Best Apartment Community

1. Newport Bluffs

100 Vilaggio, Newport Beach; 844-277-3455; irvinecompanyapartments.com

Newport Bluffs again lands at the top of this category, drawing praise for its quiet environs, exceptionally maintained grounds, host of amenities and central location.

Built around the concept of a Tuscan retreat, the gated community is made up of three separate “villages” of townhomes and single-level units with private garages and sunshine-filled layouts.

With 30 floor plans to choose from, residents can find such features as private balconies or patios with canyon, mountain or courtyard views and their own washers and dryers.

Select units come with gas fireplaces, hardwoodlike flooring and quartz or granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances.

The lush landscaping throughout the community makes for standout common areas. These include three resort-style pools, with tiered sundeck and private cabanas available, and outdoor fireplace and barbecue areas.

Residents also have access to a clubhouse with a catering kitchen, a wine room, lighted tennis courts, and fitness center with movement studio.

All of this is a short drive from Pacific Coast Highway, Fashion Island, John Wayne Airport and other key destinations.

The Bonita Canyon Trail is right outside the property for those who want to retreat into nature.

“I’ve never had such a prompt and professional maintenance experience in all my time renting,” said one resident on Yelp. “It is so stress-free.”

There was also this review from another Newport Bluffs apartment resident: “We have no real complaints, which we all know is like impossible when renting.”

Residents were especially grateful for the ultra-highspeed internet services available in the community, as many worked from home over the past year.

COURTESY OF IRVINE COMPANY Newport Bluffs Apartment Homes in Newport Beach was named the best apartment community by The Register readers as part of the Best of Orange County readers poll.

— Kathie Bozanich

2. Corte Bella Apartments

9580 El Rey Ave., Fountain Valley; 833-894-8528; livecortebella.com

If “centrally located” is the priority, put Corte Bella high up on the list. The convenience of its Fountain Valley location, in the center of Orange County, takes on added meaning to the ease at which residents can quickly reach I-405 to get where they are going. And it’s a short drive to get down to the sand at Huntington Beach.

Key features of the apartments are high ceilings and nice skylights to brighten the surroundings. They also feature granite countertops in the kitchens, washer and dryer units, contemporary flooring and more, and private garages are available.

Shared amenities include well-maintained, landscaped grounds, multiple pools, outdoor grilling and fireplace areas with seating areas and an indoor fitness center with modern equipment.

The apartment complex offers one- to two-bedroom units with one to two bathrooms. The smallest unit is 760 square feet, and the largest is 1,056 square feet.

3. Beachwood Village Apartments

19132 Magnolia St., Huntington Beach; 714-964-5567; beachwoodvillage.com

The gated Beachwood Village Apartments is a well-landscaped community that’s about halfway between the beach in Huntington and the 405 freeway. There are a total of 120 well-sized one- and two-bedroom units, each with a patio and balcony, with amenities that include a pool, spa, some private garages, a recreation room and fitness area.

“Beachwood Village is just that — a village — of friendly residents with a great vibe,” manager Charlene Thorne said. “A village with waterfalls and lovely flowers and landscape making a nice walkabout for our residents who just want to enjoy the environment.”

Resident Emma Clark cited Beachwood’s attention to safety and overall livability.

“I like that the property is gated, with the main gate only open during business hours,” she said. “The property is consistently well-kept and nicely landscaped. The rooms are large with large windows for plenty of light.”