Irvine- Differences in Neighborhoods (Pasadena, Costa Mesa: lease, HOA, homes)

[smiya]

Well, we're making the move from Pasadena/La Crescenta to Irvine for work. As master planned as Irvine is, I imagine there must be SOME difference (besides architecture) between the neighborhoods. Can you share if any of the communities (e.g. Turtle Rock, Woodbridge, Quail Hill, etc.) have their own personality? Other than architecture & commuteing time, does it make a difference where we live? "Sense of community" would be an ideal value for us in finding our next home.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Just slightly different shades of beige. You may also want to look in Northwood since there's no HOA nazis fining you for leaving your garage door up for 15 minutes.

[dakicka]

Originally Posted by smiya

Well, we're making the move from Pasadena/La Crescenta to Irvine for work. As master planned as Irvine is, I imagine there must be SOME difference (besides architecture) between the neighborhoods. Can you share if any of the communities (e.g. Turtle Rock, Woodbridge, Quail Hill, etc.) have their own personality? Other than architecture & commuteing time, does it make a difference where we live? "Sense of community" would be an ideal value for us in finding our next home.

I live in the Turtle Ridge/Rock area and from what I can tell after 6 months, just about all the "areas" of Irvine are very very similar. I think Turtle Rock is a bit more prestigious as it has very nice views of several towns as you overlook Newport Coast, Newport Beach, Irvine, etc. and you can even see the disney fire works on Wed. night.

I'm sure there has gotta be some differences though, so if anyone knows, please comment, I would also like to know as I'm looking to buy in the next 6 months when my rent lease is up. Irvine however in my opinion is very spread out and the most suburban of all the immediate surrounding towns in OC. I think the area between Irvine and Tustin is nice too but you're further away from the beach, and the are between Costa Mesa and Irvine is more urban/bustling since you're near the corporate buildings and a lot of shopping however it isn't the "nicer" looking of the areas.

Another point to note is that in Irvine there tends to be a large population of Asian residents. Not sure the reasoning for this or how it evolved, perhaps b/c UC Irvine has many of them, whatever the case you will notice the demographic change between newport/laguna and irvine. then costa mesa tends to be more of a latin mix. again caucasian is still the predominant population but you def. see more of the asians in Irvine, not saying anything either way about it, but just letting people know.

[investtt]

I agree. The communities are just different shades and slightly different roof lines. However you don't really got to be too concerned over which one you pick, because honestly I have yet to find any neighborhoods that are bad.

[smiya]

Leaning to Quail Hill after much research based on proximity to coast (relatively anyway), proximity to work, good public schools and nice, hilly terrain. Any throughts are still welcome!

[threeputtfromanywhere]

I grew up in Irvine. I like the city very much, but the previous posts are correct. The differences are in perceived prestige and HOA's. Great schools all over. Safe and well kept all over.

[affluent]

Originally Posted by dakicka

Another point to note is that in Irvine there tends to be a large population of Asian residents. Not sure the reasoning for this or how it evolved, perhaps b/c UC Irvine has many of them, whatever the case you will notice the demographic change between newport/laguna and irvine. then costa mesa tends to be more of a latin mix. again caucasian is still the predominant population but you def. see more of the asians in Irvine, not saying anything either way about it, but just letting people know.

The reason is technology companies and excellent schools.

[kturbe]

There truly is not that much differance just depends on what your needs are, whether that is schools, being close to work, fwy etc. You might want to check out Tustin Ranch as well. Some of the newer areas typically have smaller lot's for homes and are built around more community assocations. Older areas have larger yards and homes.

Best of luck with your move, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me direclty.

[Aquarius Mommy]

Originally Posted by smiya

Well, we're making the move from Pasadena/La Crescenta to Irvine for work. As master planned as Irvine is, I imagine there must be SOME difference (besides architecture) between the neighborhoods. Can you share if any of the communities (e.g. Turtle Rock, Woodbridge, Quail Hill, etc.) have their own personality? Other than architecture & commuteing time, does it make a difference where we live? "Sense of community" would be an ideal value for us in finding our next home.

Hi ! fellow LaCrescenta person here . Sorry to see
you go .

good luck !

Diane

[SoCal Person]

I too was going to suggest Tustin Ranch as it's right next to Irvine and very lovely. I have a friend who lives there, and she loves it!