Turtle Rock Irvine
As one of Irvine’s five original neighborhood villages, Turtle Rock is nestled in the San Joaquin Hills. The neighborhood is self-contained within Turtle Rock Drive, a loop that connects the neighborhood’s streets within the village. Although it isn’t certain, most people credit the neighborhood’s name to a large rock outcropping that is preserved on Rockview Drive. The outcropping is regarded as a sacred place by the Gabrieleno Indians, the original settlers of the San Joaquin Hills.
Dating back to the late 1960s, Irvine Company developers sought to build homes into the natural environment in the hills rising between flat Irvine ranch land and the Pacific Ocean. Natural hillsides and trees have been preserved as much as possible, and many homes in Turtle Rock are adjacent to permanently-preserved Irvine Company open space. In addition to being nestled in a beautiful natural environment, Turtle Rock has one of the largest percentages of single-family homes, including executive and estate homes, in Irvine. The environment and home styles all contribute to making Turtle Rock one of the premiere neighborhoods among Irvine’s many villages and enclaves.
Another distinction of Turtle Rock is its walking trail system. The neighborhood has a built-in walking trail which leads from University High School to Turtle Rock Community Park, enabling daily jogs, dog walking, or leisurely strolls. The trail even provides pedestrian undercrossings for safety and uninterrupted runs.
Within Turtle Rock are a number of family homes, with a mixture of newer and older construction. Along with family homes are exclusive enclaves higher in elevation, some of which offer panoramic views of Orange County city lights and the preserved Irvine canyons and backcountry. Some estate homes include new construction and extensive renovations making them state-of-the-art in luxury living and distinctive amenities. Summit, Sunpeak, Celestial, and Taggart are streets within a gated community in Turtle Rock offering exclusive estate and view homes.
Many residents select Turtle Rock for its environment and quality home construction. Irvine is noted nationally and even internationally for the achievements of its community planners. Residents may not consciously realize all of the ways their lifestyles benefit from thoughtful community planning. Home styles range from contemporary architectural to Tuscan, Cape Cod, and Mediterranean. Estate homes may be found with pools, spas, expansive and meticulously-maintained gardens, and travertine floors.
Parks
- Canyon Park
- Turtle Rock Community Park
- Chaparral Park
Schools
- Bonita Canyon Elementary School
- Turtle Rock Elementary School
- University High School
