University Park and Town Center

Highlighted by an established master-planned community, University Park and Town Center offers an array of convenience in an attractive Orange County location. “It’s one of the most popular areas in Irvine because of its proximity to top schools and the University of California-Irvine, as well as to a lot of parks and the freeway,” says Nancy Aynehchi, a Realtor with First Team Real Estate.

University Park is one of the oldest communities in Irvine, and actually predates its incorporation as a city. University Park began as a way to attract residents after plans were announced for the UC-Irvine campus in the early 1960s. University Park was designed around an innovative pedestrian greenway system, in which a network of landscaped pathways links individual neighborhoods and community amenities, including schools, parks and shopping centers. Residents also have access to convenient travel in and out of the community via Interstate 405, which forms the north side of University Park.

An eclectic mix of single-family homes graces the quiet streets of University Park. Private driveways and attached garages are common features, and yards vary in size. Most of the homes are partially attached, but offer private courtyards. Modern remodels stand out among the community’s larger homes. Housing is yet another popular attraction. “At one open house recently, 80 people showed up,” says Aynehchi. Outside the community, options include town houses and condominiums in the Town Center area, as well as multi-level contemporary homes surrounding the UC-Irvine campus.

Students have access to one of the top-rated public school systems in the state. University Park Elementary and Rancho San Joaquin Middle, both of which earned high marks from Great Schools for test scores, are A-rated schools by Niche located in the planned community. Nearby University High is rated an A-plus school by Niche, and GreatSchools gave it a 10 out of 10 for college readiness.

The greenway system winds its way among the residential neighborhoods, providing convenient walkability throughout the community and easy access to its several parks. The centerpiece of recreational activity is University Community Park. Its most unique feature is Adventure Playground, which provides a tree house, art wall, kids fort zone and a sensory garden. Additional amenities include natural play spaces and tennis courts. Dave Robins Park also offers tennis facilities, as well as one of the community’s five pools. The Village Park Recreation Center provides similar amenities. For residents seeking additional outdoor adventures, William R. Mason Regional Park is adjacent to the community. The sprawling complex features miles of hiking and biking trails, a small lake that is a popular place for sailing model boats and an amphitheater. “There are a lot of cultural events at the park,” says Aynehchi. “The area is home to a large Persian population, and on Sizdah Be-Dar, which is the 13th day of the Persian New Year, there’s a gathering of more than 20,000 people.” Family picnics and 5K races are among other regular events hosted at the park. Visitors also have access to softball fields, sand volleyball courts and three tot lots. In addition, the nearby Strawberry Farms public golf course is located on the other side of a large wilderness preserve. The UC-Irvine campus offers its own set of attractions. The most popular is the botanical garden at Aldrich Park. The Bren Events Center, where the Anteaters basketball teams play, is among several facilities hosting university athletic events.

Convenient retail and dining options are spread throughout University Park and Town Center. Residents can shop for groceries, grab a meal and even gas up at shopping centers on either side of Michelson Drive, which bisects the community. Wholesome Choice is the featured stop at University Park Center on the community’s west side. “It’s a very well-known international supermarket,” says Aynehchi. “They have food for every culture you can think of. It’s the largest store of its kind in Orange County.” The Parkview Center mall on the community’s east side also is home to an animal hospital. In Town Center, the University Center mall is anchored by a movie theater, a Trader Joe’s and eateries that include Le Diplomate Bakery Café, which serves up highly rated American and Vietnamese specialties.

From established and quiet to modern and vibrant, the choices are vast in University Park and Town Center.

Written By

Matt Pallister

Photography Contributed By

Ling Ge

Video By

Luke Basinger