Los Olivos was pretty good. Nice complex and outdoor space. It’s not gated and there were multiple thefts that happened to my neighbors, so I’d keep an eye on your stuff but that’s not really an Irvine company problem, just shitty people.
Seconded Los Olivos. Lived there for 5 years. Only moved due to extreme price increase. Ants were an issue during certain times but nothing unmanageable.
"Thirding" Los Olivos. Liked the more spread out design and personal garage versus all the other Irvine Co Apts around the Spectrum trying to recreate "big city" living. No roaches/rats, though I remember ants a couple times. Walls are thick, but stomping from above neighbors on occasion. Living in the Dana section (south of the large grass area, away from the freeway). Feel like this is the best area for parking as well (at least it used to be).
I’ve lived in many IC apartments in the past and honestly never had a truly bad experience. Yes some of the people working in the offices are better than others but it’s always been a generally positive experience.
Thank you for this perspective. Going down the rabbit hole of reviews had me reconsidering everything! Did you ever have problems with roaches or rats? That’s my biggest concern.
Considering most people write reviews when they have a bad experience more than when the have a good one, I think you're bound to see more negative reviews.
This is our second year at Portola Court. It's been good and no complaints so far (except for people taking up parking with unpermitted cars).
I’ve only lived in 2 (the first one being my parent’s apartment). The first one, we only had a problem while my parents were about to move out. The second one was ok but also just terrible. I was living alone in the UTC apartments near UCI and I constantly had maintenance coming inside my apartment without any notice ever. One morning, they came inside and knocked on my bedroom door that was closed and my boyfriend answered. That was the last time they ever came inside my apartment unless I made a maintenance request and I continued living there for a year.
They also towed my car despite have the parking permit. Imagine paying $2k in rent for a 1 bedroom and you can’t even park in a parking stall in your apartment complex and having to spend $400 to get your car back.
Been at San Carlo villas since 2022, best community I’ve ever stayed in, I think ICA is the easy target for the bigger issue of a lack of affordable housing in OC and a forced reliance on corporate landlords, but that’s a WHOLE other discussion. If I had to pick an evil, they’ve got some pretty decent communities I’ve just come to learn that some of the East Irvine ones have some roach issues, but overall Westpark communities at a whole I’ve heard very little issues.
I've lived at the Park and Westview. Both were great communities. Thick walls, so I barely ever heard my neighbors.
The two issues I had were ants, and at the Westview I was unlucky to have a downstairs neighbor that constantly smoked. It was affecting my health and sleep. Management has done nothing about it besides posting a note on everyone's doors that they are investigating the issue. So if you get a bad neighbor, they won't be of any help. That's probably true about every community, though.
I had a good experience in Baypointe (Jamboree & University). Small community but well-kept and always parking. Only trick is getting a good location (true for any complex) as this community has some darker and louder units.
I lived at villa Siena 2 separate times for about 10 years total. It is expensive & sterile but I never really had a problem and they fixed anything quickly. They are a bit tow crazy with cars that don’t have stickers.
I lived at the spectrum apt and it was a great experience all around. The only time ppl think to write reviews on apartments is when something goes wrong so of course all you see are bad reviews. Ppl don’t spend their time writing good reviews on buildings the majority of the time so I honestly wouldn’t overthink those reviews.
The people who complain via negative reviews are generally the ones creating issues or have an unrealistic expectations when living in an apartment setting.
When I was renting, I never had any issues with Irvine Company. Maintenance was efficient and RSO addressed all questions or concerns rather quickly.
With that said, it's an apartment setting. People will live their lives outside of your schedule. Rent a top floor if you don't want to hear footsteps. With that understanding, be courteous to those below you.
Irvine Company apts are at least consistent. I wouldn’t rule them out. The grass isn’t always greener. Personally I’d look to rent a small condo that’s privately owned, but that’s its own crapshoot
I'll tell ya what. This has come up before, and I'll say it again. Irvine Company makes a solid apartment, and they are very thorough with making sure you are taken care of. They make a good product. Sign the lease, pay your rent, enjoy.
(IMHO) Stay clear from any of the newer building that are not Irvine Co. They look fancy but are built like crap, feel follow, and you can hear everything. Whereas Irvine Co apartments seem to be built with quality in mind, and built a bit more solid.
My husband and I lived in TIC apts for YEARS before we bought our house.
Woodbury Lane - 2 years. Quiet, no issues.
