrate Irvine’s diversity at the Irvine Korean Cultural Festival.
  • Whale watching! Irvine is located just 15 minutes to the beach.

Not even COVID-19 could stop Irvine from having a good time. The city found a way to make summertime fun safe and social distanced with the Summer Drive-In Series of movies and concerts at the Orange County Great Park.

Additional Reading

Learn more about what makes Irvine, CA such a unique place to call home:

Find Your Village

Irvine is one of the safest places to live in California and perhaps the best neighborhoods in all of Orange County – but when shopping new build Irvine, CA homes, how can you know which village is right for you?

Orange County home builder Taylor Morrison offers new homes in two popular Irvine Villages, Novel Park and Orchard Hills.

Novel Park

Walkable to the Great Park and close to Woodbury Town Center, life at Novel Park means luxury homes in an amenity rich community. Amenities include pools and parks, the Zen Garden, dog parks and dog washing stations, BBQs, “The Garage” flex workspace, “Novel House” clubhouse, a coffee shop and more.

Explore all six Novel Park new home communities featuring low HOA dues to find the right fit for your lifestyle, budget and needs:

Verge

1,492 – 1,950 Sq. Ft. | 2 – 3 Bed | 2 – 3 Bath | 1 Half Bath | 2 – 3 Story | 2 Car Garage | See Verge

Fringe

1,267 – 1,724 Sq. Ft. | 2 – 3 Bed | 2 – 3 Bath | 1 Half Bath | 3 Story | 2 Car Garage | See Fringe

Modo

1,488 – 2,500 Sq. Ft. | 2 – 4 Bed | 2 – 4 Bath | 0 – 2 Half Bath | 2 – 3 Story | 2 Car Garage | See Modo

Echo

1,708 – 2,444 Sq. Ft. | 3 – 4 Bed | 2 – 3 Bath | 1 – 2 Half Bath | 3 Story | 2 Car Garage | See Echo

Trend

1,746 – 3,016 Sq. Ft. | 3 – 5 Bed | 3 – 4 Bath | 1 Half Bath | 2 – 3 Story | 2 Car Garage | See Trend

Revo

1,814 – 2,591 Sq. Ft. | 3 – 4 Bed | 2 – 3 Bath | 1 – 2 Half Bath | 2 – 3 Story | 2 Car Garage | See Revo

Orchard Hills

  • Commissioned by and licensed solely to Taylor Morrison Homes.
  • Commissioned by and licensed solely to Taylor Morrison Homes.
  • Commissioned by and licensed solely to Taylor Morrison Homes.
  • Commissioned by and licensed solely to Taylor Morrison Homes.

Come home to private enclave of architecturally rich new homes set with a scenic backdrop and convenient Irvine location near Orchard Hills Shopping Center and excellent Tustin Unified schools.

Private and gated, resort-style amenities abound at Palermo by Taylor Morrison.

Two-story house designs feature striking Northern Italian, Spanish, Tuscan and Provence exterior styling and floor plans that range from approximately 2,748 to 3,315 square feet with 3 to 5 beds, 3.5 to 4.5 baths and 2-car garages.

Tour Irvine Homes at Palermo

How to Get Started

  1. Explore our full selection of Irvine new home communities online.
  2. When you find a community or home you like, set up a virtual tour
  3. To streamline the home buying process, consider applying for prequalification online with our affiliate lender

We cannot wait to help you get into the Irvine home you’ve always wanted, so you can make the most of living in America’s Best Planned City.

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All information (including, but not limited to prices, views, availability, school assignments and ratings, incentives, floor plans, exteriors, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change, availability or delay without notice. Any community improvements, recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change and under no obligation to be completed. Maps and plans are not to scale, are not intended to show specific detailing and all dimensions are approximate. Prices may not include lot premiums, upgrades and options. Community Association or other fees may be required. This communication is not intended to constitute an offering in violation of the law of any jurisdiction and in such cases our communications may be limited by the laws of your state. Please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager or Online Sales Manager for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. For our Age Qualified Communities only: At least one resident of household must be 55 or older, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55 in limited circumstances. For minimum age requirements for permanent residents in a specific community, please see Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager for complete details.