Irvine is an independent Orange County city composed of multiple planned villages with different development periods and association arrangements.
Living in Irvine
Detached homes, townhomes, condominiums, and apartments differ substantially by village.
Great Park, Jeffrey Open Space Trail, and UC Irvine are city-wide landmarks.
Irvine is organized into planned villages with parks, trails, and shopping centers close to home. It is home to the University of California, Irvine and a large business district, and many families are drawn by its public schools.
Getting around
The I-5 and I-405 run through the city, and the Irvine Metrolink station offers rail service toward Los Angeles and San Diego. Many neighborhoods carry homeowners association and Mello-Roos assessments.
A closer look before you choose
Compare villages individually and confirm all association dues, special taxes, and amenity rules.
Sources & market notes
- Population
- Irvine city (Census place); 2020–2024 (5-year estimate); U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
- Median sale price
- Irvine city (Redfin city boundary); all home types; October 2026; Redfin housing market report
Photo: Azusa Tarn / Wikimedia Commons · License. Display cropped to fit.
Guide reviewed October 14, 2026. Boundaries and housing vary by block. Population and market figures are dated source snapshots, not live prices or appraisals; periods and coverage may differ between guides. Confirm property condition, commute, insurance, and association rules for a specific address.