Thinking about relocating to Irvine from Baltimore
Longtime lurker here, I'm retired and Average temperature is around 62°F, so the weather is moderate. Household incomes average around $129,647 in Irvine. With a population of 308K, Irvine is a mid-size city. It's a a mid-size city city with about 308K people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What would you do? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
28 upvotes
5 Replies
James Campbell
nah I disagree
30 upvotes
William Clark
this is the way
29 upvotes
Luke S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Fairview. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in marketing. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
raleighdude2020
Came here for family and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The public transit is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
3 upvotes
Camila Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 54, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Pine Hills and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Chicago, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
All Countries
