Turtle Ridge Neighborhood Guide

Researching Turtle Ridge neighborhood in Irvine California? Here is a complete guide with the most up to date information about Turtle Ridge neighborhood!

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Overview

ABOUT Turtle Ridge

Turtle Ridge is a scenic neighborhood located on the southwestern edge of the city of Irvine in Orange County, California. Known for its beautiful, upscale houses and subdued, scenic atmosphere, Turtle Ridge is a family-friendly neighborhood with great schools and a collection of nearby restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Turtle Ridge is bordered to the north by the Turtle Rock neighborhood, to the north and east by the Shady Canyon neighborhood, and to the south by California State Highway 73.

With a population of fewer than 5,000 people, Turtle Ridge is one of the smaller neighborhoods in Irvine. Though it is mostly residential, it is located near some of Southern California’s most frequented destinations, including Crystal Cove State Park, the Balboa Pier, Pretend City Children’s Museum, and Orange County Great Park.

Culture in Turtle Ridge is often described as calm and tranquil, both laid-back and upscale. The neighborhood is mostly populated by families: those with children under age 18 compose nearly 80% of its population.

The population density in Turtle Ridge is 27% higher than in Irvine, though properties in this neighborhood are fairly spacious. As a suburban neighborhood, Turtle Ridge reflects a rather subdued atmosphere that is reflected in its culture. Most residents have moderate political views. Over half are Caucasian and the majority own their homes.

TOP Turtle Ridge HIGHLIGHTS

Upscale new architecture
Beautiful views
Nearby state parks and beaches
Excellent schools
Safe neighborhood streets
Accessibility to nearby highways
Beautiful nature reserves
Resort-style amenities

Natural Disasters

There are no significant records of any serious and recurring natural hazards that are specific to the exclusive neighborhood of Turtle Ridge in Irvine, CA.

Irvine City, however, is prone to several natural disasters like floods, wildfires, and landslides.

Commute

Though Turtle Ridge is a hilly neighborhood, commuting is made simple thanks to its close proximity to CA-73, which makes up its southern edge. Other nearby highways include Interstate 405, which is just a 5-10 minute drive north of the neighborhood. Commuting to Los Angeles is roughly one hour each way.

Crime Rate

Turtle Ridge is among the safest neighborhoods in Irvine, CA. Overall, the total crime rate in the area is 467 per 100,000 residents. This rate is about 82% lower than the national average.

Violent crime in the neighborhood happens at a rate of about 32 per 100,000 residents. This rate is about 92% lower than the national average. Property crime happens more often in the area at a rate of about 435 per 100,000 residents. This rate, however, is still 80% lower than the national average.

Turtle Ridge is safer than about 96% of communities in California. One has a 1 in 215 chance of becoming a victim of crime in the neighborhood.

Education

SCHOOLS IN Turtle Ridge

Turtle Ridge is located near a number of highly-ranked schools at the K-12 and collegiate levels. Most notable among these schools is UC Irvine, a nationally-recognized university located mere minutes northwest of the neighborhood.

Many of the public and private schools that service Turtle Ridge have received an A or B rating from Niche. Known for excellent educators, solid student-teacher ratios, and top-notch facilities, the region’s public schools are a great choice for anyone residing in Turtle Ridge or nearby. Top schools serving Turtle Ridge include Vista Verde Elementary School, Rancho San Joaquin Middle School, and University High School.

Schools

ELEMENTARY
Vista Verde Elementary School: Vista Verde Elementary School is the only public school located in Turtle Ridge proper. One of the best elementary schools in Southern California, Vista Verde holds an overall A+ rating from Niche. It has 947 students in grades K-8 and a student-teacher ratio of 28 to 1. State test scores report that 83% of students at Vista Verde are at least proficient in math and 90% are proficient in reading. Turtle Rock Elementary School: Located just north of Turtle Ridge, Turtle Rock Elementary School is another highly-rated elementary school serving the area. This school holds an overall A+ rating from Niche. Slightly on the larger side, it has 883 students in grades K-6 and a student-teacher ratio of 29 to 1. According to state test scores, 86% of students are at least proficient in reading and 86% are proficient in math. Bonita Canyon Elementary School: Rounding out the top elementary schools serving Turtle Ridge is Bonita Canyon Elementary School, another recipient of an A+ rating from Niche. Located in just north of Turtle Ridge on the southern edge of Turtle Rock, this public school has 488 students in grades K-6 and a student-teacher ratio of 28 to 1. State test scores report that 83% of its students are at least proficient in reading and 78% of students are proficient in math.
MIDDLE
Rancho San Joaquin Middle School: Located 5-10 minutes north of Turtle Ridge in Irvine’s University Park neighborhood, Rancho San Joaquin Middle School is a highly-rated middle school with an overall A+ rating from Niche. Serving grades 7 and 8, this public school has 863 students and a student-teacher ratio of 28 to 1. State test scores report that 83% of students are at least proficient in math and 83% in reading. South Lake Middle School: On the other side of Interstate 405 less than 10 minutes from Turtle Ridge is South Lake Middle School, a highly-rated public middle school with an overall A+ rating from Niche. South Lake Middle School has 706 students in grades 7-8 and a student-teacher ratio of 25 to 1. State test scores report that 71% of its students are at least proficient in reading and 70% are proficient in math. Corona Del Mar High School and Middle School: Corona Del Mar High School and Middle School is located in Newport Beach, CA less than 10 minutes northwest of Turtle Ridge. This public school serves grades 7-12 and holds an excellent A+ from Niche. It has 2,580 students and a student-teacher ratio of 28 to 1. According to state test scores, 69% of its students are at least proficient in reading and 65% are at least proficient in math.
HIGH
University High School: University High School is a top-rated high school located in Turtle Rock just north of Turtle Ridge. It is one of the larger high schools in the area with 2,617 students in grades 9-12. It has a student-teacher ratio of 27 to 1 and an excellent A+ rating from Niche. State test scores report that 78% of students are at least proficient in reading and 73% are proficient in math. Newport Harbor High School: Woodbridge High School a highly-rated high school serving Turtle Ridge and located in Irvine 5-10 minutes north of Interstate 405. It has an overall A+ rating from Niche and a solid student-teacher ratio of 26 to 1. Serving grades 9-12, Woodbridge High School has 2,447 students. State test scores report that 79% of students are at least proficient in reading and 69% in math. Creekside High School : Also located north of Interstate 405 in Irvine, Creekside High School is a well-reviewed alternative high school with an A- rating for its teachers and an overall B rating from Niche. It has 92 students in grades 9-12 and a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1. State test scores report that 25% of student are at least proficient in reading and 10% are at least proficient in math.
PRIVATE
Tarbut V'Torah Community Day School: Tarbut V'Torah Community Day School is a top-rated private K-12 school located in the northwestern corner of Turtle Ridge. Earning both an A+ rating and the #1 spot among the Best Private K-12 Schools in Orange County from Niche, this Jewish school has a 100% graduation rate. Annual tuition is $27,795 with 29% of students on financial aid. Pacific Academy: Pacific Academy is a private school located north of Interstate 405 in Irvine, California. Pacific Academy’s Irvine campus maintains an impressive 8 to 1 student to teacher ratio. The school has a student body of 122 students in grades 7-12. 94% of its students go on to attend a 4-year college. Sage Hill School: Sage Hill School is highly-rated private high school located just south of CA-73 in the Newport Coast neighborhood, mere minutes from Turtle Ridge. Earning both an A+ rating and the #1 spot among the Best Private High Schools in Orange County from Niche, Sage Hill School has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, and a student to college counselor ratio of 36 to 1. Serving grades 9-12, it has an annual tuition of $39,130.

Real Estate

Turtle Ridge Housing 2020

As an upscale area idea for family living, Turtle Ridge features a relatively hot real estate market with a selection of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos currently on the market. Dwelling prices range from $550,000 – $5,480,000 and sit on 18.5-acre lots with the median home price at $1,354,600.

As with much of Irvine, property prices and rental rates are on the rising in Turtle Ridge. The majority of properties currently on the market are considered luxury, with starting prices sitting at well over $1 million. Luxury properties can be found in all parts of Turtle Ridge, but as a general rule: the higher you go, the more expensive the houses get.

Turtle Ridge is considered a highly-desirable neighborhood due to its upscale properties, amazing views, and newer infrastructure. It is also a short drive to many beaches, state parks, shopping, entertainment venues, and a host of other Southern California hotspots.

Turtle Ridge Homes for Sale

Turtle Ridge offers a selection of upscale living options primarily suited for families and those looking to live in houses. The neighborhood is quite young, with building starting in 2003 and finishing in 2012. Nearly all structures feature modern designs and amenities.

For the most part, Turtle Ridge contains houses, townhomes, and condos. However, there are a few apartment options in the neighborhood. Properties in Turtle Rock range from $550,000 – $5,480,000 and sit on 18.5-acre lots with an average of three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Most properties have a 1 or 2-car garage.

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Things to do

Though Turtle Ridge itself is a relatively small and quiet neighborhood, it still as a lot to offer for both kids and adults. The neighborhood itself is home to a collection of parks and scenic views that are just a short walk in any direction, Those into hiking will find excellent choices in the nearby neighborhoods such as Turtle Rock and Shady Canyon. Other nearby outdoors destinations include Crystal Cove State Park and Orange County Great Park, which also has access to a number of shopping destinations. Speaking of shopping, Turtle Ridge is also a short drive away from some of Southern California’s best shopping centers, including the Irvine Spectrum, the region’s largest outdoor shopping mall. Other excellent Irvine destinations include the Pretend City Children's Museum and UC Irvine. Want to do something fun just outside of irvine? Hit the beach! Turtle Ridge is just minutes from some of Southern California’s most iconic beaches, including Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Laguna Niguel.
Take in the Turtle Ridge view
Turtle Ridge is known for its views above all else. Take a walk along Turtle Ridge to get excellent views of the ocean and the nearby hills. No matter what side of the ridge you’re on, you’re bound to get a great view.
Visit nearby Turtle Rock
Next door to Turtle Ridge is Turtle Rock, another elevated neighborhood with exquisite views and the iconic “Turtle Rock”, a small rock formation atop an undeveloped hill in a larger range that’s the perfect place for hiking.
Shop outdoors at the Irvine Spectrum
Irvine is home to a number of world-class shopping destinations. None are more unique or more expansive than the Irvine Spectrum, an outdoor shopping center with over 130 shops, restaurants, pubs, and more. Take a ride on the 108-foot Giant Wheel and shop for the day while enjoying the weather.
Go golfing at the Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course
Turtle Ridge is located just minutes from a number of excellent 18-hole golf courses. One of the most popular nearby options is Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course, but other excellent nearby courses include Strawberry Farms Golf Club and Shady Canyon Golf Club.
Take a walk in William R. Mason Regional Park
Bordering Turtle Ridge to the north, William R. Mason Park is a large, family-friendly park with a number of walkways and fields for playing sports. It’s a great place to walk or bike to and spend the day.
Explore Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is a large state park and wildlife refuge located less than 10 minutes away (by car) from Turtle Ridge. Witness amazing wildlife and take in natural beauty in this protected piece of land.
Visit the Balboa Pier
.For picturesque ocean views you can enjoy with getting in the water or sand, head over to the historic Balboa Pier, a 15-minute drive from Turtle Ridge. Try your hand at fishing while you’re out there.
Check out Pretend City Children’s Museum
Want to do something with the kids? Located just south of Interstate 405 and Interstate 5, this nonprofit children’s museum features 17 interconnected exhibits to form a “pretend city” for kids and adults alike to enjoy.
Get great views in a balloon at Orange County Great Park
Orange County Great Park is a public park located in Irvine to the northeast of Turtle Ridge. The park is a non-aviation reuse of the decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. Visitors can enjoy onsite markets, a sports complex, and rides in hot air balloons to get views of the nearby mountains and coastline.
Watch surfers at The Wedge
While not located in Turtle Ridge proper, the beach is just a short drive away. One of the most entertaining beachside destinations near Turtle Ridge is The Wedge, special spot where ocean waves bounce off a jetty to collide and make much bigger waves. Watch surfers ride waves at the wedge or attempt to ride few yourself.

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