While Southern California’s housing market has shifted into sellers’ territory, the rental market firmly favors new tenants. If you’re searching for an Irvine apartment that offers plenty of space for working from home or a balcony from which to partake in a Zoom happy hour (are people still doing those?), set your sights on these five new construction communities.
In an effort to attract new residents, some complexes are even offering leasing incentives or flexible terms. You might not be able to make use of the fitness center right now, but at least you’ll get more bang for your buck when it comes to the size of your home sweet rented home.
1. Park Place
Developer: Irvine Company Apartment Communities
Address: 3395 Michelson Drive
Priced from: $1,820/month
Even the smallest apartments at Park Place tout well over 600 square feet of living space. The rental community is a winning choice for young professionals or UC Irvine students who want to remain close to campus. Choose from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with quartz-topped kitchen islands, hardwood-style flooring, ultra highspeed internet, stainless steel appliances, full-sized washers and dryers, generous walk-in closets, and private balconies or patios (as per plan).
Park Place features an array of resort-style amenities, including three saltwater pools and four spas, outdoor courtyards with barbecue areas and fireplaces, and a movement studio that offers complimentary yoga and fitness classes. Best of all, the building sits adjacent to the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, the perfect escape for birders, joggers and photographers.
2. Fusion
Developer: Alliance Residential Company
Address: 17321 Murphy Avenue
Priced from: $2,026/month
Receive up to one month of free rent and $2,500 in incentives by leasing at Fusion near the Irvine Business Complex — you could even win a Peloton bike! This collection of studio, one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments is characterized by generously sized living spaces, nine-foot ceilings, wood-style plank flooring, gourmet kitchens and built-in USB charging outlets.
The community is pet-friendly, allowing a maximum of two pets per apartment with a weight limit of 80 pounds. There’s a convenient, onsite dog park where furry friends can socialize and burn off some energy. Other sought-after amenities include a rooftop pool and spa, 24-hour fitness center, kids’ playground, co-working space, and an open-air lounge with hammocks and dining tables.
3. Elements
Developer: Garden Communities CA
Address: 1000 Elements Way
Priced from: $2,325/month
Elements boasts expansive one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 775 to 1,657 square feet. Select apartments come complete with premium upgrades like under-counter Whirlpool wine coolers, Sonos integrated speaker systems and Sonaki Vitamin C showerheads. For a limited time, new tenants can also receive up to $8,00 off at move-in.
Elements enjoys a long list of recreation and wellness amenities, from a bowling alley to an infrared sauna and a rock-climbing wall. If you’d rather just relax, hit the outdoor patio with fireplace or the rooftop pool and spa.
4. The Murphy
Developer: PLC Land
Address: 16101 Murphy Avenue
Priced from: $3,315/month
Barely a year old, The Murphy is a community of 170 resort-style rental residences near Bill Barber Memorial Park. The spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments and townhomes boast high ceilings, wood-plank style flooring, solar shades, polished quartz countertops, and designer faucets and fixtures.
Experience stylishly-appointed indoor/outdoor amenities, including an 18-meter lap pool and relaxing spa, a top-floor sky lounge with sweeping city and mountain views, and a family-friendly park featuring barbecues, sitting areas and a kids’ play area.
5. Skyloft
Developer: Sanderson J. Ray Development
Address: 2700 Main Street
Priced from: $2,405/month
Located steps from the Irvine Business Complex, Skyloft is a rental community of modern studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The interiors were inspired by coastal living, complete with open floorplans, neutral color palettes, light-filled spaces and clean lines.
Renowned hospitality design firm Schoos Design is behind the exceptional amenity collection, which includes a rooftop beach lagoon, signature lounge, state-of-the-art golf simulator, and a training studio with Technogym cardio equipment. Plus, residents will live within minutes of Irvine Spectrum Center, Fashion Island and the UC Irvine campus.
