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Christian Cook
housing
Cost of living reality check — Irvine
Hey, Born and raised here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
56 upvotes
6 Replies
Carson Ramos
haha yep pretty much
38 upvotes
Kayden Ross
I work in retail here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Kinsley
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Harper Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 43, moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Pine Hills and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Salt Lake City, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 43, moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Pine Hills and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Salt Lake City, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
16 upvotes
Evan Young
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
8 upvotes
Theodore Rivera
I've lived in Downtown for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- The housing market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- The housing market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes