Hey folks, I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $2,893 for rent here. Household incomes average around $129,647 in Irvine. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Anyone in a similar situation?
23 upvotes
6 Replies
Maverick Ruiz
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Jeremiah Nelson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely improving and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (The Heights) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
27 upvotes
Andrew Green
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Dallas about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Thomas Howard
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Luna J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 33, moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in East and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
2 upvotes
Brielle Castillo
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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