Both Daybreak, Utah, and Irvine Ranch, California, are master-planned communities offering a variety of amenities and housing options. Daybreak offers a more affordable option with a strong sense of safety and good public transportation, but is car-dependent. Irvine Ranch, while more expensive, boasts award-winning schools and resort-style amenities, with walkability varying by location. The choice depends on budget, lifestyle preferences, and the importance of school quality.
| Attribute | Daybreak, Utah | Irvine Ranch, California |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Daybreak, Utah | Irvine Ranch, California |
| Average Home Price | Approximately $435,990 - $594,000 (median). Prices start in the mid $600,000s, most sell below $800,000. | Median sale price is approximately $1,200,000. Prices range from $106,000 to $69,800,000. The average home value in Irvine, CA, is $1,588,416. |
| Property Taxes (Annual) | Not available | In new communities, property taxes can be significantly higher due to Mello-Roos assessments, potentially adding 1% to 2% to the yearly tax percentage. |
| HOA Fees (Monthly) | Base HOA fee is $142.50 (2025). Additional sub-association fees apply for low-maintenance homes. | HOA fees range from $0 to $1,615 per month. Some new construction areas may have higher HOA fees due to extensive amenities. |
| Number of Homes | Approximately 8,000 built to date, with plans to reach 20,000 at full buildout. | Irvine Ranch is a large community with 36 villages and approximately 280,000 residents. |
| Community Amenities (Pools, Parks, Gyms) | Community and fitness centers, swimming pools and splash pads, dozens of neighborhood parks, over 50 miles of trails, sports courts, Oquirrh Lake with boating privileges. | Resort-style amenities, including shopping centers, swimming pools, and recreation centers in each village. Portola Springs has clubhouses, pools, spas, tot lots, barbecues, picnic tables, and sports courts. Great Park Neighborhoods include pools, clubhouses, outdoor kitchens, playgrounds. |
| School District Rating | Jordan School District. Eastlake Elementary School has a B+ Niche grade. | Irvine is known for its award-winning schools. |
| Walkability Score | Somewhat bikeable, very car-dependent. Designed with the '5-minute rule'. | Walkability scores vary depending on the specific location within Irvine Ranch. |
| Crime Rate (per 1000 residents) | 13.43 per 1,000 residents. Graded A+ for safety, safer than 96% of US neighborhoods. | Irvine has a low violent crime rate. The crime rate in Irvine is 19.87 per 1,000 residents. |
| Proximity to Shopping and Dining | Near The District retail center. SoDa Row within Daybreak offers local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. | Numerous dining and shopping options. Located an hour south of Los Angeles and 90 minutes north of San Diego. |
| Public Transportation Options | Two TRAX (light rail) stations. UTA TRAX Red Line connects to downtown Salt Lake City. F504 South Jordan Flex route provides curbside service. | Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus service, Metrolink commuter rail, and Irvine CONNECT shuttle. Irvine CONNECT provides free shuttle service between northern Irvine and Irvine Station. |
| Types of Homes Available (Single-family, Townhomes, Apartments) | Single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartments. | Variety of housing options, including single-family homes, condominiums, and attached homes. |
| New Construction vs. Resale Homes | Both new construction and resale homes are available. | New construction homes are available in areas like Great Park and Portola Springs. Resale homes can be found in more established villages like Oak Creek and Woodbridge. |