Thinking about moving to Irvine? This California city is one of the best places to start a business or find a job, as it’s home to nearly a third of all Fortune 500 companies and boasts a lower-than-average unemployment rate. Here are the five best neighborhoods in Irvine for singles and young professionals!
El Camino Real
- Home Price: $507,458 median purchase price; $2,389 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Irvine neighborhoods
Located right off Santa Ana Fwy and north of Downtown Irvine, El Camino Real is a great place for singles and young professionals to carve out a new career. A master-planned community, El Camino Real offers some rentals and plenty of Ranch-style bungalows and condos for sale in Irvine. This suburban living is mixed alongside tons of parks and green spaces like Deerfield Community Park and Irvine nightlife spots like the taproom at Backstreet Brewery. To top it off, this top neighborhood for young professionals is also home to plenty of employment opportunities—including national banks like Bank of the West and Wells Fargo Bank, in addition to local law offices, real estate groups, and dental centers at El Camino Real’s vibrant community hub and business center, Centerstone Plaza.
Things to Do in El Camino Real
Enjoy a lively picnic or barbecue under the sun at the Heritage Park Community Center. Take in luscious parks and open spaces like Presley Park and Hoeptner Park during relaxing walks. Browse rotating local and national exhibitions or enroll in workshops on ceramics and sculpture, culinary arts, printmaking, and more at the Irvine Fine Arts Center. Practice recreational lap swimming or watch nationally based competitive events at the world-class Woollett Aquatics Center. Savor healthy Indian meals like Andhra Chicken Curry, Egg Masala, and specialty tandoori dishes at Annapoorna Indian Cuisine. Try out Salty Rice Rolls, Vegetable and Pork Buns, and a Taro Pastry at the Contemporary Chinese counter-serve spot Four Sea Restaurant. Build your own seafood, spicy beef, or vegetarian hotpot dish at All That Shabu. Or taste delicious Baklava, Tiramisu, and Mocha Roulette pastries at the family-owned Assal Pastry.
Oak Creek
- Home Price: $610,700 median purchase price; $2,299 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of Irvine neighborhoods
Oak Creek is a bustling Irvine neighborhood and outdoor recreation hot spot that borders beautiful San Diego Creek and tranquil attractions like Orchard Park and Valley Oak Park. The neighborhood offers a rural feel with urban perks, such as being minutes from top-notch hospitals and research centers at Irvine’s Medical and Science Complex. Medical professionals can find work at Kaiser Permanente and Hoag Hospital, while aspiring employees can get started at one of Irvine’s largest employers, Ivantis. Most Oak Creek homes are single-family houses with an elegant, Spanish-style design tiled roofing, and paneled exteriors. For those looking to unwind, Oak Creek is a true golfer’s sanctuary, home to the Oak Creek Golf Club with miles of open green space. Plus, if you’re looking to finish up your formal education, this neighborhood is home to the illustrious Irvine Valley College!
Things to Do in Oak Creek
Play a pick-up game of baseball, practice your footwork for soccer, or ride bike trails at Oak Creek Community Park. Pick out fresh strawberries and olallieberries straight from local and organic Orange County farms at the Manassero Farms Irvine Market. Watch competitive FPS tournaments and thrilling online matches at IVC’s Laser Esports Arena. Spend the day shopping at select retail stores and streetside boutiques like Gelson’s Market or A Royal Moment at the Oak Creek Shopping Center. Bite into freshly-made Irvine breakfast options like the Sunrise Sandwich or the Caveman’s Breakfast at W Cafe and Restaurant. Reserve a booth for mouthwatering burgers like the Stand Burger, Byo Burger, or ABC Burger at The Stand. Partake in authentic Mexican cuisines like the Burrito Vallarta, Cubana Torta, and Taco Grandissimo at Tacos and Co. Or finish off a Chicken Popper Plate and Smoked Brisket sandwiches while sipping specialized IPAs and ales at Left Coast Brewing.
Turtle Rock
- Home Price: $1,168,567 median purchase price; $1,921 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Irvine neighborhoods
Find employment opportunities, stunning outdoor views, and rich rural culture nestled next to the stunning campus of Concordia University Irvine in Turtle Rock. This Irvine neighborhood is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of urban living while still developing your career. Work at major Irvine employers near downtown like Ingram Micro, Alorica, and Hyundai America, or find job opportunities at a number of regional shops along Campus Drive. Turtle Rock also offers single-family homes and executive estates alike, with architectural styles ranging from California Ranch to Mediterranean. Named after a massive rock landmark that resembles a turtle’s carapace, Turtle Rock is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. Avid hikers and nature lovers will find countless trails and community parks to enjoy!
