Is Stonegate on your shortlist, but you want to be sure it fits your day-to-day life? You are not alone. Many buyers love Stonegate’s blend of newer homes, parks, and strong school access, yet want clarity on costs, commute, and how it compares with nearby villages. This guide breaks it all down so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Stonegate at a glance
Stonegate is a newer Villages of Irvine neighborhood planned around a neighborhood elementary school and a network of small parks and pools. Homes were primarily built in the 2010s with a mix of condos, townhomes, and detached single-family homes. You will find 2 to 5 bedrooms across a variety of floor plans, from efficient attached layouts to larger detached homes. For village context and planning background, review the developer’s overview of Stonegate within the Villages of Irvine.
Parks, pools, and everyday play
Stonegate was designed so most homes are a short walk to a park or pool. The village includes a series of neighborhood parks with different features. Examples include Mockingbird Park, Egret Park, Hummingbird Park, Swallows Park, Meadowlark, Goldfinch, and the larger Stonegate Park.
- Pools vary by park and include junior‑Olympic and lap pools, spas, and wading pools.
- Play amenities include tot lots, bocce courts, table tennis, sand volleyball, and half basketball courts.
- Stonegate Park provides broader athletic fields and courts for pickup games and weekend practices.
You can find a concise amenities summary with park names and pool types in the developer’s press materials on Stonegate’s parks and pools. See the amenity list in this published overview of Stonegate’s parks and pools. For weekend biking and longer walks, you will also have nearby access to the Jeffrey Open Space Trail and the broader Villages trail network.
Schools and enrollment
Stonegate Elementary is the neighborhood elementary school and it has received national recognition. Stonegate Elementary earned the National Blue Ribbon designation in 2019, which the district highlights in its Blue Ribbon announcement.
For middle and high school, many Stonegate addresses have historically fed to Sierra Vista Middle and Northwood High. Because Irvine Unified periodically adjusts boundaries to balance enrollment, assignments are address specific. Always confirm your exact feeder path with the district’s boundary adjustment and attendance resources before you write an offer.
Homes, budgets, and ownership costs
Housing in Stonegate spans condos, townhomes, and detached single-family homes built mainly in the 2010s. Floor plans commonly range from smaller 2‑bedroom attached homes to larger 4‑ and 5‑bedroom detached homes. Recent neighborhood snapshots place the median sale price around $1,890,000 as of December 2025, with a wide band by home type and size. Use a fresh MLS pull for current pricing when you are ready to shop.
Most homes belong to one or more homeowners associations. Based on recent listings, monthly HOA dues often fall in the low hundreds, roughly $140 to $350 per month, depending on product type and amenity coverage. Some parcels also carry special tax assessments through Community Facilities Districts, often called Mello‑Roos. Amounts vary by parcel and year.
Before you write offers, verify the following:
- HOA dues, coverage, reserve status, and any pending special assessments. Start with the community’s site at Stonegate Homeowners.
- CFD or Mello‑Roos status and the current annual amount on the property tax bill.
- Whether the home is attached or detached. This drives price, HOA dues, and likely insurance costs.
- Recent sold comps for the tract and floor plan to understand true market value.
Commute and daily convenience
From Stonegate, Sand Canyon Avenue connects you quickly to the I‑5 and I‑405 corridors, with the SR‑133 toll route nearby for Spectrum and coastal access. You are well positioned for shopping and services around Woodbury Town Center and the Irvine Spectrum. For rail commuters, the Irvine Transportation Center serves as a regional hub for Metrolink and Amtrak with OCTA bus links. Learn more about Irvine Station’s role as a county transportation hub in this regional overview.
As with most of Orange County, drive times vary by time of day. Expect roughly 10 to 25 minutes to reach many Irvine job and retail centers in typical traffic. John Wayne Airport is the nearest commercial airport for most trips. For a sense of why the Villages planning model remains popular with buyers, see the Irvine Company’s master-planned community overview.
How Stonegate compares nearby
- Northwood. An older, established Irvine village with mature landscaping and tree‑lined streets. You will find long-standing neighborhoods and select areas with larger lots. Buyers who value established streetscapes often include Northwood in their search alongside Stonegate.
- Orchard Hills. A newer village at higher elevation with many larger detached homes and, in some areas, wider view opportunities. Orchard Hills often skews higher in price, especially in view tracts, and attracts buyers focused on larger homesites.
Both comparisons overlap on schools and amenities. If you want newer construction with many small neighborhood parks and pools plus quick access to Woodbury Town Center, Stonegate is a strong fit. If you prefer mature trees and longer-established streets, include Northwood. If you want higher elevation and larger detached homes, include Orchard Hills.
Is Stonegate the right fit for you?
Choose Stonegate if you want a newer Irvine village with a strong network of parks and pools, a recognized neighborhood elementary school, and practical access to major job and retail centers. Balance those strengths with the monthly HOA dues and any Mello‑Roos special taxes tied to the specific parcel you are considering. Confirm the exact school assignment and review the HOA packet early so there are no surprises after you fall in love with a home.
If you would like help narrowing the right tract, understanding true ownership costs, and touring the parks and pools that matter to your lifestyle, reach out. Julie Tran offers concierge guidance tailored to your goals. Request a complimentary consultation & home valuation and take the next step with confidence.
FAQs
Which schools serve Stonegate addresses in Irvine?
- Stonegate Elementary serves the village and earned a National Blue Ribbon in 2019. Middle and high feeders often include Sierra Vista Middle and Northwood High, but always confirm your exact address using Irvine Unified’s boundary resources.
Are Stonegate’s pools and parks open to the public?
- The village pools are HOA‑operated neighborhood amenities for residents and authorized guests. Park and pool names and features, like junior‑Olympic and lap pools, are summarized in this Stonegate amenities overview. Check your HOA for access rules.
What are typical HOA dues and special taxes in Stonegate?
- Many homes show HOA dues roughly between $140 and $350 per month depending on the tract and amenities. Some parcels carry Mello‑Roos special taxes. Confirm exact dues and any special assessments with the HOA and review the property tax bill. Start with the community site at Stonegate Homeowners.
How close is Stonegate to regional transit like Metrolink?
- The Irvine Transportation Center is a short drive from Stonegate and serves Metrolink and Amtrak with OCTA bus connections. See this regional hub overview for context, then check current schedules with the transit providers.
What kinds of homes are available in Stonegate?
- You will find 2010s-built condos, townhomes, and detached single-family homes with 2 to 5 bedrooms in varied floor plans. For village planning context and home types, review Stonegate within the Villages of Irvine.
How does Stonegate compare to Northwood and Orchard Hills?
- Stonegate offers newer construction and many small parks and pools. Northwood is more established with mature landscaping. Orchard Hills features higher elevation and many larger detached homes. Tour all three to see which vibe fits your lifestyle best.