The Branches - Woodbridge vs. Willow Bend - University Park... FIGHT!

[irvinehomeowner]

The new Lyon homes will fast be upon us and this one is interesting because they are basically the exact same floorplans and pricing (as far as we know) and only about 5 minutes away from each other. So this becomes a real location vs. location battle.

For me, this is what I think:

The Branches - Woodbridge
Pros
- Lakes, pools and Woodbridge amenities
- Central
- Sides a less busy street (East Yale Loop)
- All sides do not back another home directly
Cons
- Question about TCE plume
- Some don't like the schools it's zoned too
- Farther from Elem and Middle schools

Willow Bend - University Park
Pros
- Has its own pool and clubhouse(?)
- Central
- Very close to Middle school
- Zoned to Uni High
- Walking distance to shopping center
Cons
- Sides a busier street (Michelson)
- Some houses back other homes
- May have higher HOA because of private pool facility
- Not as many amenities as Woodbridge

The big con for both is I feel that even though there are no MRs, it's overpriced and the lots are very small. If you drive by, you can see how close the back of the home is to the wall.

 

[irvinehomeowner]

My vote was actually "Other" because I'm torn between the two. If one was less expensive, that would probably sway my vote.

I do think Woodbridge holds its value better than University Park despite UP being zoned to Uni High.

 

[ps99472]

If I was still in the market...Woodbridge all the way, still my 2nd favorite hood

 

[The Motor Court Company]

Willow Bend all the way. cannot bet against RMB denominated assets.

 

[homer_simpson]

Are the models up?

 

[locolocal]

It's a tough choice since they're the two best neighborhoods in Irvine.  I would personally prefer University Park just on a gut level.  Woodbridge is probably nicer though and in a better location in terms of being able to walk places.  If I had a high school aged kid, I would definitely choose Woodbridge over Uni. 

 

[homer_simpson]

Nevermind I drove by