Living in Northwood, Irvine, California
An established Irvine community anchored by top-rated schools and family-oriented design.
About Northwood in Irvine
Northwood stands out as one of Irvine's most settled residential neighborhoods, defined by strong schools, high owner-occupancy rates, and an affluent, educated population. Additionally, with a median household income of $165,619 and 68.4% of residents holding bachelor's degrees, this community attracts established families and accomplished professionals seeking stability. The neighborhood sits distinctly above Irvine's city-wide median home value of $1,025,700, reflecting both its desirability and the premium buyers place on its school district and family infrastructure.
Real Estate Market in Northwood
| Median home price | $1.15m |
|---|---|
| Price per sq ft | $750+ |
| Median rent | $3,377 |
| Typical days on market | 12 to 18 |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 54 |
| Transit Score | 24 |
| Bike Score | 73 |
Northwood commands a median home price of $1,152,763, reflecting strong buyer demand and limited supply in this established neighborhood. Rental inventory also runs steep at $3,377 monthly, consistent with premium Orange County coastal and suburban markets.
Homes in Northwood typically attract multiple offers, especially family residences near top-rated schools. Cash buyers and those pre-approved for jumbo mortgages hold a significant advantage; expect to move quickly and competitively in this sought-after area.
Who Thrives in Northwood
Northwood's high home prices present a stretch for many first-timers, but strong resale demand and school ratings reward long-term commitment.
Additionally, this is Northwood's core market: 35.9% of residents have children, schools earn strong ratings, and parks like Northwood Community Park anchor weekend routines.
Additionally, northwood's 69.4% owner-occupancy, limited inventory, and premium pricing support steady rental and resale appreciation for patient capital.
Additionally, with 37.3% of the workforce operating from home, fast broadband infrastructure, and quiet streets, Northwood suits professionals seeking commute flexibility.
Additionally, the median age of 45.9 years and mature, low-poverty environment appeal to empty-nesters; proximity to medical services and leisure facilities completes the picture.
Property Types in Northwood
Dominant property type; master-planned layouts and proximity to top schools command premium pricing.
Lower-entry option attracting downsizers and investors seeking easier maintenance and rental upside.
Limited but high-demand offerings; older homes undergoing renovation drive modest supply churn.
Living in Northwood, Irvine
Daily life in Northwood revolves around family commitments, school calendars, and access to regional amenities. Residents enjoy walkable neighborhood parks including Northwood Community Park, Silkwood Park, and Pepperwood Park for weekend recreation, while Northwood Community Center anchors fitness and programming. The broader Irvine master-plan design encourages a car-dependent lifestyle, though pockets near Yale Avenue and Bryan Avenue support casual retail and dining at spots like Boba Square, Mitsuwa Marketplace, and local restaurants including Beijing Restaurant and Dada Shabu Shabu.
- Beijing Restaurant · 10 min walk
- Old World Liquor · 12 min walk
- Carl's Jr. · 12 min walk
- Del Taco · 13 min walk
- Dada Shabu Shabu · 13 min walk
- Boba Square · 10 min walk
- The Mugs · 12 min walk
- Starbucks · 21 min walk
- Gong Cha · 22 min walk
- Champagne Bakery · 25 min walk
- Northwood Community Park · 2 min walk
- Silkwood Park · 6 min walk
- Pepperwood Park · 7 min walk
- Brywood Park · 8 min walk
- Zion Market · 11 min walk
- Prime Meat Market · 21 min walk
- Diho Bakery · 21 min walk
- Mitsuwa Marketplace · 24 min walk
- H Mart · 25 min walk
- Northwood Community Center · 2 min walk
- Practice Gym · 24 min walk
- Main Gym · 25 min walk
- Trabuco Center · 30 min walk
- Irvine Fine Art Center · 23 min walk
- Theater Building · 26 min walk
Annual events: Irvine community festivals, school fundraisers, Irvine Fine Art Center exhibitions, seasonal parks events
Schools Near Northwood, Irvine
Northwood's reputation rests heavily on its exceptional public school access, with Santiago Hills Elementary (85.5 rating) and Brywood Elementary (79 rating) serving the lower grades. Additionally, jeffrey Trail Middle School (83.5 rating) and Sierra Vista Middle (75.5 rating) move students through middle school before high school options at Irvine High (71.5 rating) and Arnold O. Beckman High (68 rating).
Elementary Schools
School Score 85.5 with 84% math and 87% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 81.5 with 80% math and 83% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 79 with 78% math and 80% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 75.5 with 75% math and 76% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 83.5 with 81% math and 86% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 75.5 with 73% math and 78% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 71.5 with 68% math and 75% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 68 with 62% math and 74% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Great Foundations Montessori (PK-KG) — 14-minute walk
- New Horizon Elementary School – Irvine (PK-6) — 24-minute walk
- Dreamland Preschool (PK-KG) — 29-minute walk
- Northwood Montessori Of Irvine (PK-KG) — 35-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Santiago Hills Elementary feeds primarily to Jeffrey Trail Middle, creating a cohesive K12 pathway prized by families planning long-term residence.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Northwood
Additionally, northwood's car-dependent layout (49.8% drive to work) dominates commute patterns, though 37.3% of households operate remote-capable schedules, reducing peak-hour congestion. Transit scoring at 24 reflects limited bus infrastructure, making personal vehicles the practical norm.
Additionally, orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) bus stops near Bryan Avenue and Yale Avenue provide limited regional connectivity; most residents rely on personal vehicles or rideshare for daily mobility.
Neighborhoods Near Northwood
Not sure Northwood is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Northwood
What is the average home price in Northwood, Irvine?
The median home price in Northwood is $1,152,763, roughly 12% above Irvine's city-wide median of $1,025,700. Single-family homes typically range $1.0m to $1.6m, while townhomes and condos span $750k to $1.2m. Prices reflect strong buyer demand, limited inventory, and the neighborhood's top-rated school access.
Is Northwood a good neighborhood to live in?
Yes, particularly for families and established professionals. Additionally, with a 3.1% poverty rate, 63.1% married households, 68.4% with bachelor's degrees, and median household income of $165,619, Northwood ranks among Irvine's most affluent and educated communities. Safety, school quality, and family infrastructure make it an attractive long-term investment.
What are the top schools near Northwood?
Santiago Hills Elementary (85.5 rating) and Brywood Elementary (79 rating) serve lower grades, feeding into Jeffrey Trail Middle School (83.5 rating). Additionally, high school students attend either Irvine High (71.5 rating) or Arnold O. Moreover, beckman High (68 rating). This strong pipeline drives family demand and home values throughout the neighborhood.
Is Northwood a safe neighborhood?
Northwood maintains a low poverty rate of 3.1% and attracts predominantly homeowning, married, college-educated families, creating a stable, secure environment. Irvine's overall public safety statistics and master-planned design contribute to the neighborhood's reputation as a safe place to raise families.
Who is Northwood best suited for?
Northwood excels for established families prioritizing schools and stability, remote-capable professionals seeking a quiet residential base, and investors targeting long-term appreciation in a premium master-planned community. With 69.4% owner-occupancy, it also appeals to retirees and empty-nesters valuing mature, low-turnover neighborhoods.
What amenities and dining options are near Northwood?
Northwood Community Center anchors fitness and recreation, while nearby parks including Northwood Community Park, Silkwood Park, and Pepperwood Park provide family-friendly outdoor space. Local dining options include Beijing Restaurant, Dada Shabu Shabu, and casual spots like Gong Cha and Boba Square; grocery shopping is accessible at Mitsuwa Marketplace and H Mart.
Where this Northwood data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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