Plaza Irvine

Irvine

Irvine offers luxury vertical living with first-rate amenities and gorgeous scenery. Some of the finest homes for sale in Irvine, CA are modern condos with upscale finishes and breathtaking views. Read on for more information on the city’s condo market and its local attractions.

Irvine, CA at a glance

Enjoy resort-style living in the master-planned city of Irvine, which consistently ranks among the best suburbs to live in the United States with more than 16,000 acres of green spaces and scenic hiking and biking trails. Despite its laid-back atmosphere and community feel, Irvine is a dynamic and prosperous city. Known as “The City of Innovation”, it’s an emerging technology hub with Fortune 1,000 companies, startups, and a highly skilled workforce. 

It also has the infrastructure to match – the city’s smart road system diverts traffic away from residential areas while alternative forms of transportation such as the iShuttle, an extensive 360-mile bike trail system, and Amtrak and Metrolink service helps relieve congestion. In addition, the city has a recycled water system, fiber-optic networks, hybrid-electric buildings, and 16 reservoirs to ensure reliable water supply. 

What Irvine, CA is known for

Irvine is recognized as one of the largest master-planned urban communities in the U.S., spanning more than 65 square miles in the southern edge of Orange County. It is sought for its live-work-play lifestyle with many outdoor activities and numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment options. 

It is home to a rapidly growing population of 309,031 as of 2021. According to Chipman Relocation & Logistics, the city’s population increased by 21% from 2010 to 2015 – the highest percentage increase in residential population of any in California with more than 50,000 residents in that five-year period, and the 7th highest in the U.S. 

Location and surrounding areas

Bounded on all sides by freeways, Irvine is located about 40 to 45 miles southeast of the City of Los Angeles and about 85 miles northwest from San Diego. Its arterial streets are fairly wide though most residential pockets are located along smaller, two-lane streets that lead to housing developments. The portion of the city that borders Newport Beach and the freeways have a high concentration of commercial development with offices and businesses.

The city lies at the intersection of Interstate 5 and 405. Motorists also have access to State Route 73 and Interstate 55. The Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) also provides efficient bus service in Irvine and the surrounding areas.

Irvine is surrounded by natural beauty with the Santa Ana Mountains to the east and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park towards the southern edge of the city. Crystal Cove State Park, which features a 3.2-mile beach and more than 2,700 acres of wooded canyons and trails, is located about seven miles from the city.

Brief history

Home to the Tongva or Gabrielinos before the arrival of Spanish officer and first Governor of California Gaspar de Portolá in 1769, the area that makes up present-day Irvine was part of several Spanish and Mexican land grants from 1801 to 1846. It gets its name from James Irvine, one of several ranchers who acquired much of the land in the 1860s.  

Irvine would go on to purchase the entire tract in 1876. It flourished into a farming community that produced asparagus, barley, lima beans, olives, oranges, and strawberries. The University of California (UC) Irvine was founded in 1965 and sparked much of the city’s modern growth with the donation of a large parcel for the campus. The city was incorporated in 1971. 

Homes for sale in Irvine, CA

The luxury market offers an array of condos and single-family homes. Some of the largest and most sought-after homes for sale in Irvine, CA feature outdoor pools, mature landscaping, and expansive driveways. Prevalent architectural styles include Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial Revival, Ranch, Contemporary, and Modern.

When it comes to vertical living, few developments can rival The Plaza Irvine – a resort-style community with elegantly-appointed residential units and first-rate amenities. 

The Plaza Irvine is made up of two luxury high-rises at 3000 to 8000 Scholarship. Each steel and glass-clad condor tower features 101 residential units with up to three bedrooms. With more than 1,000 to 4,000 square feet of living space, these units are available in a variety of layouts. 

The two topmost floors of each tower consist of eight two-story penthouses, which are some of the finest homes for sale in Irvine, CA – designed by award-winning architectural firm McLarand Vasquez & Partners, the units at The Plaza Irvine feature 19-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious wrap-around balconies that offer unobstructed views of the surrounding parkland and allow for plenty of natural light. 

These penthouses also feature gourmet kitchens with pre-installed high-end appliances and master bathrooms with walk-in closets and Jacuzzi tubs on top of regular amenities. The Plaza Irvine’s single-story condos are just as thoughtfully designed with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, high-end appliances, and upscale finishes. 

The penthouses and larger, three-bedroom units in The Plaza Irvine can easily command more than $2 million while its one-bedroom unit prices start at around $600,000. Get in touch with The Michael Walsh Realty Group for more information on condo prices in Irvine.

