Sweet Orange

Previously, I wrote about the Irvine Ranch land that was designated as a National Natural Landmark and, more recently, designated as a California National Landmark. So you might think that this designation would prevent development on this land. Not true!  The designation of an area as a Natural Landmark does not prevent the area from being developed. The landowners can still make this call, as long as they comply with any zoning requirements and legal agreements that are already attached to the land. However, landowners have been successful in having zoning requirements changed, and the Natural Landmark designation does not put any binding legal agreements on the landowners.

The owners of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmark land are the County of Orange, City of Irvine, The Irvine Company, California  Department of Fish and Game,California Department of Parks and Recreation, City of Laguna Beach, General Services Administration, and the City of Newport Beach.

As I mentioned in my previous post, a look at the locations that are included in the Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmark (such as the Anaheim Wilderness Area, Weir Canyon, Santiago Canyon, and Crystal Cove State Park) as well as the activities available at these locations is available by clicking here. A look at an Irvine Company YouTube video of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmark, is available by clicking here. A map of that shows the 93,000-acre Irvine Ranch, 50,000 Irvine Ranch reserve, and 40,000-acre Irvine Ranch Natural Landmark is provided above.

Next week: A look at more housing numbers for Irvine neighborhoods

Map Courtesy the Irvine Company, LA Times, and OC Liberal

According to an Orange County Register article, U-Haul truck rentals show that 0.2% more people are migrating into California than migrating out.  Last year, the U-Haul numbers show a different story—1.8% more people moving out of California than moving in. With our poor employment rates, all I can say is that it must be truly bad in some other U.S. locations.

Since U-Haul rental for a move of over fifty-miles is often seen as an indication of where blue-collar worker are choosing to live, the speculation is that many of these California-bound migrators are blue-collar workers. Two Orange County cities make the top-fifty list: Costa Mesa is number 31; Fullerton is number 30.

Just what is the draw of blue-color workers to these two cities (and, for this blog, Costa Mesa, in particular) is worth pondering.  Any speculation on why these two cities are so popular with this group? And for that matter, why are many choosing to move to California when our job market is so poor and our cost of living is still relatively high?

Source: “Moving into California,” The Orange County Register, April 23, 2009

Graphic Courtesy U-Haul

Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course in Irvine courtesy American Golf

Irvine’s Rancho San Joaquin neighborhood (or village, as they are called in Irvine) is where one of the oldest wood buildings in Orange County is located. This building is the one that I wrote about recently (The Evolution of an Edge City: Irvine, California) and is home to the Irvine Historical Society. Everything else in this neighborhood is relatively new (see the housing dates below). The Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course and the Racquet Club are located in this Irvine village. Also, Boomers, Irvine Business Complex (IBC), the Orange County Airport, and UC Irvine are nearby.

The least expensive home on the market in this area is a 1977 condo with 1 bedroom at 2 Morena #1. The asking price is $375,000 ($330/SF). The homeowner association fee is $354 per month. This home has been on the market for over 200 days.

The most expensive home on the market in this area is a 1975 condo with 2 bedrooms at 22 Arboles #11. The asking price is $625,000 ($330/SF). The homeowner association fee is $394 per month. This home has been on the market for over 70 days.

A Rancho San Joaquin home that is priced near the current median sold price is a 1978 condo with 1 bedroom at 40 Navarre Circle. The asking price is $399,900 ($343/SF). The homeowner association fee is $399 per month. This home has been taken on and off the market.

For more information on housing in Irvine’s Rancho San Joaquin village, see “A Look at the Housing Numbers for Irvine’s Rancho San Joaquin Village

Following are the housing numbers provided by Redfin for Irvine’s Orange Tree neighborhood. The graph, which is for the median price per square foot, is also provided by Redfin. This area consists mostly of condos; however, a few detached homes are present in this area.

This is one of the most affordable areas in Irvine; however, most of these condos have a limited amount of square footage, and the overall price tag reflects this.

Trulia has an interesting factoid on this: In spite of the much higher overall price tag for most Irvine homes, the average price per square foot for homes in Orange Tree in the first quarter of 2009 was 1.2% higher than for all Irvine homes. Trulia also states that the overall sold price per square foot is up 4.4% when compared to the same quarter last year, up 4.4% when compared to the 2008, and up a whopping 62.5% when compared to 5 years ago.

My observation is that sale prices have gone up recently, but sale numbers have decreased. Trulia states that 5 homes have sold in this area in the first quarter of 2009.

