University Park

I have lived in University Park, Village One (UCA) for almost 50 years. It is the first planned village in Irvine, and has become unique, since the Irvine Company has unfortunately dropped its initial plan of building really unique planned villages, and now every house in Irvine looks pretty much alike — a big stucco box, covering most of its land with more indoor space than any one family normally needs.
The architects of UCA planned that we would each have privacy within our own yards, with courtyards and patios either behind walls (on the street) or looking out on our spacious greenbelts. One and two story homes and townhomes were arranged and alternated so we had varied rooflines, setbacks, and unobstructed views from second story bedrooms and balconies.
Although unfortunately, some exploitive builders have torn down a few of the original homes, or made unfortunate additions here and there, for the most part, the streets remain unspoiled. I suggest if you are looking for a new home, are a buyer, and love good architecture and planning, you come over, and then plan to buy one of these great places, modernize the interior, and hire an architect who understands the value of what we have here and can work with you to fill your needs and help us preserve this wonderful gem of a mid-​century modern neighborhood.
If you have children, you cannot beat this neighborhood. We have many playgrounds, a city park, a library, adventure playground, a nursery school and elementary school, and the middle school and renowned University High School are within walking and biking distance. Leave your car behind, and walk to four pools, tennis courts, sand volleyball, and two shopping centers.