Northwood

Irvine, CA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$1,692,500 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
55–65 (car-dependent but walkable to parks and schools in some tracts)
Walkability Score
Consistently 9–10/10 on GreatSchools; Northwood High is nationally ranked.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Generally bounded by Irvine Blvd (south), Jeffrey Rd (west), Portola Pkwy (north), and Yale Ave (east).

Zip Codes

92620

Market Data Summary

Price RangeRecent sales range from $1.2M (3bd/3ba, 1,764 sqft) to $1.8M (3bd/2ba, 1,702 sqft)
Price per Sq Ft$801–$809 (June 2025)
Inventory LevelsNeutral market with typical inventory and average days on market.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhomesCondos

Architectural Styles

California ContemporaryTraditionalSpanishMediterranean

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes3,000–6,000 sq ft for single-family; smaller for condos/townhomes
Home Age RangeBuilt 1977–2000s, with some newer infill
Construction QualityGenerally high, with well-maintained HOA communities and mature landscaping.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a strong presence of families, professionals, and Asian-American households.

Community Vibe

Suburban, safe, quiet, and community-focused with active HOAs.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Students (nearby colleges)

Family Friendly

Very family-oriented; top-rated schools, parks, and community events.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Northwood Community Park
  • Hicks Canyon Park
  • Jeffrey Open Space Trail

Dining Options

  • Asian cuisine
  • Casual eateries
  • Coffee shops

Shopping Centers

  • Northwood Town Center
  • Orchard Hills Shopping Center

Local Businesses

  • Northwood Town Center
  • Local cafes
  • Fitness studios

Education & Schools

Consistently 9–10/10 on GreatSchools; Northwood High is nationally ranked.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Northwood Elementary
  • Brywood Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Sierra Vista Middle

High Schools

  • Northwood High School (top-rated)

Private Schools

  • Pacific Academy
  • Crean Lutheran

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • OCTA bus routes

Major Roads

  • Irvine Blvd
  • Jeffrey Rd
  • Portola Pkwy
  • Yale Ave

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15–25 min to major Irvine business centers; 20–30 min to John Wayne Airport.
WalkabilityModerate; better in interior tracts near parks/schools.
ParkingAmple street and garage parking; some HOA restrictions.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Move-up families
  • Relocating professionals
  • Investors seeking stable returns

Key Selling Points

  • Top-ranked schools
  • Mature landscaping and parks
  • Stable, safe community

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively within recent comp range; avoid overpricing as market is neutral.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High home prices compared to other Irvine neighborhoods

Response Strategy:

Emphasize superior schools, safety, and long-term value retention.

Objection: Older home stock may need updates

Response Strategy:

Showcase recent renovations or provide cost estimates for upgrades.

Objection: Lower walkability than central Irvine

Response Strategy:

Highlight proximity to parks, schools, and short drives to shopping/dining.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong historical appreciation (15%+ YoY); expected to moderate but remain positive.

Rental Demand

High, especially for families and professionals seeking top schools.

Buyer Competition

Moderate; neutral market with balanced buyer/seller leverage.

Best For

  • Families
  • Long-term investors
  • Move-up buyers

Potential Concerns

  • Affordability due to price run-up
  • Older homes may need updates

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage school rankings and safety stats in marketing.

2

Stage homes to appeal to families and highlight outdoor spaces.

3

Educate buyers on long-term appreciation and community stability.

4

Prepare for appraisal challenges due to rapid price increases.

5

Network with local schools and community groups for referrals.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Woodbridge
  • Turtle Rock
  • Westpark

Market Positioning

Premium family neighborhood with strong schools and stable values.

Competitive Advantages

  • Top schools
  • Mature community feel
  • Lower crime rates

Price Comparison

Priced above Westpark, below Turtle Rock; similar to Woodbridge but with newer amenities.

Investment Metrics

2.8%–3.3% (typical for Irvine)
Cap Rates
3.0%–3.5% gross
Rental Yields
High (indicative of strong owner-occupant demand)
Price-to-Rent
Generally negative to neutral for new investors; best for appreciation-focused buyers.
Cash Flow
Expected to moderate to 4–6% annually after recent surge.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to high prices; best for those with strong down payments or family support.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal, especially for families seeking better schools and larger homes.

Downsizers

Attractive for those seeking low-maintenance living near amenities.

Investors

Best for long-term appreciation; cash flow limited unless large down payment.

Relocators

Popular for professionals/families relocating for schools or jobs.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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