Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a college student here and With a population of 308K, Irvine is a mid-size city. Average temperature is around 62°F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I wrong here? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
56 upvotes
6 Replies
Leah H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 3 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Limited high-paying job options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Charlotte Chavez
hmm interesting perspective
13 upvotes
Kai Mendoza
Came here for weather and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The traffic is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Melanie C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely excellent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
1 upvotes
Miles Edwards
hard disagree but ok
1 upvotes
Angel Castillo
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Raleigh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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