April 4, 2009

• List price: $277K/$277 per SF
• Sold price: $376K/$334 per SF*
• Median days on market: 71.5*
• Number of homes on the market: 22
  (4 detached/18 condos; 3 bank and MSL foreclosures)

February 28, 2009

• List price: $254,900/$294 per SF
  
• Sold price: $395K/$341 per SF*
• Median days on market: 99.5*
• Number of homes on the market: 20
  (4 detached/16 condos; 2 bank and MSL foreclosures)

January 31, 2009

• List price: $269,900/$302 per SF
• Sold price: $235K/$291 per SF*
• Median days on market: 96*
• Number of homes on the market: 15

December 30, 2008

• List price: $299,900/$320 per SF
• Sold price: $250K; $346 per SF*
• Median days on market: 138*
• Number of homes on the market: 15

* Based on homes sold or taken off the market in the previous 90 days

Sources: Redfin; Trulia

Irvine’s Rancho San Joaquin: Median Price per Square Foot Housing Number Trend

Following are the housing numbers for Irvine’s Rancho San Joaquin neighborhood. The homes on the market in this area are all condos, which is also true for Irvine’s University Town Center and Irviine Business Complex, which is also known as the IBC or the airport area.  (The Orange Tree neighborhood is mostly condos but does include a few detached homes.)

As shown by the Redfin graph that cover July 2007 to the present, the median sold price per square foot for homes in Rancho San Joaquin hit a low in April 2008. Since that time, the median price per square foot has had some ups and downs but has always stayed above the April 2008 low. As shown by the Redfin numbers listed below, the overall median sold price for Rancho San Joaquin homes since the beginning of 2009 has stayed constant ($420,000 to $425,000). Redfin stats also state that no Rancho San Joaquin homes sold in January 2009.

Trulia statistics show that the overall median sales price is down 1.2% from the previous quarter; down 29.3% from the previous year, and down 13.4% from five years ago. Trulia also states that the average price per square foot changed 0% from when compared to the same time last year.  According to the Trulia stats, only 3 San Joaquin homes sold in the first quarter of 2009.

These various numbers—some going up, some going down, some going sideways—show a complex picture of what is happening in the San Joaquin housing market.

For more information on housing in this area, see the Rancho San Joaquin map.

April 4, 2009

• Median List price: $537K/$331 per SF
• Median Sold price: $424K/$339 per SF*
• Median days on market: 107*
• Number of homes on the market: 14
  (0 detached/14 condos; 0 Bank and MSL foreclosures)

February 26, 2009

• Median List price: $537,000/$331 per SF
• Median Sold price: $420K/$277 per SF*
• Median days on market: 179*
• Number of homes on the market: 16
  (0 detached/16 condos; Bank and MSL foreclosures)

January 31, 2009

• Median List price: $429,000/$330 per SF
• Median Sold price: $422K/$334 per SF*
• Median days on market: 137.5*
• Number of homes on the market: 9

December 30, 2008

• Median List price: $434,450/$348 per SF
• Median Sold price: $425K/$392 per SF*
• Median days on market: 116*
• Number of homes on the market: 8

Sources: Redfin; Trulia

Tomorrow: A look at Irvine’s Orange Tree numbers

Tuesday: The Highs, the Lows and the In Between: A Closer Look at Housing in Irvine’s Rancho San Joaquin Village

“[O]nly in California can you see a 40,000-acre Natural Landmark right in th midle of one of the nation’s most vibrant and economically important urban areas.”–Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

The National Natural Landmark program gives federal recognition to both private and public land that shows examples of the best biological and geological features that exist in the United States. Fewer than 600 areas in the United States have been designated as National Natural Landmarks. One of them is right in “our backyard.”

In 2006, the Department of the Interior designated approximately 40,000 acres of the Irvine Ranch as one of these rare locations. The Irvine Ranch was once one of the largest working ranches in the United States and covered much of Orange County, not just Irvine. Today, the Irvine Ranch covers about 93,000 acres of Orange County land. The Irvine Ranch Conservancy is about 50,000 acres of that 93,000 acres.

On Earth Day 2008, this area received a similar designation from the State of California. Under a new program that recognizes stewardship of both public and private land that contains important animal life, plant life and geological features, the State of California designed this area as the first California Natural Landmark.

“The landscape is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals, including eagles, badgers, mountain lions, Tecate cypress trees, and many rare species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and plants. Scientists have identified this region as one of the world’s biodiversity “hot spots” –an area with large concentrations of species found nowhere else.”

For a look at the locations that are included in the Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmark (such as the San Joaquin Marsh, the Mountains to Sea Trail, Laguna Coast, and Irvine Regional Park) as well as the activities available at these locations, click here. For a look at an Irvine Company YouTube video of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmark, click here.

Graphic of Upper Newport Bay Courtesy the Irvine Ranch Conservancy

Tomorrow: a look at homes on the market in Eastside Costa Mesa

Update: For more on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmark as well as information on National Natural Landmarks, see these posts: “Take a Day Trip Orange County Style” and “Take a Long Weekend Trip Orange County Style.”

Irvine’s University Town Center: Sold Price per Square Foot Trend

Listed below are the statistics for homes in Irvine’s University Town Center neighborhood. As the name implies, the homes in this area are near the University of California at Irvine (UCI). All on the homes on the market in this area are condos; some were bought as investment property.

The numbers for this area show a complicated story. As shown by the numbers listed below, the overall price of homes in this area that have sold since the beginning of the year have been declining. However, the same period shows an increase in the price per square foot that these homes have sold for. Throw into the mix the fact that, although many peaks and valleys exist (see the graph found above), the overall price per square foot trend shows a steady decline. So is this current increase a sign of things to come, or just another peak that will turn into another valley? Too soon to tell.

