Irvine Spectrum Irvine, CA

The Irvine Spectrum neighborhood was designed and built as part of the master plan for the large city of Irvine. The unique shopping center opened in 1995, anchored by what was then the largest movie theater in the United States, featuring an unprecedented 21 screens. As the Irvine Spectrum mall continued to grow, with its fifth and final phase completed in 2006, the neighborhood around it has also grown according to the master plan.

While this neighborhood doesn't have any museums, it does host one of the premier concert venues in Orange County, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. This outdoor amphitheater hosts the top names in popular music, as well as comedy festivals and other stadium-sized attractions. Parking can be chaotic, but it's absolutely free. Locals recommend using Uber, since the amphitheater sits almost in their back yard.

Not surprisingly, the focus of dining and nightlife in the Irvine Spectrum neighborhood revolves around the Irvine Spectrum Center itself. Designed to offer eclectic and unexpected choices, the Center does so in its restaurant selections. Dive into the unusual world of Korean-Mexican fusion at Urban Seoul 2.0. Whether it's pork belly tacos, fried rice featuring chorizo and kimchi or the gogi quesadilla, each dish leaves you marveling at the uncommon flavor combinations. If you're there with a group, order the loaded fries, topped with spicy pork, pickled jalapeños and cotija cheese. For a quick bite or breakfast on the run, Specialty's Cafe and Bakery on Pacifica Street can get you on your way with your favorite turkey, apple, bacon and brie sandwich or peanut butter, banana, apple and cranberry sandwich. If you want to go for a healthy option, try the Asian chicken salad, with just the right amount of ginger in the dressing. Call your order in ahead of time and have it waiting for you when you arrive. Locals all know not to leave without picking up some perfect black-and-white or peanut butter cookies, or ask them to heat up a semi-sweet chocolate chip cookie as an extra treat. The Brio Tuscan Grille helps you celebrate special occasions with a touch of elegance. Start off with beef carpaccio or margherita flatbread, then follow it up with the lamb chops served with pistachio mint pesto or the incredible salmon fresco. You'll find service exceptionally attentive, and the portions are large enough that you're likely to get to enjoy your meal again the next day. Nightlife in Irvine Spectrum typically brings entertainment with it. Head to the Improv Comedy Club for cutting-edge live comedy, or stop in at Dave & Buster's for an adult arcade experience that's perfect for an after-work get-together with a large group, a first date or even a teenager's birthday party. Choose from multiple bars where you can watch every game on TV, a huge arcade or pool tables. The Bacchus Bar and Bistro serves over 400 wines and several dozen beers, with live bands on the weekends.

While most Irvine residents choose to use their cars for basic transportation, the Irvine Spectrum neighborhood serves as the hub for a great deal of public transportation. Pick up a Metrolink train to downtown Los Angeles or Oceanside, or connect via Amtrak to anywhere from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. Orange County Transportation Authority buses also stop at the Irvine Station, allowing Irvine Spectrum residents easy access to Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa, Seal Beach and Chino. Taxis and Uber are both available on an on-call basis.

If you plan to drive from Irvine Spectrum, you find yourself right at the well-known "El Toro Y," the conjunction of Interstates 5 and 405, both of which head straight to Los Angeles and San Diego. The Laguna Freeway also connects you to Laguna Beach, Tustin and Yorba Linda.

The entire city of Irvine supports commuting by bicycle in a big way with a system of bike lanes and paths that connect throughout the area. While the Irvine Spectrum area tends to be less walkable than other parts of the city, walking trails and sidewalks are still part of the master plan.

Just north of the Irvine Spectrum neighborhood lies the Orange County Great Park, a 4,500-acre park created out of the decommissioned El Toro Marine Base. Locals come to the park to play soccer and basketball, as well as jog and run on the carefully designed fitness paths. A 7-acre lawn lets families hang out and play their own spontaneous games. You can even borrow sports equipment if you forgot to bring your own.

The Great Park also includes artists' studios, permanent art works and a shaded performance art space. A 2-acre space designated for urban agriculture lets you get your hands dirty, and a 100-acre farm grows fruits and veggies sold at the farmers' market that takes place at the park weekly. The Kids Rock playground uses natural rocks to create bridges and tunnels for climbing.

Anchoring the Great Park is its famous balloon ride, which lets you soar high over the landscape to provide an incredible view. Kids also love the carousel at the park. While the balloon ride and carousel cost a small fee, most of the park's attractions remain free. Dogs are welcome, even on the balloon ride, as long as they stay leashed.

The park rotates events throughout the year to appeal to all facets of the neighborhood. Bring your kids to gardening workshops, then come back to attend cooking classes. During the summer, the park hosts free outdoor movies for one and all.

The cost of living in the Irvine Spectrum neighborhood runs 22 percent lower than Irvine as a whole. A one-bedroom apartment, however, doesn't necessarily reflect those savings, coming in at an average of $1,840 per month. If you need to take a bus across town, expect to pay $2, and if you plan to drive, you can expect to pay about 12 percent over the national average for gasoline. Stopping at a pub or restaurant bar for a beer should set you back $5 to $9, less during happy hour.

The Irvine Spectrum Shopping Center not only anchors this neighborhood, it also serves as the primary shopping destination for much of South Orange County. This unique, open-air shopping center ranges from high-end stores such as Nordstrom and Sur La Table to the big-box practicality of Target. In addition, the Center provides an astonishing range of entertainment and dining options, featuring a carousel to delight the kids and its famed Ferris wheel that gives you an unparalleled view of the surrounding countryside.

You can find plenty of nationally recognizable, fashion-forward shops at Irvine Spectrum, including Anthropologie, Brandy Melville, Lucky Brand, Lululemon and Urban Outfitters. In addition, the mall prides itself in hosting shops you won't find anywhere else. Stop in at the Village Gallery to check out the sculptures and art work. If you're a Thomas Kinkade fan, you can find one section of the gallery devoted to his work.

New moms looking for eco-friendly, nonplastic toys thrill at the choices at Jeannie N Mini Baby Boutique or stop in to choose the perfect baby shower gift. You can touch and feel all the high-end baby gear you've researched online before you make your final decision.

Irvine Spectrum residents have major grocery shopping options close by in the form of Target, the Walmart Supercenter and Costco. The enormous Great Park Farmers Market opens every Sunday, well-stocked with farm-fresh produce and food trucks.