What defines the 'heart" of Irvine to you?

C

Chuck_IHB

New member
I moved to Irvine quite a long time ago - 1989 to be exact. Back then, Irvine was defined in my mind by the lakes in Woodbridge, the hills of Turtle Rock, and the campus of UCI. In a sense, the "old" Irvine landmarks that have something unique about them vs. rows of look-alike houses and strip malls. These landmarks and the topography of these areas still represent Irvine's identity in my mind.



But as we all know, Irvine has grown considerably since then, with a lot of new villages inland from these landmarks. I must admit that I don't know the "new" areas of Irvine very well, and to be honest I don't ever find any reason to travel east of the 5. So my question to people who may have moved to Irvine more recently is this - what in these new areas is interesting, or unique, and do these new areas have anything that you feel creates a sense of community or uniqueness? This isn't completely a rhetorical question - I am in the process of considering a move to a larger house, and so far with my limited trips to these new areas I can't find anything that interests me other than newer homes with more attractive/current floor plans than what you find in "old" Irvine.



Thanks in advance for your comments!
 
Like you... I moved here in the 80s and there was no Westpark II, Northpark, Northwood II, Northpark Square, West Irvine, Woodbury, Portola Springs, Oak Creek, Harvard Square or Quail Hill.



I've lived in Woodbridge, Northwood, Harvard, Turtle Rock, various places around UCI, Westpark and Quail Hill.



I think Woodbridge still holds that "heartness" for me because it was the first area I lived in, it has the lakes and it's centrally located. Sure... the area is older but it has amenities that most of the newer places have. I've spent a lot of time in Northwood too... like Woodbridge... it's old... but it has that family neighborhood feel. I never really liked Turtle Rock that much because I always thought it was too far from everything... but after living in QH... I appreciate the seclusion of a hillside neighborhood and the elevated views of the Irvine Ranch. I liked living in Westpark II, like Woodbridge, it was centrally located and I enjoyed the walkways between the neighborhoods... it was also one of the newer areas I lived in. As for Oak Creek, Harvard Square and Northpark... I was never really a fan of gated communities but many of my friends live in those areas citing more privacy and security.



There was a phase where I was really into Woodbury... but after weighing everything... the location was farther from where I wanted to be. This also goes for Orchard Hills (if they ever build it)... I think my preference goes toward central/southern Irvine... closer to the 405 rather than the 5.



I think the biggest drawback when comparing "older" Irvine to "newer" Irvine is really the floorplans. We have preferences for how we want our home laid out and unless we can raze and rebuild in an older neighborhood... we'll probably have to live in the newer ones which have floorplans more similar to our needs.
 
It sounds like we have had very similar experiences, although you have moved a lot more than me! I live in Woodbridge now and love the sense of community (even the corny 4th of July parade) and the amenities, but we are having a really hard time finding a floor plan that works for us. The "open plan" layout with the kitchen flowing in to the family room doesn't seem to exist, or if it does the family room is really small compared to the "formal" living room and dining room area that most people I talk to say they don't really use. Plus, probably since this is an older area with a fairly entrenched population there doesn't seem to be much inventory on the market....I think there are only 4 homes for sale inside the loop right now.



I also share your opinion of gated communities, which I feel are not only unnecessary in Irvine but a pain to deal with for both residents and visitors.



If you were to choose a newer village now which one would be at the top of your list?
 
Good burgers in one of Irvine's oldest buidlings (I think it is an old blacksmith's shop) at Knowlwood restaurant on Sand Canyon right at that corner.......
 
[quote author="Chuck" date=1232592807]It sounds like we have had very similar experiences, although you have moved a lot more than me! I live in Woodbridge now and love the sense of community (even the corny 4th of July parade) and the amenities, but we are having a really hard time finding a floor plan that works for us. The "open plan" layout with the kitchen flowing in to the family room doesn't seem to exist, or if it does the family room is really small compared to the "formal" living room and dining room area that most people I talk to say they don't really use. Plus, probably since this is an older area with a fairly entrenched population there doesn't seem to be much inventory on the market....I think there are only 4 homes for sale inside the loop right now.

</blockquote>
Exactly... you must be my twin... we also noticed the lack of open kitchen to family room plans in 'Bridge. We also prefer a laundry room... upstairs.



Most of my moving around was during college but it allowed me to experience the different areas of Irvine.

<blockquote>

I also share your opinion of gated communities, which I feel are not only unnecessary in Irvine but a pain to deal with for both residents and visitors.

