Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Northwood
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in Northwood
Rent control: Irvinehas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Northwood scores for you
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Northwood is a master-planned village that encompasses the northern portions of Irvine, bounded by the Santa Ana Freeway, Culver Drive, Portola Parkway, and Jeffrey Road. As part of Irvine's larger planned community structure, Northwood offers a suburban residential character with planned parks, managed streets, and a mix of single-family homes and apartments designed around community nodes.
The village benefits from Irvine's overall planning and infrastructure, with several neighborhood parks including The Springs, Pinewood Park, Crestwood Park, and Brywood Park distributed throughout. Living here means access to a controlled, organized environment typical of Irvine's master-planned approach, though the area trades walkability and transit access for quieter, car-oriented living.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Northwood centers on driving. While some errands can be accomplished on foot, a car is essential for most shopping, dining, and commuting. You'll find a handful of coffee shops and restaurants within a short walk, including Starbucks, Pan of Asia, and Noodle St, but grocery shopping typically requires a drive to places like H Mart or Zion Market. The neighborhood has moderate traffic exposure, ranking better than the state average for congestion, so commuting can be manageable depending on your destination.
The area offers limited public transit options and no nearby rail stations, so you should expect to own or have reliable access to a car. Parks are well-distributed throughout Northwood, making them convenient for recreational walks and outdoor time. Air quality is below the California median for diesel PM exposure, and tree cover is limited at about 10 percent, creating mostly open streetscapes.
Who it's for
Northwood suits families and working professionals who prioritize a planned, organized living environment and don't mind driving for most errands. It's a good fit if you value nearby parks, quiet residential streets, and the predictability of Irvine's master-planned community structure. This is not the place for those seeking walkable urban amenities or easy public transit access, nor for renters looking for the region's most affordable options.
Environment & livability
Air quality: below the California median for diesel PM exposure.
Air quality here is better than average for the state. Worth noting if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Traffic exposure: moderate traffic exposure, below the state median.
Traffic proximity here is better than average for California.
Tree cover: limited tree cover, mostly open streetscape.
Less canopy means more heat exposure and less visual greenery on daily walks. LA County median is around 14% canopy coverage.
Walkability: walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
A mixed walkability area. Good for quick trips on foot, but some destinations will require driving or transit.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Northwood
Population
8,581
Renters
27%
of households rent
Median age
46
Median income
$156k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Around Northwood
Zion Market · H Mart
Starbucks · The Mugs · Boba Square
Bruegger's Bagels · Pan of Asia · Subway · Noodle St
The Springs · Pinewood Park · Crestwood Park · Brywood Park
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Finding a place in Northwood
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Northwood?+
Yes. While some nearby errands can be done on foot, Northwood ranks low for walkability and has no rail transit, making a car essential for most daily activities including grocery shopping, dining out, and commuting.
What parks are in Northwood?+
The village has several parks distributed throughout, including The Springs, Pinewood Park, Crestwood Park, and Brywood Park, all within short drive or walk of most homes.
How's the air quality and traffic?+
Air quality is below the California median for diesel PM exposure. Traffic is moderate and actually ranks better than the state average, so while you'll need to drive, congestion is relatively manageable.
What's the rent like?+
Current residents pay a median of about $3,410 per month. Northwood ranks 203rd out of 210 tracked areas for cost, placing it in the higher range for the region.
Is Northwood walkable?+
Northwood ranks #260 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in Northwood?+
Current residents of Northwood pay a median rent of about $3,410 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Northwood?+
Northwood has below the California median for diesel PM exposure, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 37 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Northwood?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Northwood are Northwood Point, Woodbury, Westlake Village and Laguna Niguel.