Irvine 76 Excellent
Irvine Livability #103 ranked city in California#3,135 ranked city in the USARanks better than 89% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Irvine

PROS
  • Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

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What's it like Living in Irvine?

Irvine, California is a big city with a population of 272,694 inhabitants. Irvine has a population density of 4,156 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Individuals of White (45%) and Asian (44%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Irvine. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Irvine, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Irvine, California could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Irvine and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, commute, employment, housing and other important metrics.

Irvine has a livability score of 73 out of 100 and is ranked #166 in California and #4,215 in the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Irvine has higher than average grades for the following: amenities (A), crime (A+) and employment (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Irvine. The following was graded with a concerning score: cost of living (F).

If you're living in Irvine, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Irvine an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Irvine Spectrum Center, Boomers! Irvine, and Galaxy Theatres Atascadero.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Irvine, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 75 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Irvine schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 73%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Irvine an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

Assuming that Irvine meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Irvine. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Irvine are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Irvine come in at $861,700, which is 110.5% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Irvine, the home price to income ratio is 8, which is 25% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Irvine

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Irvine?

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Compare Irvine, CA Livability

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      Irvine transportation information

      Statistic Irvine California National
      Average one way commute26min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work71.1%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.6%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.1%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.3%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.3%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home12.8%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Irvine, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).