</blockquote>
Hehe... whenever I would follow another car in to look at an Open House... I always wondered how secure gated communities really were.

<blockquote>

If you were to choose a newer village now which one would be at the top of your list?</blockquote>
Probably Quail Hill. It's a little out of the way (many of my friends are more northern Irvine) but I've become a hillsider (although I probably wouldn't live in Portola Springs or Orchard Hills). I always wondered why they would put a Target at the Spectrum... now I'm glad they did.
 
To many of us Asians, its the corner of Culver & Irvine Center. 99 Ranch, Sam Woo to go, drugstore and JJ Bakery. Its a one stop shop. Old people spend their day there, its the social hub of the community for people west of the 5.



Although diamond jamboree plaza (despite its horrible entrance) is catching up fast.
 
[quote author="Goofy" date=1232597643]To many of us Asians, its the corner of Culver & Irvine Center. 99 Ranch, Sam Woo to go, drugstore and JJ Bakery. Its a one stop shop. Old people spend their day there, its the social hub of the community for people west of the 5.



Although diamond jamboree plaza (despite its horrible entrance) is catching up fast.</blockquote>
The two plazas on Walnut and Jeffrey seem more Asian to me. Almost every sign is non-english and they have a 99 Ranch there too. Even the El Conejos... a Mexican staple for decades in Irvine... became an Asian restaurant.



Battle of the Asian centers!!!
 
[quote author="irvine_home_owner" date=1232598122][quote author="Goofy" date=1232597643]To many of us Asians, its the corner of Culver & Irvine Center. 99 Ranch, Sam Woo to go, drugstore and JJ Bakery. Its a one stop shop. Old people spend their day there, its the social hub of the community for people west of the 5.



Although diamond jamboree plaza (despite its horrible entrance) is catching up fast.</blockquote>
The two plazas on Walnut and Jeffrey seem more Asian to me. Almost every sign is non-english and they have a 99 Ranch there too. Even the El Conejos... a Mexican staple for decades in Irvine... became an Asian restaurant.



Battle of the Asian centers!!!</blockquote>


Those have a higher percentage of Asian stores, but its still a strip mall. The Culver plaza is more of a hangout destination and a place that you run into neighbors (if you know them). The difference is also that Westpark and Columbus Grove older generations like to walk to Culver center. Diamond isn't a walking destination.



My Asian plaza is better than your Asian plaza any day. This is all my opinion, plus asking people why they moved to a certain neighborhood that 99 Ranch plaza seems to be some sort of old marketplace.



Personally, I like 85C and HMart that's the new center of my universe.
 
Heart of Irvine...the square block of Paseo Westpark intersecting Barranca & Alton down to where Culver is :D



You got Target, Albertson's, Stonefire Grill, Weinersnchitzel, Claim Jumpers, Chili's, Olive Garden, Starbucks, Conroys, Sprouts, a few hole in the walls and the now Independent movie showing Edwards :D
 
The old post office and the mill/factory/now a hotel at the corner of Sand Canyon and Burt Rd. just south of the rte 5.
 
<img src="http://images.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=tbn&q=http://www.bonappetit.com/images/tips_tools_ingredients/ingredients/ttar_orange_01_h_launch.jpg&usg=AFQjCNF-Xk5y3LL8c0cct5zIe-wXxBFgkw" alt="" />
 
The heart of irvine is UCI. One must always keep in mind that what sets Irvine apart is the fact that Irvine is a university city. Not only does the university bring economic benefits, it brings significant human capital benefits. In a sense, there is no Irvine without UCI. It is an inalienable part of Irvines character.



Across the street from Watermarke is the UCI arboretum and Irvine ranch water district. Prior to development, this area was a duck hunting area. There was literally nothing here. It was not until UCI was given free land to develop that the place we know as Irvine was born.



As you can see, I vote UCI as the heart of Irvine.
 
[quote author="irvine_home_owner" date=1232599185]Hah... more proof of the "Legend of the FCB".



I want a Mexican plaza... we need an Alberto's (or Alberta's/Alerto's/Albertaco's) in Irvine.</blockquote>


Or Robertos, Roybertos or Albiertos. Don't forget El Conejo and El Conejito.



We need more "to's" and "jo's" in Irvine. The more "jo's" the better.
 
<img src="http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:Jg0v19ZHRM2aUM:http://image1.mapmuse.com/images/all/logo_99_RANCH_MARKET.gif" alt="" />
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top