Things to Do in Turtle Rock
Tee off a round of 18 holes at one of the best golf courses in Irvine, Strawberry Farms Golf Club. Trek through 1.7 miles of mountainside paths at the dog-friendly hiking loop Turtle Rock Trail. Camp underneath a Sycamore canopy deep in the mountains at Bommer Canyon Preserve. Attend Cooking Tours and go for tractor-pulled wagon rides at the family-owned Tanaka Farms. Dine on Korean BBQ entrees like Boneless Short Rib, Ribeye Steak, and Beef Brisket at Seoul N Spirits BBQ. Taste milk and sugar-blended Persian ice cream flavors like Saffron Pistachio, Faloodeh, and White Rose at Saffron & Rose. Grab slices of the best pizza in Irvine with BBQ Chicken, Hawaii Five-O, and Bronx Bomber Pizza at Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store. Or stop by for a Pineapple Infusion, Grapefruit Custard, and Lemon Honey Latte drinks at trendy juice shop Love of Juice.
Walnut
- Home Price: $640,100 median purchase price; $2,392 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 33% of Irvine neighborhoods
Walnut is a trendy Irvine neighborhood that offers a dense suburban feel with plenty of fun things to do. An eclectic blend of shops and restaurants with a number of employment opportunities makes Walnut one of the best places to live for singles and young professionals. Young professionals can discover employment in Irvine at nationally-recognized brands like Agility Logistics and LA Fitness, while singles can explore the neighborhood’s malls and community centers like College Park Clubhouse, found near suburban crossings. Originally developed from Ranch land, Walnut is home to prairie-style architectural themes, as well as Traditional and Contemporary single-family homes and condos.
Things to Do in Walnut
Shred through a variety of skating surfaces or perform tricks off The Bowl at one of the top skateboarding locations in Orange County, Harvard Skate Park. Step into a collection of regional shops and tasty local eateries while shopping in the retail and business area of West Irvine at the Walnut Village Center. Practice volleyball, basketball, or futsal, or get involved in sports summer camps and events at Momentous Sports Center. Pick up some tickets to live performances like Spongebob the Musical, Madagascar Jr., or Heathers at Top Hat 8 Repertory. Wake up to breakfast specials like the 350 Panini, 350 Breakfast Sandwich, or a Burrito Bowl at Cafe 350. Sample gourmet Irvine sushi like the Sushi Omakase, Crab Cake, or Sashimi Moriawase at Gurume Sushi. Spice up your afternoon with award-winning hot curry dishes like European-style Curry Roux or Kami Fukuzuke from Maji Curry. Or savor authentic Chengdu-style skewer hot pot meals made with premium meats, seafood, and vegetables at Nice To Meet You Skewer Hot Pot.
Westpark
- Home Price: $597,469 median purchase price; $2,327 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of Irvine neighborhoods
An active shopping scene, major companies, and proximity to Downtown Irvine make Westpark a prime location for singles and young professionals. This safe, affordable Irvine neighborhood has plenty of opportunities for young professionals, with California American University nearby, as well as large employers like the Irvine Civic Center and VOLUSPA. Meanwhile, singles can enjoy tons of shopping, recreation, and nightlife along the Irvine Spectrum. Westpark is also one of the most bikeable neighborhoods in Irvine, making it easy to get around in a matter of minutes. If you’re looking for an active neighborhood with classic condo-style Irvine homes for rent, quick access to stunning recreation, and beautiful parks like Plaza Park and San Marino Park, Westpark is the perfect pick!
Things to Do in Westpark
Enjoy daily public skating or enroll in adult hockey programs and leagues at world-class skating rink Irvine Inline. Appreciate stunning seasonal exhibits showcasing Mid-Century Modern art, assemblage, and Minimalism pieces from prominent artists at the Orange County Museum of Art. Visit the Harvard Place Shopping Center for anything from groceries and artisanal cheeses, to fitness studios like pilates and stretching. Practice your swing at Alan Dugard Field, watch recreational games at Deanna Manning Stadium, or enjoy a picnic or barbecue at the scenic Bill Barber Memorial Park. Enjoy casual Japanese dining in Irvine with lunch specials like the Pork Katsu Bento, Shrimp Tempura, or Hamburg Steak dinner at Tokyo Hamburg. Chow down handcrafted Smash Burgers and the best brunch in Irvine with freshly-made Chicken and Waffles at The Cut. Pull out a chair for Mediterranean meals and healthy Turkish food like the Iskender Kebab Plate or the DonerG Original Fladenbrot at DonerG Turkish & Mediterranean Grill. Or savor high-quality Rainbow Roll sushi and Salmon izakaya made from imported Japanese fish at Sagami.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes