Is Irvine, CA a Good Place to Live? 10 Pros and Cons to Consider

Moving to a new area can be a great way to start fresh and explore new opportunities, and if you’re considering living in Irvine, California, prepare yourself for sunny days, beautiful beaches and at times, traffic that will make you want to pull your hair out. If you’re thinking about moving to the area, there are definitely some things you should think about before making such a big decision. Whether you plan to purchase a home or rent an apartment in Irvine, Redfin has 5 pros and 5 cons to help you decide if Irvine is a good place to live.

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Quick Facts about Irvine

Median home sale price
$1,710,000

Average monthly rent
$3,105

Walk Score
43/100

Transit Score
26/100

Bike Score
69/100

1. Pro: Celebrations and community events

Irvine is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a variety of celebrations and community events throughout the year. One local favorite is the Irvine Global Village Festival, which celebrates Irvine’s diverse community and features live music, dance performances, cultural exhibits, and international food. The festival takes place in September and is a great way to experience different cultures. 

2. Con: High cost of living

The cost of living in Irvine is very high, making it a city with significant financial demands. With living expenses 52% higher than the national average, residents may face substantial financial challenges in this region. One major contributor to this high cost is the housing market, where housing costs in Orange County soar 156% above the national average. This translates to exorbitant prices, as reflected in the median sale price in Irvine, which stands at a staggering $1,710,000. Renting is no exception, with the average rental price of $3,105 per month. These figures underscore the substantial financial commitment required to reside in Irvine.

3. Pro: Great schools 

Irvine is home to some of the best schools in California. The Irvine Unified School District consistently ranks highly for academic excellence, and there are also several top-ranked private schools, including Westcliff Preparatory Academy, Pacific Academy, and TVT Community Day School. If having a top-ranked university nearby is important to you there is University of California, Irvine which currently ranks #34 out of 443 National Universities. 

4. Con: Traffic congestion

Like many cities in California, Irvine can be congested, particularly during rush hour. If you’re commuting to work, you’ll need to factor in extra time for traffic delays. The roads are often backed up due to the large population and the numerous highways and freeways that run through the city. Additionally, the city is a popular destination for commuters from other parts of Orange County, leading to further congestion.

5. Pro: Beautiful weather and natural scenery

Irvine experiences short, warm, dry, and cloudless summers, while its winters are long, cool, and partially cloudy. Throughout the year, temperatures in Irvine usually range from 47°F to 82°F, with extremely low temperatures below 40°F and high temperatures above 90°F being infrequent. This mild, Mediterranean climate is perfect for outdoor activities where you can enjoy hiking and biking in the nearby hills, or relax on one of the many nearby beaches.

6. Con: Limited public transportation

With a Transit Score of 26, Irvine lacks robust public transportation options, necessitating a heavy reliance on personal vehicles for commuting and getting around the city. The limited availability of public transit systems can pose challenges for those who prefer or rely on public transportation for their daily needs. As a result, residents in Irvine may find themselves heavily dependent on their cars to navigate the city and reach various destinations efficiently. This dependence on automobiles can contribute to increased expenses related to fuel, parking, and maintenance, further adding to the overall cost of living in the area.

7. Pro: Abundant job opportunities 

Irvine is a robust city that offers a wide range of job opportunities across various industries. With its bustling economy and diverse population, Irvine has become a hub for business and innovation, attracting top talent from around the world.

Some of the largest employers in Irvine include companies in the technology, healthcare, and education sectors, such as Broadcom, Blizzard Entertainment, Edwards Lifesciences, and the University of California, Irvine. Additionally, the city is home to a number of small and medium-sized businesses, providing ample opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups.

8. Con: Lack of nightlife

If you’re looking for a place to experience some nightlife in Irvine, you might be a bit disappointed at first. Irvine isn’t exactly known for its vibrant club scene or late-night partying. However, there are still some cool spots to check out. The Irvine Spectrum Center, which has tons of great restaurants and bars, as well as live music venues, is definitely a spot to add to your list. 

If you’re willing to venture out of Irvine, nearby cities like Newport Beach and Costa Mesa have a wider variety of nightlife options, including nightclubs and lounges. If you’re looking to really experience some nightlife, you might want to consider venturing out of Irvine altogether. Luckily, Los Angeles is just a short drive away, and it’s home to some of the hottest clubs, bars, and lounges on the planet.

9. Pro: Location

Irvine, California is perfectly situated between two of Southern California’s most iconic cities: Los Angeles and San Diego. With Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south, Irvine offers easy access to both urban excitement and beachfront relaxation. 

From the glitz and glamor of Hollywood to the sunny shores of La Jolla, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy within a short drive of Irvine. Residents can take in a game at Dodger Stadium or Petco Park, visit world-famous attractions like the San Diego Zoo or Universal Studios Hollywood, or simply soak up the sun on one of the many beautiful beaches in the area. Whether you’re looking for big-city thrills or laid-back beach vibes, Irvine’s location between Los Angeles and San Diego puts you right in the heart of all the action.

10. Con: HOA’s are common in Irvine

Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) are common in many neighborhoods in Irvine, and they enforce rules and regulations related to the appearance and upkeep of properties in the community. These rules include regulations related to the home’s exterior, parking, noise levels, the use of community pools and recreational areas, and more. HOAs have the authority to enforce their rules and may impose fines or other penalties for violations, which can lead to conflicts with residents. While HOAs can help maintain property values and ensure a uniform appearance in the community, some residents may find the rules to be overly restrictive, so it’s important to review the HOA rules and regulations carefully before buying a home in a neighborhood governed by an HOA.

Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center. The Walk Score, Transit Score and Bike Score data is from Walk Score.

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