Turtle Rock is a hillside neighborhood located in the southern portion of the City of Irvine, near Concordia University and the University of California, Irvine. The hillside community gets its name from a large rock formation that looks like a turtle’s carapace which can be found in the nearby hills and is sacred to the Gabrielino Native Americans.
Made up of 3,923 homes and originally established in 1967, Turtle Rock is known for its meandering trails, mature trees, and a variety of homes, many of which offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and cityscape. 47% are single family homes, 41% are condominiums or paired homes and 12% are apartments for a total of 25 different neighborhoods. Each neighborhood offers its own community pool and facilities. Additionally, there are many single level homes on large lots and the community offers low property taxes with no Mello Roos!
The area is also home to a number of parks and open spaces, including the Turtle Rock Nature Center, which features many different hiking trails and educational exhibits. You can expect to see people walking, jogging and biking through the community trails on a daily basis. It is also known for its excellent schools, including the award-winning Turtle Rock Elementary School, Bonita Canyon Elementary School and University High School, which consistently rank among the best in the state.
The neighborhood is also home to a diverse community of residents with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees. It’s ideally located near John Wayne Airport, Irvine Spectrum, Fashion Island and numerous golf courses and restaurants. Excellent for commuters, it’s close to the 405, the 5 freeways and the 73 toll road.
