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Irvine, CA

Population: 246,992 livability score shield

Key findings

  • Irvine has a Livability Score of 79/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Irvine crime rates are 40% lower than the California average
  • Cost of living in Irvine is 27% higher than the California average
  • Irvine real estate prices are 76% higher than the California average
  • Rental prices in Irvine are 54% higher than the California average

Best Places to Live in and Around Irvine

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Compare Irvine, CA Livability

      vs

      What do the locals think about Irvine?

      71%Family friendly 22%Public transit is accessible 46%Walkable to grocery stores 61%Yards are well-kept 66%Lots of parks 42%Walkable to restaurants 41%Friendly neighbors 83%Safe at night 58%Pet friendly 66%Streets have sidewalks 69%A quiet area 31%Sense of community
      Based on 59 votes from AreaVibes users. See all Irvine poll results.

      Irvine Real estate & Rental prices

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      Irvine Demographics

      Population246,992 Median Age34.5 Have Kids (under 18)51%
      See more Irvine demographic data

      Irvine, CA

      Irvine is located 45 miles south of Los Angeles, but the city has a pace that is totally different than its larger neighbor to the north. While Irvine may be home to over 275,000 Californians, it is somehow able to maintain the feel and character of a smaller town. Perhaps this is because of the warm and friendly people that call the city home. People who are looking to rent or buy a home should consider Irvine because of the city's strategic location, good employment opportunities, lower cost of living and low crime rates.

      Irvine is the Center of Orange County, and it is consistently recognized as one of the top cities in the country to raise a family. A lot of this has to do with the amazing weather that the area is blessed with, but the quality of the school system also plays a major role in this ranking. Irvine is home to one of the universities in the University of California system. The Anteaters offer students a number of degree options that position them well for employment upon graduation. Speaking of job opportunities, the university is also one of the leading employers in the city. Verizon Wireless and Irvine Company are large companies that offer competitive pay and benefit packages to those who choose to work for them.

      Irvine does not have nearly the traffic problems that LA or San Diego have, but there are times throughout the day when drivers need to be careful about the time they leave their house. If you do not want to drive while living in Irvine, that is an option as well thanks to the city's public transit and fixed route system. While it may be a slower option than private conveyance, it is an affordable and reliable alternative that is used by many of the city's residents.

      Crystal Cove State Park is one of the city's top draws, and the miles of pristine beach along the Pacific Ocean makes for a great place to take a walk on a sunny California day. Balboa Pier is an iconic attraction that has been the setting for some of the most memorable moments in film. Pretend City Children's Museum gives kids the chance to run the world as they see fit with a great selection of exhibits and interactive games.

      Irvine is also home to a burgeoning culinary scene that combines fresh local ingredients with chefs who have traveled the world in search of bold flavor combinations. Il Fornaio, Cucina Enoteca Irvine, and O Fine Japanese Cuisine are just a few of the places that come to mind for their excellent options. In general, Irvine offers a lot of good things to its residents.

      Top Rated Schools in Irvine

      Name Grades Students Proficiency
      Jenny Hart Early Education CenterPK - KG15n/a
      Meadow Park Elementary SchoolKG - 6626n/a
      Woodbridge High9 - 122,427n/a
      Halstrom Academy - Newport Beach6 - 1249n/a
      Beacon ParkKG - 8839n/a
      Stone Creek Elementary SchoolKG - 6565n/a
      Hicks Canyon Elementary SchoolKG - 5941n/a
      KindercarePK - KG16n/a
      See all Irvine schools

      The best places in California

      Here are the best places to live in CaliforniaTop 10 cities in California with the best education systemThese are the 10 most affordable cities in California10 best cities to buy a new house in California

