Harvard Manor Apartments in Irvine, CA

Pros

• Crystine is very kind, patient, and communicates clearly and warmly.
• Krystal is an amazing person; her responses are quick and she is extremely helpful.
• Krystal is the best ever - super responsive, caring, and always willing to help.
• The staff, including Krystal, Adriana, and Ray, are incredibly friendly, professional, and proactive in addressing residents' needs.
• Harvard Manor offers a walkable, safe, and convenient living environment with a quiet atmosphere.
• The remodeling has refreshed the apartments, making them look brand new and improving the living experience.
• Adriana Estrella is amazingly kind to residents and always helps.
• The facilities are well-maintained and the overall atmosphere is welcoming.

Cons

• They take their sweet time finishing the remodeling and make tenants' lives miserable.
• There is a rude female security guard working there.
• Visitor parking is very challenging.
• The management is the worst ever.
• They let toxic mold grow in a friend's apartment for eight months before taking action.
• There is a lack of security, and many things are old.
• The place is awful.

Review

Harvard Manor Apartments in Irvine is best suited for budget-conscious renters who want a walkable, safe, and relatively quiet living environment, especially those who value proximity to the University of California, Irvine, and convenient access to groceries. The property's appeal is strongest for seniors who want a community atmosphere and for small families or couples who prioritize affordability without sacrificing basic convenience. The reviews repeatedly highlight a neighborhood that feels secure, with many residents expressing satisfaction about the sense of community and the ease of getting around on foot.

Those weighing alternatives should note that Harvard Manor may not be the right fit for buyers of pristine, brand-new construction or for tenants who demand flawless, continuous security and flawless property conditions without exception. Some reviewers flag older infrastructure, inconsistent office access, and security concerns in common areas. For households where 24/7, proactive on-site management and a zero-tolerance stance on maintenance delays are non-negotiable, other Irvine properties with newer builds and tighter security protocols may offer a better fit. Likewise, if a history of mold or persistent building complaints is a deal-breaker, it is prudent to scrutinize current unit conditions and recent remediation progress.

On the plus side, the most consistently praised element is the on-site management team, led by staff members who are repeatedly described as responsive, personable, and professional. Krystal, Adriana, and Ray receive frequent accolades for quick communication, thoughtful problem-solving, and proactive follow-through. Remodeling has refreshed interiors, with several tenants noting that the units look and feel like brand-new spaces. The combination of a personal touch from the management team and visible upgrades translates into a living experience that many residents describe as reliable and comfortable.

Despite the strong management presence, several reviews point to historical inconsistencies in office access and security-related concerns. Some tenants recall periods when doors were locked during business hours or when the office atmosphere felt less approachable, and there are mentions of older building infrastructure and limited security in the garage. There are also darker notes about mold episodes in a few units and isolated incidents involving security personnel. Parking can be tight, particularly for households with two vehicles or for visitors, and a few reviews reference past break-ins tied to personnel leave room for diligence when evaluating current safety measures. These factors matter, but they must be weighed against the present management emphasis on responsiveness and ongoing improvements.

The strongest case for Harvard Manor rests on the liveability wins that outpace the drawbacks for most residents: walkable access to UCI and nearby amenities, a low-price perch in a market known for high rents, and a community atmosphere that is reinforced by a consistently available, courteous management team. For families and seniors who want an approachable, genuine property management experience and who can tolerate older building fundamentals in exchange for affordability and location, Harvard Manor remains a practical, dependable option. For those who require a turnkey, modern, hyper-secure residence with flawless, uninterrupted service, exploring other Irvine communities may be warranted, with a clear plan to verify current security, maintenance velocity, and mold remediation history before signing.

Prospective renters should prioritize a direct conversation with Krystal or Adriana to gauge current remodel status, maintenance response times, and the latest security updates. A tour that includes a look at completed units and a frank discussion about parking and visitor spaces will illuminate how recent improvements align with daily needs. In short, Harvard Manor delivers steady, practical value for those who prize proximity to UCI, safety-affirming neighborhoods, and a compassionate on-site team - provided expectations are aligned with the realities of an older rental stock and the evolving management landscape.

This part of Irvine, California offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several parks nearby such as William R. Mason Regional Park and Bonita Canyon Park, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and leisurely walks in serene surroundings. There are also numerous dining options including Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chick-Fil-A, and North Italia for convenient and delicious meals. Pharmacies like Rite Aid and CVS provide easy access to medication and healthcare essentials. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable physicians at Kaiser Permanente Orthopedics and Hoag Tustin Legacy, as well as hospitals like Kaiser Permanente Hospital and Hoag Hospital Newport Beach for medical care if needed. Additionally, transportation options such as John Wayne Airport and Amtrak Irvine Station make travel convenient for seniors living in this area. Places of worship like Islamic Center of Irvine and Harvest Community Church cater to spiritual needs within the community, creating a well-rounded environment for senior living in Irvine.

Parks

• William R. Mason Regional Park (0.3 miles)
• Bonita Canyon Park (2.1 miles)
• Plaza Park (3 miles)
• Ashwood Park (3.2 miles)
• Valley Oak Park (3.4 miles)
• Giardino Altura (4.1 miles)
• Corona Del Mar State Beach (4.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Chipotle Mexican Grill (0.5 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.5 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (0.5 miles)
• North Italia (1.6 miles)
• Gulliver's Restaurant (2.5 miles)
• McDonald's (2.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center (2.6 miles)
• Nespresso Boutique at Bloomingdale's (4.2 miles)
• Yifang Fruit Tea (4.4 miles)
• Rose Bakery Cafe (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Orobae (4.7 miles)

Transportation

• John Wayne Airport (SNA) (2.6 miles)
• Terminal A (2.6 miles)
• Amtrak and Metrolink Irvine Station (5.6 miles)

Theaters

• Amc Tustin 14 At The District (3.2 miles)
• Regal Irvine Spectrum Screenx, 4Dx, Imax, RPX & Vip (5 miles)

Physicians

• Kaiser Permanente Orthopedics (3.3 miles)
• Coastal Kids (3.6 miles)
• Newport Orthopedic Institute (4 miles)
• Hoag Tustin Legacy (4.5 miles)
• Hoag Medical Group (4.5 miles)
• Kaiser Permenente Tustin Medical Offices (5.3 miles)
• Newport Heart North (5.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Hospital (3.3 miles)
• Hoag Hospital Newport Beach (5.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Islamic Center of Irvine (4.9 miles)
• Harvest Community Church of Irvine (5.7 miles)