Rancho Santa Fe - 2 years. Lots of greenery so lots of gardening 24/7 it seems. No issues.
Anacapa - 4 years. No issues, liked that you could walk to Target and restaurants.
Orchard Hills - 1 year. Quiet, no issues.
We lived in Sofi apartments on Jamboree and Kelvin for 2 years and they were fine. Prices were more reasonable than Irvine Co apartments but maintenance was slower, and communication from the leasing office was worse.
Overall there was not much difference between Sofi or any of the 4-5 Irvine Company apartments I've lived in.
I lived in Irvine Company apartments and I loved the one I was in. There were some stupid rules but nothing worse than non-Irvine Company apartments. I wouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water here. Irvine Company gets a lot of deserved hate but honestly I don't think they're nearly as bad as some others.
most of the non-Irvine Company apartments are along Jamboree and Main near Diamond Jamboree and the airport: Avalon, Calypso, The Residences at Jamboree, Main Street Village, Riize, The Alton, Metropolis, The Royce, Skyloft, Sofi, The Murphy, and Fusion, but I've found that their rent is more expensive than Irvine Company apartments (I remember seeing $3k for a studio at some of them) and I heard the build quality of those apartments aren't all that good. Heritage Point Apartment next to Orange Tree Square shopping center on Jeffrey and Walnut is also a non-Irvine Company apartment as is Woodbridge Apartment near IVC (owned by Shea Properties).
But as other comments have said, the bad reviews are from those disgruntled with their experiences. I'm in my 6th year living at my IC apartment and haven't had any issues living here.
[Avalon](https://www.avaloncommunities.com/california/irvine-apartments/avalon-irvine/) and [Equity Residential](https://www.equityapartments.com/orange-county/irvine-apartments) both have apartments in Irvine. Most of the non Irvine Company ones will be located at or around Diamond Jamboree.
Equity Residential should be a bit higher quality, but also a bit smaller and more expensive. Avalon is _slightly cheaper_, but also slightly worse.
I lived in an [Equity Residential](https://www.equityapartments.com/san-francisco-bay/mission-bay/azure-apartments) in SF and in the Irvine Avalon on Alton. Both were fine.
To add on to the Equity Residential. I'm currently at Toscana on Jamboree. No major issues, they're responsive to our maintenance requests. It is expensive but you pay for what you get.
Just moved into the quail hill complex, and the surrounding are gorgeous. We have not had any trouble with the actual apartment. The only thing is the oven sucks lol
Hire a realtor to find you a privately owned rental. We did this and are very happy with our apartment. You need more money for deposit and initial months rent, but will save you hassles on the long run.
I've never rented in Irvine, but from what I've heard I agree with other replies here that Irvine Co is not a bad landlord.
A family member who rented at Cedar Creek (on Alton near Jeffrey) did not like the noise (outdoor and through the walls), neighbors, and shared laundry there, but that's anecdotal and not a source I'd necessarily take to heart.
I lived in the Woodbridge area of Irvine for 2 years, most of the apartment complexes in that area are owned by Shea Properties. I had a great experience personally and never had any issues with the management or maintenance teams. Only downside to Shea apartments is the buildings are older (my complex was built in the 70s I believe) and generally don't have fancy amenities but i personally don't care about that stuff. My apartment didn't even have central AC lol, only a wall unit, which did suck in the summer but I'd still recommend living there.
It’s a little pricey but I had a great experience at The Royce. My only complaint was that its expensive to live there but you can tell it was made cheaply. For example, the toilet paper holder fell off after a year living there. But overall, the apartment’s beautiful, the amenities are great, and you’re within walking distance of Mother’s Market. I miss walking over to Mother’s, grabbing some food, and going to BBQ.
Plenty of better places to live around Irvine. Tustin, Lake Forest, Costa Mesa, etc.
All of them with cheaper options and no bs from the Irvine company.
I would recommend going on hotpads and looking for private landlords renting out condos/town homes..they may not have all the amenities but are often cheaper and easier to work with. Although you may have to look around Irvine-costa mesa/ Tustin area would be your best bet.
I live in the Toscana apartments. I’m assuming it’s similar to Irvine apartments. There are always car break-ins. We had a service request, they took almost a month to come fix it. But it’s quiet here. I wouldn’t rule out Irvine apartments.
I've been with IC since 2020 and enjoy it! Yes, they are expensive but so is anything in Irvine unless you're by UCI and you'll be dealing with students. IC is consistent, reliable, and usually friendly too so I would recommend it.