Each tower has 24-hour reception and security in the grand lobby, which features a gorgeous fireplace with comfortable seating as well as a conference room and  recreational room. The Plaza Irvine promotes a relaxed and leisurely lifestyle with shared amenities such as the well-equipped fitness center, Olympic-sized pool, lap pool, and whirlpool spa. Residents can also visit the sundeck, steam rooms, and gardens for some rest and relaxation.

Neighborhoods and residential developments

Irvine is made up of several villages with each having its own architectural theme. It is also home to several condo and single-family home developments. Notable residential areas in and around the city include:

• Central Park West
• Irvine Business Complex
• Irvine Spectrum
• Northwood
• Oak Creek
• Orchard Hills
• Portola Springs
• Quail Hill
• The Marquee
• The Watermarke
• Turtle Rock
• University Hills
• University Park
• West Irvine
• Woodbridge

Irvine’s village design and planned development have helped the city maintain robust property values over the years. Properties appreciate faster when the economy is good and depreciate slower during difficult times, according to firm Metrostudy. The value of new construction homes in the city have increased by almost 40% since 2010 – more than the average new construction home in Orange County.

Notable residents

Irvine has had its fair share of high-profile residents over the years, including burlesque artist Dita Von Teese, former Danity Kane singer Aubrey O’Day, former professional tennis player Lindsey Davenport, and seven-time Olympic medalists Aaron Peirsol and Amanda Beard. The city is also a popular filming location, with portions of 7th Heaven, Iron Man, Ocean’s Eleven, Malcolm in the Middle, and Transformers having been shot in the area.

Living in Irvine, CA

Weather

Irvine residents experience short, warm, and arid summers with clear weather as well as long and cool winters with partly cloudy skies. The comfortable weather lends itself well to a wide variety of outdoor activities and events year-round. Temperatures typically range between 47°F and 82°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 40°F or going over 90°F. 

Quality of life

Irvine residents enjoy a high quality of life with pleasant weather, recreational spaces, good schools, and a strong sense of community. Almost 90% rated their quality of life as either “good” or “excellent” in a public opinion survey by FM3 Research. 

Schools

Founded in 1972, the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) provides quality education to over 36,000 students from transitional kindergarten (TK) to 12th grade with comprehensive academics, arts, and athletics programs. Click here to see the full list of schools under IUSD. Higher educational institutions in and around Irvine include University of California (UC) Irvine, Concordia University, and Irvine Valley College.

Business and employment 

Irvine is home to many national and international corporations that offer stellar career and business opportunities. There are an estimated 19,000 registered businesses in Irvine, according to Money. Top employers include the University of California Irvine and Blizzard Entertainment. The city’s diverse economic base includes manufacturing; accounting, software, scientific and medical research firms; and legal, financial, and professional services.

Amenities

• Great Park is a 500-acre leisure and lifestyle complex featuring a carousel, balloon ride, outdoor agricultural classroom, themed playgrounds, over 1.5 miles of walking and cycling trails, and the Palm Courts Arts Complex, Great Park Sports Complex, and Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena. 
• Irvine Visitors Center is a 4,762-square-foot information center with a lobby, cafe, offices, restrooms, and umbrella and sports equipment rentals. It’s the first stop for guests riding the Great Park Balloon. 
• John Wayne Airport (JWA) is located about four miles from Irvine. JWA is ranked #2 among North America’s largest airports and is serviced by a dozen passenger airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and WestJet.
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is located approximately 43 miles from the city and is serviced by 69 passenger airlines and 23 cargo airlines.

