Westpark - Irvine, CA

Irvine was a carefully planned city built on farm land around Irvine Ranch, and from the beginning, city planners looked to develop individual areas with unique feels. Westpark, once called Culverdale, was built in the 1970s. Each of Irvine's neighborhoods was planned with an architectural theme in mind, and Westpark was intended as an Italian Riviera or Mediterranean-style village.

Originally claimed by Spain, today the area houses a mix of ethnic backgrounds. In celebration of their diverse community, Irvine hosts their Global Village Festival each fall. The festival attracts performers and vendors creating an International Marketplace with local, regional and international arts and crafts, as well as food options from local restaurants which offer the ability to sample regional and international dishes.

A variety of American and Ethnic options sit scattered throughout the village of Westpark. In addition to classic chain favorites, Asian and Italian restaurants act as favorites for locals. The cafeteria-style setup at Urban Plates can be a bit off-putting, but the restaurant's fresh ingredients and reasonable rates can't be beat. The hearty yet healthy homestyle dishes give patrons a tasty way to load up on veggies, and take-out remains an option.

Urban Seoul dishes up Korean creations that keep patrons coming back for more. The Galbi sliders are always a good choice, but Tuesdays are all about the pork belly tacos. One of the few places you can find true Italian food, Luna Rossa Ristorante specializes in dishes such as spaghetti pescatora and chocolate mousse cake. The casual decor and friendly service make it easy to relax and enjoy your meal.

Residents looking to grab a drink with friends can choose from places ranging from the classic Irish pub, The Auld Dubliner, to Pinot's Palette for wine lovers. At The Auld Dubliner, patrons enjoy live music with their Guinness or kick back and watch the game with friends. The prices can be a little steep, but weekly pub quizzes and other events make it a primary choice amongst locals. At Pinot's, art meets wine. Stop in for a class, take a seat at your canvas, and enjoy. The wine bar gives patrons the option of splitting a bottle with friends or buying by the glass.

Like any California neighborhood, most people drive; with both the 405 and 5 running along either side of Westpark, jumping on the freeway is generally the easiest way to get around. Highways 55 and 133 provide access north and south of the city. Several major streets, such as Culver Drive, Barranca Pkwy and Irvine Center Drive, move traffic throughout Irvine.

Sidewalks line the major streets and bike lanes can be found in some areas, but the majority of residents save their bikes and walking shoes for trips to the park or beach.

Public transportation provides residents with an alternative to driving. OCTA, Metrolink and Amtrak all service the area, and Park & Ride centers make it easier to commute without the car. Uber drivers service Orange county, but with mixed reviews. Several cab companies also cover the city, and it is possible to catch a Yellow Cab Taxi on the street, but generally residents call for pick-up or stick to driving themselves.

A number of small parks dot Westpark, giving residents a nearby space no matter which area they live in. The largest, Bill Barber Community Park, houses four age-relevant play areas to cater to any child. There are also tennis and basketball courts, as well as baseball and soccer fields for sports lovers.

Nearby, two lakes meet at Woodbridge Community Park, giving residents a place to enjoy a little nature. Watch the water fowl or play a round of racquetball. Many residents also come out for the summer concerts or simply stroll the greenery with their dog leading the way.

While safe, Irvine isn't always the most affordable part of the country to live in. Westpark's cost of living is slightly better, around 1.8% less than Irvine's average, but it's still 66% higher than the national average. One reason for this higher cost, gas costs around 15% more than the rest of the nation and utilities also tend to run at least 10% higher. Shopping and eating out also tend to run a bit higher than other cities around the nation. For instance, grabbing a beer at one of the local bars will typically run you around $9 for a pitcher to share.

Major chains, including Target, TJ Maxx, Costco and Walmart, meet most daily needs; but, many residents head along the 405 to malls such as the Irvine Spectrum Center for the rest of their shopping. The Spectrum really does have a full spectrum of shops, restaurants and entertainment. With carnival-style rides and cupcakes, this mall lets shoppers feel like they've stepped into a party zone.

If you're looking for a special gift or a new addition to your spice collection, make the short drive to Spice & Tulips on Park Avenue. This charming shop carries a wide variety of house-made spice blends, each inspired by classic Turkish dishes. Try the handcrafted culinary salts, or order a custom flower arrangement.

While most residents find a Trader Joe's for their produce needs, the Irvine Farmers Market provides a produce alternative as well as dog treats, plants and more. If nothing else, go for the donuts and soak up some sun as you browse the vendors.

Local boutiques, such as Madison Bleu, carry a mix of designer and more affordable brands of clothing. Madison Bleu's fairly reasonable prices extend to unique and trendy items that fluctuate fairly often. Another local favorite, Daiso Japan, sells a wide range of Japanese items. The shelves house everything from school supplies and household items to fashion accessories and snacks. Nearly everything in the store sells for less than $2, making it a great place to let the kids loose or to find little gifts.