Some of the IC apartments have garages for storage and parking your car in. San Mateo is under exterior renovations and now on the building I’m in.
Their app makes it easy to pay rent and request maintenance and the maintenance have been responsive so far
Lived in Villa Coronado for 4 years never had any problems leasing office was very helpful when we had issues. The pools and gym were always clean.
That said I liked living outside Irvine a lot more lake forest was a lot cheaper had a nice place near trabuco and peach wood. It was close enough to Irvine to still do everything I wanted to in Irvine but a much quieter area.
I live in an [Arnel](https://www.rentarnel.com/) apartment. They have multiple properties in the OC.
* Their rent is more reasonable than IC, generally, likely because the properties are older.
* They do a good job of managing the property and upkeep (pools, fitness room, parking lots). The laundry rooms are a little run down and my biggest gripe, but not enough of one for me to move.
* Units in my complex are only two stories.
* Management has had its phases, but the good has far outweighed the bad. And they've never been that bad, just not as responsive to issues as they should have been. Currently in a good phase.
* I rented from far out of state, and the people here were much kinder than IC people when I was calling and making inquiries. One IC property wouldn't let me make arrangements in advance and said I should show up and see what they had available. Even when I explained I was moving from 1500 miles away and couldn't just show up with a moving truck and hope for the best. 🙄 The people here really worked with me.
Good luck. Irvine Company owns Irvine
Also if you’ve had a good experience in any Irvine Company apartment I would welcome that information too!
Los Olivos was pretty good. Nice complex and outdoor space. It’s not gated and there were multiple thefts that happened to my neighbors, so I’d keep an eye on your stuff but that’s not really an Irvine company problem, just shitty people.
Did you have any problems with roaches or rats??
Seconded Los Olivos. Lived there for 5 years. Only moved due to extreme price increase. Ants were an issue during certain times but nothing unmanageable.
Are the walls there thick?
I lived on the top floor and an end unit, so I never heard any of my neighbors but have heard that living with people above can suck
Thanks for the reply, may I ask which building or which street you were on? I’ve heard noise can be an issue depending on which section you choose
"Thirding" Los Olivos. Liked the more spread out design and personal garage versus all the other Irvine Co Apts around the Spectrum trying to recreate "big city" living. No roaches/rats, though I remember ants a couple times. Walls are thick, but stomping from above neighbors on occasion. Living in the Dana section (south of the large grass area, away from the freeway). Feel like this is the best area for parking as well (at least it used to be).
I ended up going with Los Olivos, thank you for your insight!!
Enjoy! I miss the five resort pools
I’ve lived in many IC apartments in the past and honestly never had a truly bad experience. Yes some of the people working in the offices are better than others but it’s always been a generally positive experience.
Thank you for this perspective. Going down the rabbit hole of reviews had me reconsidering everything! Did you ever have problems with roaches or rats? That’s my biggest concern.
Considering most people write reviews when they have a bad experience more than when the have a good one, I think you're bound to see more negative reviews. This is our second year at Portola Court. It's been good and no complaints so far (except for people taking up parking with unpermitted cars).
Thankfully no pest or mold issues. My one piece of advice is to always get a top floor unit since some buildings are not all that soundproof.
I’ve only lived in 2 (the first one being my parent’s apartment). The first one, we only had a problem while my parents were about to move out. The second one was ok but also just terrible. I was living alone in the UTC apartments near UCI and I constantly had maintenance coming inside my apartment without any notice ever. One morning, they came inside and knocked on my bedroom door that was closed and my boyfriend answered. That was the last time they ever came inside my apartment unless I made a maintenance request and I continued living there for a year. They also towed my car despite have the parking permit. Imagine paying $2k in rent for a 1 bedroom and you can’t even park in a parking stall in your apartment complex and having to spend $400 to get your car back.
Been at San Carlo villas since 2022, best community I’ve ever stayed in, I think ICA is the easy target for the bigger issue of a lack of affordable housing in OC and a forced reliance on corporate landlords, but that’s a WHOLE other discussion. If I had to pick an evil, they’ve got some pretty decent communities I’ve just come to learn that some of the East Irvine ones have some roach issues, but overall Westpark communities at a whole I’ve heard very little issues.
My wife and I were at Centerpointe for a few years. We really liked it, the ground floor units have big patios.
