If you’re a homebuyer who’s been doing research on master-planned communities (MPCs) in California, you might have heard of Irvine Ranch, located in the heart of Orange County towards the southern edge of Los Angeles.

This master-planned community was first developed by The Irvine Company over a century ago, and today, it’s considered one of the top-selling master-planned communities in the country. Centrally situated in the OC, residents in the Irvine Ranch community enjoy the luxury of living less than an hour away from LA while also being an hour-and-a-half away from San Diego. 

However, Irvine Ranch’s convenient location isn’t the only selling point. Homebuyers are attracted to this MPC for numerous reasons, including the community’s various home styles, different price points, amenities, easy access to employment centers, and much more.

Here’s a detailed guide to Irvine Ranch, the OC’s premiere master-planned community.

Aerial view of Newport Beach in Irvine Ranch

Vast Landscape

The Irvine Ranch master-planned development covers approximately 20 percent of Orange County, encompassing unincorporated areas as well as sections of cities, including Laguna Beach, Tustin, Newport Beach, Orange, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Costa Mesa.

Altogether, this live, work, play community spans approximately 93,000 acres, and it’s home to over 280,000 diverse residents. The MPC is also dedicated to preserving the land and its resources, with over 57,000 acres permanently set aside as open greenspace. Homebuyers considering a move to Irvine Ranch can enjoy the benefits of living in this self-contained community with rugged foothills, grassy meadows, forest-covered canyons, and even sandy beaches.

Home Styles and Prices

William Pereira is a former Hollywood art director-turned-architect responsible for overseeing the construction and design of Irvine Ranch. He designed the master plan to preserve the area’s wetlands, with homes shaped around the natural contours of the terrain.

Since the geography is varied, there’s also a mixture of architectural designs for homes within the community. Most of the homes within this MPC during the 1960s and 1970s boasted a California Ranch-style with beige stucco walls and wood tiled roofing. However, as time progressed, Irvine Ranch evolved and adopted other architectural styles, including Mediterranean and Tuscan-style homes. 

Nearly 40 villages are situated throughout Irvine Ranch, and each village has its own unique identity for residential living. Each village is divided into its own district that offers a variety of home styles, sizes, and prices. Homes in Irvine Ranch typically reflect the vibe of the location and environment, so residents have a sense of community wherever they choose to live.

According to Neighborhoods.com listings, homebuyers will find the median sale price in Irvine Ranch in the high $800s, with current home prices ranging from the low $100s to over $50 million.

Amenities

Most villages feature their own parks, walking trails, and mountain bike paths, which is ideal for residents who enjoy spending time outdoors in recreational areas. However, the master-planned community also offers residents resort-style amenities, including numerous pools, tot lots, athletic courts, world-famous golf courses, spas, barbeque areas, and fitness facilities.

Irvine Ranch is also strategically situated near local recreational areas as well as business and employment centers, so residents can enjoy easy access to other resources. Combined with Southern California’s unbeatable climate, residents at the Irvine Ranch have plenty of amenities to pick from. 

What It’s Like to Live Here

There’s a reason why the Irvine Ranch is one of the top-selling master-planned communities in the United States, and that’s because there’s something exciting for nearly every resident, and the community supports a variety of lifestyle preferences. Many lovers of architecture and history report an appreciation for the MPC’s historic buildings and detailed property designs, while outdoor adventurers rave about the community’s abundance of parks and greenspace.

Locals enjoy the community’s serene atmosphere, allowing homeowners a sense of relaxation. It’s also easy for residents to meet their neighbors thanks to the community’s abundant shared spaces and social events.