      Irvine Reviews

      Write a review about Irvine Tell people what you like or don't like about Irvine…
      Delete this review
      Attractions7/10
      Community8/10
      Nightlife8/10
      Dining9/10
      Shopping7/10
      This is delete. This is delete hahahaha ash’s he. Eh subs did us. Sue sus sh she did did did did did did did did she
      • AV Jon (Current resident)
      • Jun 21, 2022
      1 -1
      What's not to like?
      Attractions10/10
      Community10/10
      Nightlife10/10
      Dining10/10
      Shopping10/10
      If you like well tended homes that exude Pride Of Ownership, quality dining choices, top quality malls and attractions, great award-winning schools, University of California Irvine's gorgeous campus, generous speed limits, the most professional police force in the United State, extremely low crime rates, and year-after-year acknowledgement of being the safest city in the nation, then Irvine is definitely for you. Some people think that the residents are snobby, but we are not. If you are young and have not made it yet, or older and never will, then this is not the place for you. We are all inclusive of successful people from all backgrounds and races. If you are not so successful, well.... there is also La Habra, or Moreno Valley for you.
      • Anonymous (Current resident)
      • Oct 30, 2019
      6 -17
      A real-life Stepford Wives kinda of town
      Attractions6/10
      Community2/10
      Nightlife1/10
      Dining4/10
      Shopping10/10
      This city pretty much only have it's good educational system. Everything else is coated in a fake veneer. There are a lot of cookie cutter homes (due to the Irvine company) in master-planned communities. The restaurants and stores are mostly chains. There is no ounce of authenticity here. If you're old or just like living in the color beige, this town is for you. If you are young or have a young family, look elsewhere. It honeslty felt like living in one giant retirement community crammed with people fighting for parking at Sprouts. I rather have my kids live in a place that has more diversity (financial and racial). Having only high income people from only two races is not diversity!

      Also, there is nothing "lush" about this place. Idk where that over reviewer got that. It's chaparral so it looks like desert.
      • Anonymous (Former resident)
      • Oct 14, 2019
      7 -11
      Gorgeous safe city!
      Attractions8/10
      Community10/10
      Nightlife9/10
      Dining10/10
      Shopping9/10
      Such a wonderful and pleasant city to raise your family. The crime rate is very low, but the housing is very expensive. Home values continue to rise and the colleges are top notch. Most average students cannot attend UCI college without high grades and the surrounding area is beautiful. Of course your in Orange County where the jobs are good and you still have Los Angeles and San Diego County around you. You are close to the beach, Newport Beach is just minutes behind the UCI college campus. The community is safe and the people are professional. This is one of the top cities around the OC! Businesses are doing well and plenty of jobs around the city. Enjoy passing through and checking us out. Anaheim stadium is not too far either. Best place ever to raise your family, but housing is expensive for a reason.
      • Anonymous (Current resident)
      • Mar 21, 2019
      13 -5
      Worst place ever
      Attractions1/10
      Community1/10
      Nightlife1/10
      Dining1/10
      Shopping1/10
      Irvine, Great Park is filled with snobbish Indians and Chinese. They are rude, disrespectful, lack consideration and are extremely selfish. They have cliques and usually speak in their languages.They brought their caste systems in Great Park too. They have made all the parks private. Everybody else who live in Great Park can not access the parks' bathrooms and pools. There is poo and urine smell all over the place. Irresponsible dogs owners don't pick up after their dogs and they often leave the poo in bags where ever they want.These snobbish don't allow any bus or shuttle for those who don't have cars. People they perceive to be poor, must stay on their one street (3 blocks). Also, there is no public library nor food stores around. The arrogants drive so fast and don't let pedestrians cross at stop signs.Five Point, Real estate, greedy Fascists who own the land in this area make all the discrimination rules and had closed the only access to Amtrak station.
      • Anonymous (Current resident)
      • Sep 27, 2018
      9 -14
      Irvine, CA - The Last Pleasant College Town In Southern California
      Attractions7/10
      Community9/10
      Nightlife9/10
      Dining9/10
      Shopping7/10
      Irvine, with its lush landscapes, is well known for being home to one of the best University of California campuses. Compiled student and success ratings have stayed among the highest consistently. Prospective University of California students should research this school and would likely prefer it over the others. Because Irvine is a college town, the nightlife, bar and restaurant venue choices are plentiful and exciting.

      I live fairly close to Irvine and visit frequently. I am always in search of the best restaurants in the metro area of Los Angeles and there have been a couple in Irvine that stand out across the city. Yard House is a unique and friendly environment. Beer choices are endless and the food is fresh and delicious. Taiko House, featuring authentic Japanese cuisine, is sure to delight anyone. Generous helpings ensure that nobody leaves hungry. Staff and prices are great and the restaurant is immaculate.

      Those seeking to relocate to Irvine may be disappointed in the real estate prices of average houses. Despite the economic situation, housing prices have been continually hovering at high rates. Those who can afford the prices will not be disappointed, as the city of Irvine is a very strong and friendly community.
      • Anonymous
      • May 07, 2010
      4 -1
      Source: The Irvine, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the 2016 United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
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