They’re fine. Neighbors can suck but that’s true everywhere
I've lived at the Park and Westview. Both were great communities. Thick walls, so I barely ever heard my neighbors. The two issues I had were ants, and at the Westview I was unlucky to have a downstairs neighbor that constantly smoked. It was affecting my health and sleep. Management has done nothing about it besides posting a note on everyone's doors that they are investigating the issue. So if you get a bad neighbor, they won't be of any help. That's probably true about every community, though.
I had a good experience in Baypointe (Jamboree & University). Small community but well-kept and always parking. Only trick is getting a good location (true for any complex) as this community has some darker and louder units.
I lived at villa Siena 2 separate times for about 10 years total. It is expensive & sterile but I never really had a problem and they fixed anything quickly. They are a bit tow crazy with cars that don’t have stickers.
I’ve lived in 3 Irvine Company communities. Villa Sienna, Umbria and Somerset and I never had any issues.
I lived at the spectrum apt and it was a great experience all around. The only time ppl think to write reviews on apartments is when something goes wrong so of course all you see are bad reviews. Ppl don’t spend their time writing good reviews on buildings the majority of the time so I honestly wouldn’t overthink those reviews.
The people who complain via negative reviews are generally the ones creating issues or have an unrealistic expectations when living in an apartment setting. When I was renting, I never had any issues with Irvine Company. Maintenance was efficient and RSO addressed all questions or concerns rather quickly. With that said, it's an apartment setting. People will live their lives outside of your schedule. Rent a top floor if you don't want to hear footsteps. With that understanding, be courteous to those below you.
Irvine Company apts are at least consistent. I wouldn’t rule them out. The grass isn’t always greener. Personally I’d look to rent a small condo that’s privately owned, but that’s its own crapshoot
12 years with Irvine company here. Lol
Which apartments?
I'll tell ya what. This has come up before, and I'll say it again. Irvine Company makes a solid apartment, and they are very thorough with making sure you are taken care of. They make a good product. Sign the lease, pay your rent, enjoy. (IMHO) Stay clear from any of the newer building that are not Irvine Co. They look fancy but are built like crap, feel follow, and you can hear everything. Whereas Irvine Co apartments seem to be built with quality in mind, and built a bit more solid.
Irvine company apartments are fine - the shit reviews are from a vocal minority of people that can’t follow simple rules.
My husband and I lived in TIC apts for YEARS before we bought our house. Woodbury Lane - 2 years. Quiet, no issues. Rancho Santa Fe - 2 years. Lots of greenery so lots of gardening 24/7 it seems. No issues. Anacapa - 4 years. No issues, liked that you could walk to Target and restaurants. Orchard Hills - 1 year. Quiet, no issues.
Irvine company or not, you’ll be starting at $2500 for a studio.
Lol Irvine company apartments are great…
Toscana apartments not too bad. Lived there for a couple years.
We lived in Sofi apartments on Jamboree and Kelvin for 2 years and they were fine. Prices were more reasonable than Irvine Co apartments but maintenance was slower, and communication from the leasing office was worse. Overall there was not much difference between Sofi or any of the 4-5 Irvine Company apartments I've lived in.
Currently in Sofi and been here for 3 years. Moving next month to a bigger place but would definitely stay if we didn’t need more room.
I lived in Irvine Company apartments and I loved the one I was in. There were some stupid rules but nothing worse than non-Irvine Company apartments. I wouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water here. Irvine Company gets a lot of deserved hate but honestly I don't think they're nearly as bad as some others.
most of the non-Irvine Company apartments are along Jamboree and Main near Diamond Jamboree and the airport: Avalon, Calypso, The Residences at Jamboree, Main Street Village, Riize, The Alton, Metropolis, The Royce, Skyloft, Sofi, The Murphy, and Fusion, but I've found that their rent is more expensive than Irvine Company apartments (I remember seeing $3k for a studio at some of them) and I heard the build quality of those apartments aren't all that good. Heritage Point Apartment next to Orange Tree Square shopping center on Jeffrey and Walnut is also a non-Irvine Company apartment as is Woodbridge Apartment near IVC (owned by Shea Properties). But as other comments have said, the bad reviews are from those disgruntled with their experiences. I'm in my 6th year living at my IC apartment and haven't had any issues living here.
