2885 Fairview Road – Decision Review
This residence at 2885 Fairview Road is a student-oriented house in Costa Mesa (Irvine area), managed by a branded independent operator. It offers 3-bedroom units (likely shared occupancy) with monthly rents from $1,195 to $1,495, plus a $250 deposit. The property includes a gym, swimming pool, and bills-included pricing. Based on Google reviews (4.2 stars from 248 ratings) and the available data, here is a factual breakdown of who this place works for and who should look elsewhere.
Who this residence suits
Students who value location convenience and included amenities
The residence sits in Costa Mesa, a short drive or bus ride from the main Irvine university campus. Residents have noted in reviews that “the location in Irvine is excellent and very convenient” (hee jeong choi, 5-star). The on-site gym and pool are practical extras for daily exercise or relaxation, and bills being included simplifies budgeting.
Those who prefer a small, community-oriented house over a large tower
The property is a standalone house, not a high-rise dorm. For students who want a quieter, more private setting with fewer tenants, this format can feel less institutional. The 3-bedroom configuration suggests shared common areas, which works well for groups of friends or those comfortable co-living.
Students who need move-in support from responsive staff
Several positive reviews highlight the helpfulness of the leasing team. Cristina Yagüe Sureda (5-star) specifically wrote: “Mark was incredibly helpful throughout the entire apartment search process. He was easy to talk to, responded very quickly to all of my questions, and was always kind and professional.” If you value quick communication during the booking phase, this property’s staff appear attentive.
Those on a moderate budget who want bills included
With rents starting at $1,195 per month (indicative – confirm with the operator), the price sits above the city’s cheapest student option ($975/month) but includes utilities. For a private bedroom in a house with gym and pool, the cost is competitive for Irvine’s market.
Who this residence does not suit
Students who need a short-term or flexible lease
The available data does not list a minimum lease term. If you require a semester-only or month-to-month arrangement, you may need to check availability directly. The lack of an “available from” date also suggests seasonal openings, so timing can be tight.
Those who have had negative corporate experiences elsewhere
One 2-star Google review (Robin Ferolie) described a significant administrative failure: “The first month she had to go to a temporary apartment for a month because the corporate office messed up!!” The review relates to a different location (“MUD in Burbank”), but it flags potential inconsistency across properties under the same management. If you are concerned about corporate coordination, ask the operator specifically about on-site management at 2885 Fairview Road.
Students who prefer a fully independent lease without shared housing
The property is a 3-bedroom house, meaning you will share common areas (kitchen, living room) with other tenants. If you want a studio or a single-occupancy apartment, this unit type will not suit you.
Budget-conscious students who need the absolute lowest price
The city’s from-price for student housing is $975/month. Starting at $1,195, this residence is $220+ more expensive than the cheapest option. While it offers more amenities, it is not the most budget-friendly choice.
What residents actually say
We have three Google reviews from the property’s listing. Two are highly positive, one is negative (and refers to a different location).
Positive (5-star):
Cristina Yagüe Sureda praised the leasing experience: “Mark was incredibly helpful throughout the entire apartment search process. He was easy to talk to, responded very quickly to all of my questions, and was always kind and professional. He guided me through every step, making the experience smooth and stress-free. I really appreciated his support and would highly recomm” (truncated in source).
This indicates reliable communication and assistance during the booking phase.
Positive (5-star):
hee jeong choi focused on the living experience: “I had a really pleasant stay at Kapi Residences. The location in Irvine is excellent and very convenient. The property itself is clean, quiet, and clearly well maintained. What made the experience stand out the most was the staff. Everyone I interacted with was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful whenever I had” (truncated).
Note: The reviewer refers to “Kapi Residences” – this appears to be the same branded management that operates 2885 Fairview Road. The positive comments about cleanliness, quietness, and staff are directly applicable.
Negative (2-star):
Robin Ferolie wrote: “My daughter attended MUD in Burbank for 7 months. The first month she had to go to a temporary apartment for a month because the corporate office messed up!! Then she was able to go to the residence in Burbank that she was originally supposed to go to. My daughter encountered some mental health problems after she gradu” (truncated).
This review discusses a different property (Burbank vs. Costa Mesa) and cites a corporate booking error. It suggests that the management company can have operational hiccups at other locations. Prospective tenants should ask about the consistency of check-in processes at the Costa Mesa house.
Overall takeaway:
The majority of reviews (both in volume and average rating) are positive, highlighting staff responsiveness and a well-maintained property. The one critical review is location-specific but serves as a caution to confirm details ahead of move-in.
Price positioning
The city’s cheapest student accommodation is $975/month (indicative – confirm with the operator). The starting price for 2885 Fairview Road is $1,195/month, which is 22.6% above that baseline. With a maximum of $1,495/month, the upper end is about 53% above the city’s from-price.
Given that bills (electricity, water, gas, internet, trash) are included, the effective monthly cost is lower than a “rent-only” comparison suggests. The gym and pool are value-added features that are not standard in cheaper units.
For context, Irvine has five student properties listed on the platform, with a wide price range. This residence falls in the mid-to-upper tier. If amenities and included bills are a priority, the price is reasonable. If you want the absolute lowest outlay, consider other options at the city’s from-price level.
Room-type guidance
The only unit type listed is 3-bedroom (3b) branded independent house. This means:
- You will share the house with up to two other tenants (or potentially three if each bedroom is occupied singly).
- Common areas (kitchen, living room, bathroom – likely more than one if a 3b) are shared.
- The house is managed by the operator, not by a private landlord.
If you are a solo student looking for a private studio, this is not the right fit. If you are in a group of three and want to rent the whole house, confirm with the operator whether that is an option. Otherwise, you may be matched with other individuals.
Deposit is $250, which is relatively low.
Booking timing
No minimum lease term or specific availability date is provided in the data. For the 2026–2027 academic year, typical student housing in Irvine starts leasing in late winter/early spring for fall move-in. Because this residence has a limited number of units (only one house type), availability can be tight.
Recommendation: Contact the operator as early as possible – at least 4–6 months before your intended move-in – to secure a spot. The positive reviews about staff responsiveness suggest they can guide you on specific dates and lease lengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are utilities and internet included?
Yes, the property tag includes “bills_included.” This typically covers water, electricity, gas, internet, and trash. Always confirm the exact scope with the operator.
Can I live here if I’m not a student?
The property is listed on a student-housing platform, but there is no explicit requirement in the data. In practice, these residences are marketed to students, but some may accept non-students. Check with the operator directly.
What are the nearby universities?
The property is located in Costa Mesa within the Irvine area. The primary nearby university is University of California, Irvine (UCI). The exact distance is not given, but reviewers noted “excellent location.” For other schools, verify by address.
Sources & data date: All prices and reviews are based on publicly available data as of July 2026. Prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. Google ratings and reviews are sourced from the property’s Google listing.
For live availability, room details, and to confirm your specific requirements, please use the on-site assistant on the property page.
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