For more information on homes for sale in this area, see the  map.

April 3, 2009

• List price: $422K/$411 per SF
• Sold price: $408K/$358 per SF*
• Median days on market: 186*
• Number of homes on the market: 8
  ( 0 foreclosures)

February 28, 2009

• List price: $428,000/$401 per SF
• Sold price: $415K/$352 per SF*
• Median days on market: 100*
• Number of homes on the market: 9
  (0 foreclosures)

January 31, 2009

• List price: $439,750/$409 per SF
• Sold price: $498K/$326 per SF*
• Median days on market: 89*
• Number of homes on the market: 8

December 30, 2008

• List price: $432,000/$401 per SF
  
• Sold price: $295K/$384 per SF*
• Median days on market: 58*
• Number of homes on the market: 11

*Based on homes sold or taken off the market in the previous 90 days

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the IBC, Irvine’s mixed-use, live-work-play district. In the future, I will write about Costa Mesa’s mixed-use, live-work-play district, South Coast Metro. South Coast Metro includes Costa Mesa’s arts and cultural center as well as South Coast Plaza, a shopping mall that includes international and local shoppers.

More on all that later. Today, I am going to concentrate on South Coast Plaza’s Annual Garden Show—especially some of the events that are appropriate for Earth Day, which is Wednesday. Many seminars and talks are available, but the following are particularly appropriate for Earth Day.  Some of the topics include composting, planting a victory garden, and lowering garden water use and, therefore, your water bill.

Thursday, April 23, 4:00 pm, Annuals and Perennials; and Practice Urban Composting

The University of California Master Gardeners of Orange County present Annuals and Perennials, discuss plants that flourish in Orange County gardens and Practical Urban Composting, home composting de-mystified, and From Garden to Table, how to plant your own Victory Garden in 2009.

Friday, April 24, 2009, 10:00 am, Gardening Green in Orange County

Ron Vanderhoff, Nursery General Manager, Roger’s Gardens and weekly columnist for the Daily Pilot, The Coastal Gardener, will give a comprehensive overview of the green issues related to gardening including, water conservation and runoff, coastal pollution, invasive plant issues and green waste concerns. He will also discuss plant selections, sustainable designs, new irrigation techniques and technology, water harvesting and composting.

Saturday, April 25, 2009, 2:30 pm, Protecting the Pacific

Douglas Kent, Author and Environmental Horticulture, Landscape Designer discusses his unique strategy for creating landscapes that help breathe life into our ocean and waterways. Kent, a successful environmental horticulturalist and landscape designer will discuss design strategies, illustrate construction ideas, and provide a wealth of maintenance tips that, when combined, will either stop and/or clean the water running off your property

Sunday, April 26, 2009, 3:30 pm, Earth Friendly Landscape Designs

Rama Nayeri, owner Creations Landscape Designs, describes the many, easy and cost effective ways to significantly reduce water and grocery bills by having an earth friendly landscape design that will combine beauty of the natural environment and improve the community.

South Coast Plaza’s annual spring garden show runs this week from Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26. For a look at all the South Coast Plaza events, which includes demonstration gardens and children’s events, see the event calendar.

Tomorrow: a look at the numbers for Irvine’s University Town Center homes

Wednesday, Earth Day: a look at some National Natural Landmark spots that are suitable for a day or long-weekend trip

PHOTO COURTESY SOUTH COAST PLAZA SPRING GARDEN SHOW

Yesterday, I listed some of the most affordable housing that is currently on the market in Costa Mesa’s Mesa Verde area. Today, I’ll do the same for Costa Mesa’s Central area. Of the four homes listed below, I think that the 3 bedroom on Victoria Street with an asking price of $198 per square foot has the potential to be the best deal.

As a reminder, the current median sold price for detached Costa Mesa homes is $309/SF. The current median sold price for Costa Mesa condos is $189/SF. The current median price per square foot for all homes sold in the previous 90 days is $284.

At 345 Avocado Street Unit 203B is a 1983 condo with 1 bedroom and 1008 SF. The asking price is $215,000 ($213/SF). Homeowner association fee is $225 per month. Note that this home’s asking price has seen many decreases.

At 260 Victoria Street, Unit H3 is a 1984 condo with 2 bedrooms and 920 SF. The asking price is $229,000 ($249/SF). Homeowner association fee is $295 per month. Note that this home’s asking price has seen many decreases.

At 260 Victoria Street #4 is a 1984 condo with 3 bedrooms and 1257 SF. The asking price is $249,000 ($198/SF). Homeowner association fee is $295 per month. Note that this home’sold for $438,000 in 2005.

At 260 Victoria Street, Unit G3 is a 1984 condo with 2 bedrooms and 920 SF. The asking price is $260,000 ($283/SF). Homeowner association fee is $280 per month. Note that this home’has seen numerous price reductions.

Next week: more information on which Costa Mesa homes are the most affordable—and something for Earth Day