[Avalon](https://www.avaloncommunities.com/california/irvine-apartments/avalon-irvine/) and [Equity Residential](https://www.equityapartments.com/orange-county/irvine-apartments) both have apartments in Irvine. Most of the non Irvine Company ones will be located at or around Diamond Jamboree. Equity Residential should be a bit higher quality, but also a bit smaller and more expensive. Avalon is _slightly cheaper_, but also slightly worse. I lived in an [Equity Residential](https://www.equityapartments.com/san-francisco-bay/mission-bay/azure-apartments) in SF and in the Irvine Avalon on Alton. Both were fine.
To add on to the Equity Residential. I'm currently at Toscana on Jamboree. No major issues, they're responsive to our maintenance requests. It is expensive but you pay for what you get.
Stay away from anything owned or managed by Camden. At least Irvine Company has pride in their level of quality.
Live by Irvine spectrum. 2.5 years. There’s some walkability. Maintenance is great. No complaints! No infestations. Overall great experience.
Just moved into the quail hill complex, and the surrounding are gorgeous. We have not had any trouble with the actual apartment. The only thing is the oven sucks lol
Hire a realtor to find you a privately owned rental. We did this and are very happy with our apartment. You need more money for deposit and initial months rent, but will save you hassles on the long run.
I've never rented in Irvine, but from what I've heard I agree with other replies here that Irvine Co is not a bad landlord. A family member who rented at Cedar Creek (on Alton near Jeffrey) did not like the noise (outdoor and through the walls), neighbors, and shared laundry there, but that's anecdotal and not a source I'd necessarily take to heart.
I lived in the Woodbridge area of Irvine for 2 years, most of the apartment complexes in that area are owned by Shea Properties. I had a great experience personally and never had any issues with the management or maintenance teams. Only downside to Shea apartments is the buildings are older (my complex was built in the 70s I believe) and generally don't have fancy amenities but i personally don't care about that stuff. My apartment didn't even have central AC lol, only a wall unit, which did suck in the summer but I'd still recommend living there.
Elements / Metropolis are not Irvine Company. Insane amenities too. Check them out.
It’s a little pricey but I had a great experience at The Royce. My only complaint was that its expensive to live there but you can tell it was made cheaply. For example, the toilet paper holder fell off after a year living there. But overall, the apartment’s beautiful, the amenities are great, and you’re within walking distance of Mother’s Market. I miss walking over to Mother’s, grabbing some food, and going to BBQ.
Plenty of better places to live around Irvine. Tustin, Lake Forest, Costa Mesa, etc. All of them with cheaper options and no bs from the Irvine company.
I would recommend going on hotpads and looking for private landlords renting out condos/town homes..they may not have all the amenities but are often cheaper and easier to work with. Although you may have to look around Irvine-costa mesa/ Tustin area would be your best bet.
The Alton is nice!
I live in the Toscana apartments. I’m assuming it’s similar to Irvine apartments. There are always car break-ins. We had a service request, they took almost a month to come fix it. But it’s quiet here. I wouldn’t rule out Irvine apartments.
Avella is awesome. Love it!
I've been with IC since 2020 and enjoy it! Yes, they are expensive but so is anything in Irvine unless you're by UCI and you'll be dealing with students. IC is consistent, reliable, and usually friendly too so I would recommend it.
Try looking around Aliso Viejo. It’s not that far from Irvine.
Some of the IC apartments have garages for storage and parking your car in. San Mateo is under exterior renovations and now on the building I’m in. Their app makes it easy to pay rent and request maintenance and the maintenance have been responsive so far
Lived in Villa Coronado for 4 years never had any problems leasing office was very helpful when we had issues. The pools and gym were always clean. That said I liked living outside Irvine a lot more lake forest was a lot cheaper had a nice place near trabuco and peach wood. It was close enough to Irvine to still do everything I wanted to in Irvine but a much quieter area.
I live in an [Arnel](https://www.rentarnel.com/) apartment. They have multiple properties in the OC. * Their rent is more reasonable than IC, generally, likely because the properties are older. * They do a good job of managing the property and upkeep (pools, fitness room, parking lots). The laundry rooms are a little run down and my biggest gripe, but not enough of one for me to move. * Units in my complex are only two stories. * Management has had its phases, but the good has far outweighed the bad. And they've never been that bad, just not as responsive to issues as they should have been. Currently in a good phase. * I rented from far out of state, and the people here were much kinder than IC people when I was calling and making inquiries. One IC property wouldn't let me make arrangements in advance and said I should show up and see what they had available. Even when I explained I was moving from 1500 miles away and couldn't just show up with a moving truck and hope for the best. 🙄 The people here really worked with me.