Northwood case study

Question 1

What is Northwood and where is it located?

Answer 1

A community in Irvine in Orange county, California
Classic “edge city” - substantial urban development on the fringe of an existing conurbation - formally planned and relatively self-sufficient
Southern edge of LA conurbation
To the East are the low Santa Ana mountains

Question 2

What is the population of Northwood?

Answer 2

21,000

Question 3

What is the crime rate in Northwood?

Answer 3

70% lower than the national average

Question 4

Describe the housing conditions in Northwood

Answer 4

Single-family houses on relatively large “lots”
Average household size 2.8 persons
Most households own their own home rather than renting - two thirds have lived in Northwood for over 10 years
Streets lined with trees
Large gardens and lots of open space

Question 5

Describe the environmental conditions and access to resources in Northwood

Answer 5

Air pollution is low as it is on the edge of the LA conurbation - avoids smog around the centre of the conurbation
Solar powered and sustainable and renewable energy sources - also contributes to low air pollution
Very good access to resources - clean running water, substantial supply of food, advanced technology

Question 6

Describe the levels of income in Northwood

Answer 6

Average income about US$86,500 a year (around $240) - very high
Very well-off financially

Question 7

Describe the levels of health in Northwood

Answer 7

Healthcare is excellent, even by the high standards of ACs
Life expectancy is 80
Very good clinics and hospitals

Question 8

Describe the levels of education in Northwood

Answer 8

Schools among best-achieving in the USA
5 high schools and several tertiary education facilities
Educational standards of residents high - many have degrees (69% aged 25+) - 20% have masters or doctorates

Question 9

Describe age and ethnicity of people in Northwood

Answer 9

One third of household families with children of school age
Around 1/2 white
2nd most common ethnicity is Vietnamese

Question 10

What is the future for Northwood?

Answer 10

Even in downturns in the economy it retains its reputation for high-paid employment
High quality employment, education, health and living conditions will continue and mean bright futures are ahead