The property is historically part of the Irvine Ranch, and was a land preserve up until the creation of the community.
The Irvine Company decided to build the planned community in 1982; it was approved for construction in 1986 by the County of Orange.
The plan called for the creation of 7,000 residential units, from mansions to apartments to accommodate the variety of residents living in Orange County.
Primary schools in Tustin Ranch include: The Tustin Ranch area is primarily served by Beckman High School, which is also part of TUSD and located in the nearby city of Irvine.
It is a very narrow sliver of property wedged between Tustin Foothills to its north and Irvine to its south, with the Lomas Ridge preserve to its east.