Overview
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Turtle Rock is an exclusive, hilly enclave in Southern Irvine, adjacent to the UC Irvine campus. The rolling terrain and gently winding, shady streets are unique in South Orange County and a surprising departure from the flatlands and high-density housing that encompass most of Irvine. Turtle Rock is bordered by Culver Drive to the west and accessible by Shady Canyon Drive from the south, Campus Drive from the northwest or Ridgeline Drive from the northeast off University.
One of the five original neighborhoods in Irvine, Turtle Rock is a mature quiet neighborhood nestled amongst towering, full-growth trees. This area was originally named for a ceremonial rock discovered and used by the Gabrielino Indians that resembled a turtle's carapace. This rock is still in existence and can be seen from the corner of Rockview Drive and Valley View.
Most of Turtle Rock is comprised of larger, single family homes with only a few condominium or apartment communities. Parks and open space are a signature of this community almost giving the area a rural-suburban feel. An elaborate trail system winds through the neighborhood, passing running streams and bouldered hills, linking houses in the area to various schools.
Parks and open space are the focus of Turtle Rock, with no commercial centers or shopping areas to speak of.
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Turtle Rock is a great neighborhood for families seeking a safe suburban community tucked away in a remote Irvine residence. It features homes built on beautiful landscape complimented by weather you can%u2019t find anywhere else. This place is a real find for anyone that can afford it. It%u2019s located near UCI and the 73 toll freeway which makes getting around fairly easy. If there is such a thing as a suburban paradise, this area fits that image. The residents here are also an added plus. Most residents here are families seeking a quiet and safe refuge away from the stress of everyday work.
The excellent Irvine schools, the relaxed suburban feel of the area, the many parks and preserved open spaces attract many families to the area.
Because of its close proximity to UC Irvine, many students reside in the Turtle Rock apartment communities. Some of the complexes are within walking distance to the university.
There are no bars or restaurants within the Turtle Rock community. The closest social scene is a few minutes away at University Town Center on Campus Drive. This strip center mainly serves the nearby college community with a movie theatre, specialty shops, restaurants and a lively brewery on weekends.
Further away, off the 405 Freeway, is Irvine Spectrum Center. This entertainment mecca features hundreds of stores, dozens of bars and restaurants, a comedy club and live entertainment. It is a popular and crowded destination on the weekend.
Fashion Island Mall, in Newport Beach, is also within close proximity. This center has a movie theatre and many restaurants and bars in an open-air setting.
Turtle Rock is an exclusive community and rents are expensive. Those that are attracted to the area love the many parks, hiking trails and preserved, open spaces. Turtle Rock is a departure from the high-density housing and stucco architecture of surrounding Orange County.
College students that rent is this area find the rents to be more affordable with roommates and enjoy the close proximity to the adjacent university.
Turtle Rock is located near the 73 Transportation Corridor, which runs east towards Laguna Niguel and the 5 Freeway and Northwest past Newport Beach towards Fountain Valley.
Commuting to Newport Beach is easy and generally traffic-free via Bonita Canyon Drive.
Culver Drive has many stop lights, and travel time to the 405 Freeway can take up to ten minutes during peak traffic hours.
Apartment complexes have assigned guest and resident parking. Parking for additional cars must be on-street.
Rental options are limited in the Turtle Rock area. Fall, and the beginning of the school year, is the busiest rental season. On-site apartments and dorms at neighboring UCI are very limited and most students are forced to find off-campus housing. If you're looking for a rental around September, be sure to plan ahead early.
Turtle Rocks many parks, walking and hiking trails, and open areas are pet friendly. Apartments allow cats and dogs, some without size restrictions.
Hiking and walking trails are the heart of Turtle Rock. An elaborate trail system winds through the community. This scenic walk passes running streams, hillsides, boulders, and even bypasses traffic by passing beneath the city streets through tunnels. Off-trail, hiking becomes more rugged on the surrounding hillsides, but the payoff is breathtaking views of the canyon areas and preserved open space.
Parks are the community centers and there are many of them. Facilities include pools, tennis, playgrounds, BBQ and picnic areas.
Strawberry Farms Golf Club is a short drive away off Ridgeline Drive, just outside the community.
Newport Beach and its many shops, sandy beaches and boat marina are a short distance from Turtle Rock and can be reached without hopping on the freeway.
The shopping centers of Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum are in close proximity. Both offer many dining options, movies, shopping, and are fun and popular places to hang out on the weekends.
The inner loop, properties located inside the circular street of Turtle Rock Drive, are considered more desirable than those located on the periphery and are priced accordingly.
There are no commercial centers or shopping areas within Turtle Rock, however services are not far away. Campus Plaza on Campus Drive satisfies all shopping needs: gas, groceries, fast food, banking, cleaners. Culver Drive is peppered with strip centers from Turtle Rock to the 405 Freeway.
Turtle Rock schools are part of the prestigious, Irvine Unified School District. The high-ranking schools are what draw many families to the area. Students attend University High School, located just outside the Turtle Rock community. University High consistently ranks in the top 100 high schools in the country.
Three college campuses are located in the area. UC Irvine, a prominent public university, sits just outside the Turtle Rock boundaries, and offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Concordia is a private university just north of Turtle Rock community. Irvine Valley College, a 2 year college offering vocational and associates degrees, also serves the area.
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