Woodbridge - Irvine, CA

The Irvine ranch dates to the mid-1800s, when James Irvine's consortium bought up almost 100,000 acres of land from some of the original California ranchos. In the 1960s, construction began on a massive planned community centered around the newly built University of California, Irvine, with residential development divided into "villages," each of which had a unified design. Woodbridge was in the second wave of development, opening in 1975.

The Irvine Museum features the works of local artists, particularly work related to the history of Orange County. Those with a love of the arts rejoice to have UC Irvine so near. The Irvine Barclay Theatre proves itself time and again as a hidden Orange County gem. Come here to catch ballet, classical concerts, cirque-style performances, opera and improv comedy. Some performances feature "tweet seats," a special section set apart for those who want to use social media during the show.

Woodbridge residents tend to head to chain restaurants and high-end fast food or quick-serve spots when the mood strikes to eat out, and the neighborhood features plenty of them within close distance. Popular local choices include Veggie Grill, Stonefire Grill, Chipotle and Ruby's Diner. However, within Woodbridge itself and just outside its borders, you can find plenty of unique dining options, especially Asian restaurants of all types, including sushi bars and noodle shops.

Just across the street from Woodbridge's northern end, Miyabi Shabu Shabu & Grill serves up perfectly spiced tonkatsu broth that locals admit they crave. Veggies are crisply fresh and the high-end Angus beef melts in your mouth after a couple of seconds in the hot pot. Don't forget to save room for some black sesame ice cream after your meal.

When you feel like a celebration, head to the Brio Tuscan Grille at the Irvine Spectrum. The elegant Italian restaurant serves classic dishes with a twist, like the lamb chops with pistachio mint pesto.

For nightlife of any kind, you'll have to head outside the confines of family-oriented Woodbridge. If it's date night or you just need a girls' night out, check out the Bacchus Bar and Bistro on Quail Hill Parkway in Irvine. This comfortable wine bar features a wine list of over 400 choices as well as constantly rotating craft beers. Pick something new, then sit back to enjoy the band. The Caspian Hookah Lounge on Culver Drive features hookah happy hours, so you can try lots of flavors. Belly dancers keep you entertained, and Persian food keeps you happily fed.

While most Woodbridge residents choose to commute and run errands by car, the city of Irvine arranges for ample public transportation throughout the region. Orange County Transportation Authority buses connect locals to Tustin, Newport Beach, UC Irvine and the Irvine Spectrum. Metrolink trains take people north to Los Angeles or south to San Diego County. Irvine's Spectrumotion services arrange for carpools and vanpools throughout the city.

Irvine makes it easy to commute by bicycle thanks to its fully connected system of bikeways, including some off-road bike paths. The city also makes walking easy with sidewalks and walking trails incorporated into the plan of the community.

You can call several taxi companies, airport shuttles or Uber for a ride in Woodbridge, though these services aren't used often. Those who choose to drive have both the San Diego Freeway and Santa Ana Freeway close at hand to connect them to Los Angeles, San Diego and points in between.

All of Irvine was designed around the concept of shared community space, with ample green space and park acreage set aside to encourage neighbors to come out from behind fences and gates. Woodbridge follows this rule, featuring several significant parks as well as its two manmade lakes.

All residents of Woodbridge have access to the two Beach Clubs, one at North Lake and one at South Lake. Each Beach Club centers around a lagoon that provides water play, sand, water slides, beach volleyball courts and barbecue grills. You can rent canoes, sailboats and kayaks for use on the lakes, and lifeguards remain on duty through the day to keep parents feeling safe.

Woodbridge Community Park connects the two lakes with a green space that also contains racquetball, basketball and volleyball courts, as well as more boat rentals. An amphitheater in the park opens up in the summer to provide the community with concerts and outdoor movies. Go for a run around the lakes, or just relax and enjoy the serentiy. Bring your leashed dog here for a walk, but don't let him chase the many ducks, swans and geese populating the lakes.

Other community parks in Woodbridge include Blue Lake Park at South Lake, with its tennis courts and swimming beach, and Ashwood Park with its playground for the kids, basketball courts and picnic area.

The cost of living in Woodbridge runs 32 percent higher than that of California as a whole and 22 percent higher than its largest neighbor, Los Angeles. Local bus service runs $2 per ride, and you can take the Metrolink all the way to downtown Los Angeles for $10.75. Filling your gas tank should run you about 11 percent more than the national average.

When it comes to lifestyle, expect to pay $1,700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Woodbridge. Stopping for a beer on your way home from work runs you about $6 to $10.

Shopping in Irvine tends to focus on the Irvine Spectrum just south of Woodbridge. This outdoor shopping center, anchored by Nordstrom and Target, combines the best of shopping and entertainment to make even running errands enjoyable. Take your kids for a ride on the carousel or train, or give yourself a break by climbing onto the Ferris wheel for amazing views of the Santa Ana Mountains. Grab a movie, play some pool or arcade games at Dave & Buster's or just relax on the comfortable seating provided throughout the mall.

Closer to home, the Crossroads shopping center gives you access to another Target, plus clothing stores, banks, restaurants, ice cream shops and a gym.

Right in Woodbridge, bike commuters find a new boost to their daily ride at Pedego, a local favorite selling electric bikes. The helpful staff at the shop get you set up and handle maintenance with ease.

When it comes to grocery shopping, Woodbridge residents head to Ralphs and Gelson's. Make sure you stop at the sushi bar at the Ralphs on Alton Parkway, where locals express amazement at the quality and freshness of the fish. The Original Manassero Farms Market is an old-school farmers' market, the kind that's directly attached to an actual farm. Come here Friday through Monday for amazing organic strawberries.