Attractions

• Irvine Open Space Preserve, also known as the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, is a historic ranch with over 50,000 acres of protected land with open spaces, limestone formations, remote canyons, watersheds, and nature trails surrounded by mature oaks and sycamores. Popular activities include hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and bird watching. 
• San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses over 300 acres with an arboretum, birdhouse, and scenic trails that meander through riparian woodlands and fresh coastal wetlands. It is a popular spot for bird watching with over 300 bird species visiting the marsh, including the roadrunner, tree swallow, cedar waxwing, and white-fronted goose, depending on the season.
• ​​Irvine Museum was founded in 1992 and harbors a vast collection of more than 1,300 works of art from the late 19th to early 20th century, including California Impressionist and plein air paintings by artists Alfred Mitchell, Armin Hansen, Granville Redmond, and Guy Rose.   
• Irvine Historical Museum is housed in a historic ranch that dates back to 1877 – the oldest in the city – and features artifacts, photos, and other displays on Irvine’s rich history. 
• Pretend City Children’s Museum features age-appropriate exhibits and hands-on activities to spark children’s curiosity, imagination, and critical thinking. It also features an art studio, amphitheater, and a pretend farm and cafe, among others. 
• Irvine Fine Arts Center organizes contemporary art exhibits, cultural programs, and art and culinary camps. It hosts the annual Studio Arts Festival every June and Holiday Faire each November. Both festivals showcase the original works of Southern California artists.
• Irvine Barclay Theatre is a 756-seat venue that hosts concerts and other live performances. It produces world-class ballet, classical music, and jazz concerts.
• The Donald Bren Events Center, also called the Bren Events Center, is a 5,608-seat venue in UC Irvine that hosts sports matches, dance concerts, and school ceremonies.
• FivePoint Amphitheater is an entertainment venue that has hosted musical acts like Janet Jackson, Dave Matthews Band,  Matchbox Twenty, and Goo Goo Dolls.  
• Regal Edwards University Town Center is a theater complex that screens the latest box office hits. 
• Old Town Irvine was founded as a storage and distribution center for Irvine Ranch in 1887 and offers a glimpse into the city’s rich agricultural past. Many of its historic structures have been restored and converted into trendy shops and cafes. It was designated a California Historic Landmark in November 1991. 
• Northwood Gratitude & Honor Memorial was established in 2003 and is dedicated to American military members who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Irvine Global Village Festival is an annual event that takes place every October. It features live music, children’s activities, art exhibits, and food and drinks. Click here to see the calendar of special city events in Irvine.

Recreation

• Central Bark Dog Park features a three-acre off-leash field and a separate fenced area for small and frail dogs. It also has a water facility and covered seating. 
• Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park Facilities is a 42-acre park with a playground, gardens, picnic shelters, softball and soccer fields. 
• Harvard Skate Park is a 10,000-square-foot skating facility with a skating bowl, spine, and lighted areas for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
• Oak Creek Golf Club & Driving Range features an 18-hole, Tom Fazio-designed golf course set amidst exquisite Spanish architecture and lush landscaping. It also has an on-site pro shop offering an assortment of golf equipment, apparel, and accessories from leading brands. 
• Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course provides access to a William Francis Bell-designed golf course and 64-stall driving range.
• Strawberry Farms Golf Club features an eight-hole, Jim Lipe-designed golf course set amidst scenic wetlands and canyons. The club also has an on-site restaurant and rustic events venue.
• Turtle Rock Nature Center is a five-acre nature preserve with a nature trail, native plant garden, and labyrinth. The patio area and fire pit can be reserved for small gatherings.
• William R. Mason Regional Park, also called Mason Park, encompasses 339 acres with a beautiful lake, wilderness hiking area, sand volleyball courts, and hiking and biking trails.
• William Woolleet Jr. Aquatics Center is a premier swimming and diving facility with a 25-yard instructional pool and two 50-meter competition pools.

See the full list of neighborhood parks and community centers in Irvine. 

Shopping and dining

• Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center is a retail center with cafes, bakeries, and restaurants serving Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Cajun, and Mediterranean fare. 
• Irvine Spectrum Center is a shopping and lifestyle complex with major retailers like Aerie, Anthropologie, Lush, Nordstrom, and Sephora. It also features carnival rides, arcade games, play structures, and several state-of-the-art movie theaters. 
• The Marketplace is a shopping center with major retailers like Bath & Body Works, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nordstrom Rack, T.J. Maxx, and Ulta Beauty. There are also several casual dining restaurants serving Brazilian, Indian, Italian, and Mexican fare. Regal Edwards Marketplace screens the latest cinematic releases.
• Great Park Certified Farmers Market is held on Sundays at Great Park with vendors selling locally grown fruit and vegetables grown on the Great Park Farm.

Work with the The Michael Walsh Realty Group

Find homes for sale in Irvine, CA when you call the Michael Walsh Realty Group at 949.466.9229. You can also send an email or fill out this contact form to set up a consultation. The Michael Walsh Group is a client-focused, service-center company specializing in Irvine Airport Area real estate. 

The team includes long-term career professionals with a broad range of skills and competencies to streamline transactions. Michael Walsh is an Orange Country real estate expert with over 26 years of experience in luxury condos and gated communities. Get in touch with them today for more information.