Quail Hill, Irvine: Premium Neighborhood for Affluent Families

Additionally, an established, car-dependent residential enclave in south-central Irvine with top-rated schools and high median household income.

About Quail Hill in Irvine

Quail Hill stands as one of Irvine's most affluent residential neighborhoods, with a median household income of $167,327 and a median home value of $1.06 million. The community skews toward established families, with 28.2% of residents raising children and a median age of 35 years. While the neighborhood prioritizes quiet suburban living over walkability, it compensates with proximity to excellent schools, polished parks like Knollcrest and Cascade Park, and access to diverse dining and fitness options nearby.

Boundary note: Quail Hill is bounded by major Irvine arterials and comprises a relatively compact residential district of approximately 6,148 residents within a 1-mile radius.

Real Estate Market in Quail Hill

Quail Hill at a glance
Median home price$1.06M
Year over year changeStable to modest appreciation
Price per sq ft$650 to $750
Median rent$3,261
Typical days on market18 to 25 days
Buyer competitionModerate
Walk Score45
Transit Score16
Bike Score51

Additionally, quail Hill's median home value of $1.06 million reflects premium single-family inventory in an established market. The neighborhood commands prices above Irvine's city median of $1.026 million, signaling strong buyer demand.

$1.06M
Stable to modest appreciation YoY
Median Price
$650 to $750
Price / Sq Ft
$3,261
Median Rent
18 to 25 days
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Quail Hill properties attract serious family buyers and move steadily. Additionally, competitive offers with no contingencies and proof of funds strengthen your position. Properties here rarely last beyond three weeks, so inspections and appraisals should be contingent-free or backed by strong cash reserves.

Who Thrives in Quail Hill

F
First-time Buyers
Fair fit

Entry prices exceed $1M, placing Quail Hill out of reach for most first-time buyers unless leveraging substantial down payments or co-investment.

E
Families
Excellent fit

Additionally, with 28% of residents raising children, strong schools at Alderwood Elementary (73.5 rating) and Oak Creek Elementary (66.5 rating), and family-oriented amenities, Quail Hill is ideally suited to growing households.

G
Investors
Good fit

Additionally, rental demand exists at $3,261 median monthly rent, though single-family investor dynamics differ from multifamily; cap rates remain modest given high entry costs.

S
Remote Workers
Strong fit

Additionally, with 17.7% of residents working from home and minimal commute pressure, the neighborhood suits knowledge workers seeking suburban peace and strong broadband infrastructure.

G
Retirees
Good fit

Additionally, established neighborhoods and nearby healthcare (Kaiser Permanente Orange County-Irvine Medical Center, Hoag Hospital Irvine) appeal to empty-nesters, though the single-family-home-only character may not suit all retirement preferences.

Property Types in Quail Hill

Single-Family Homes
92%
$950k to $1.4M

Additionally, the dominant housing type; most feature 4 to 5 bedrooms on quarter-acre to half-acre lots with 2-car garages.

Newer Construction
6%
$1.1M to $1.6M

Limited new inventory; primarily infill projects and estate rebuilds commanding premium pricing.

Estate/Luxury Homes
2%
$1.5M+

Rare larger-lot homes appealing to ultra-affluent buyers seeking premium locations within the neighborhood.

Living in Quail Hill, Irvine

Daily life in Quail Hill revolves around family routines, community parks, and neighborhood amenities. Additionally, residents enjoy Quail Hill Community Park, Knollcrest Park, and Cascade Park for weekend recreation, with easy access to retailers like Albertsons and dining ranging from casual (La Pho, Natraj's Tandoori) to quick bites (Nekter Juice Bar, Subway). Moreover, fitness-focused residents frequent Fit Club, Pure Barre, and KINETIC nearby. The neighborhood's walk score of 45 reflects its car-dependent nature; most households drive to work, shopping, and social activities, though quiet tree-lined streets and low-density design create a relaxed residential atmosphere.

45/100
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
16/100
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
51/100
Bike Score
Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • Nékter Juice Bar · 9 min walk
  • Chill Pistachio's Frozen Treats · 10 min walk
  • La Pho · 10 min walk
  • Natraj's Tandoori · 11 min walk
  • Subway · 11 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • Starbucks · 10 min walk
  • S'wich · 16 min walk
  • Starbucks · 20 min walk
  • Le Cafe Du Parc · 32 min walk
  • Starbucks · 37 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • Knollcrest Park · 3 min walk
  • Cascade Park · 10 min walk
  • Quail Hill Community Park · 12 min walk
  • Valley View Park · 13 min walk
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • Albertsons · 12 min walk
  • Irvine Village Market · 36 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • Fit Club · 9 min walk
  • Pure Barre · 10 min walk
  • KINETIC · 16 min walk
  • Westview Fitness Center · 26 min walk
  • Movement Studio · 27 min walk

Annual events: Irvine Community Park events, seasonal Quail Hill neighborhood gatherings, Irvine Arts Festival (regional)

Schools Near Quail Hill, Irvine

Additionally, quail Hill feeds into some of Irvine's strongest public elementary schools, a major draw for family buyers. The neighborhood's 73.5% rate of bachelor's degree attainment underscores the education-focused demographic.

Elementary Schools

7.3/10
Alderwood Elementary
Elementary · KG–6
2-minute walk

School Score 73.5 with 73% math and 74% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
6.7/10
Oak Creek Elementary
Elementary · KG–6
31-minute walk

School Score 66.5 with 64% math and 69% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Private Schools Nearby

  • Prestige Preschool Academy (PK-KG) — 34-minute walk

Feeder pattern: Alderwood Elementary (73.5, KG-6) and Oak Creek Elementary (66.5, KG-6) serve the immediate area; families should verify school boundaries before purchase.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from Quail Hill

Quail Hill's location within Irvine provides straightforward access to major employment hubs and the broader region. Expect car-dependent commuting; public transit remains limited despite proximity to several bus stops.

Downtown Irvine (Business District)
Drive: 12 to 18 minutesTransit: 35 to 45 minutes
Irvine Spectrum / Tech Corridor
Drive: 15 to 22 minutesTransit: 40 to 55 minutes
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Drive: 55 to 75 minutesTransit: Not practical
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Drive: 20 to 30 minutesTransit: 45 to 60 minutes

Bus service via Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) operates near Alton Parkway, including routes to Kaiser Permanente and Hoag Hospital; however, transit score of 16 reflects limited practical alternatives to driving.

Frequently Asked Questions about Quail Hill

What is the average home price in Quail Hill, Irvine?

The median home value in Quail Hill is $1.06 million, reflecting a premium single-family market above Irvine's citywide median of $1.026 million. Individual homes range from $950,000 to over $1.4 million depending on size, age, and condition. Prices per square foot typically fall between $650 and $750, comparable to other established Irvine neighborhoods with strong schools and family infrastructure.

Is Quail Hill a good neighborhood to live in?

Quail Hill excels for affluent families prioritizing schools, safety, and established community character. Additionally, the 73.5% bachelor's degree attainment rate and $167,327 median household income signal an educated, stable demographic. Moreover, the primary trade-off is walkability; a walk score of 45 means most errands require a car. If you value quiet residential living, top schools, and proximity to quality amenities over urban walkability, Quail Hill delivers strong value.

Which schools serve Quail Hill, Irvine?

Alderwood Elementary (73.5 rating, KG-6) and Oak Creek Elementary (66.5 rating, KG-6) are the primary feeders for the immediate area. Additionally, both schools rank well within Irvine's district and benefit from the neighborhood's education-focused population. Moreover, prestige Preschool Academy serves younger children (PK-KG). Families should confirm current boundaries with the Irvine Unified School District, as attendance zones can shift.

Is Quail Hill safe?

Quail Hill sits within Irvine, consistently ranked among California's safest mid-sized cities. Additionally, low poverty rates (10.9%) and stable, affluent demographics contribute to minimal property and violent crime. Moreover, the neighborhood benefits from strong community engagement and neighborhood watch participation typical of established Irvine enclaves. Like any area, standard home security measures and situational awareness remain prudent.

Who is Quail Hill best suited for?

Quail Hill is ideal for established families with school-age children, remote workers seeking suburban peace, and affluent buyers prioritizing quality schools and neighborhood stability over walkability. The $1M+ price point limits appeal to first-time buyers without significant capital. Retirees may appreciate the mature landscaping and amenities but should evaluate single-family-home maintenance expectations.

What amenities and dining are near Quail Hill?

The neighborhood has direct access to Quail Hill Community Park, Knollcrest Park, and Cascade Park for recreation. Additionally, dining options include Natraj's Tandoori, La Pho, Nekter Juice Bar, and Chill Pistachio's Frozen Treats. Albertsons and Irvine Village Market provide grocery shopping; fitness enthusiasts can join Pure Barre, Fit Club, or KINETIC. Starbucks and Le Cafe Du Parc serve coffee throughout the area, making daily errands convenient despite car dependence.

Where this Quail Hill data comes from

Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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