Livability Score

76
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (49) F
Entertainment (36) F
Food and Drink (123) C+
Fitness (30) B
Groceries (34) C-
Parks (480) A+
Shops (106) A-
See more Irvine amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 1.1% take public transportation in Irvine.
Public Transit Stops (99)
Stops & Stations
A+
Workers Taking Public Transit
1.1%
F
See more Irvine commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Irvine is 198/100 - which is 42% higher than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Irvine cost of living data

crime A+

Irvine crime rates are 1,554 per 100k, which is 45% lower than California
Property Crime
1,479 crimes per 100k
B-
Violent Crime
75 crimes per 100k
A+
See more Irvine crime data

employment A+

The median income in Irvine is $108,318 - which is 70% higher than California.
Med. Household Income
$108,318
A+
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
C+
See more Irvine employment data

health C-

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (55)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
F
See more Irvine health & safety data

housing C

Irvine home prices are $861,700 - which is 111% higher than California
Home Price
$861,700
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
17%
A
Home Affordability
8x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more Irvine housing data

schools A+

The Irvine graduation rate is 96% - which is 20% higher than California
School Test Scores
73%
B
High School Grad. Rates
96%
A+
Elementary Schools (58) F
High Schools (18) F
See more Irvine education data

ratings C+

Irvine has an overall rating of 68% from 66 reviews.
User Reviews (6)
From AreaVibes
C-
User Surveys (60)
From AreaVibes
A
See more Irvine user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Irvine, CA
( 66 Ratings )

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Irvine Reviews

Write a review about Irvine Tell people what you like or don't like about Irvine…
Delete this review 2 rating By AV Jon ( Jun 21, 2022) 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 ...Read More Read Less
What's not to like? 5 rating By Anonymous ( Oct 30, 2019) 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, e ...Read More xtremely 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. Read Less
A real-life Stepford Wives kinda of town 2 rating By Anonymous ( Oct 14, 2019) 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 authentic ...Read More ity 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. Read Less
Gorgeous safe city! 5 rating By Anonymous ( Mar 21, 2019) 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 bea ...Read More utiful. 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. Read Less
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A real-life Stepford Wives kinda of town 2 rating By Anonymous ( Oct 14, 2019) 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 authentic ...Read More ity 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. Read Less
Gorgeous safe city! 5 rating By Anonymous ( Mar 21, 2019) 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 bea ...Read More utiful. 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. Read Less
Worst place ever 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Sep 27, 2018) 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 priv ...Read More ate. 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. Read Less
Irvine, CA - The Last Pleasant College Town In Southern California 4 rating By Anonymous ( May 07, 2010) 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 woul ...Read More d 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. Read Less

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Irvine Awards

Compare Irvine, CA Livability

      vs

      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.

      A Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Irvine? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Orangetree Park
      Hoeptner Park
      Fallbrook Park
      Ranch Park
      Peppergrass Park
      Oak Creek Community Park
      Arbor Park
      Pine Brook Park

      Entertainment

      Artology Studio
      Old Towne Irvine
      FivePoint Arena
      AMC Classic Woodbridge 5
      Great Park Balloon
      Theater Building
      Great Park Carousel
      Irvine Art and Music

      Food & Drink

      Dunkin'
      Papa John's
      Subway
      Chipotle
      Yogurtland
      Bambū Desserts & Drinks
      See's Candies
      Domino's

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Irvine? Of all people who commute, 1.1% take public transportation in Irvine.
      Drive to Work
      71%

      5% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      4% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      4%

      2% higher than the US average

      B+ Health & Safety

      Is Irvine a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Kaiser Permanente Orange County-Irvine Medical Center
      Hoag Hospital Irvine

      Pharmacies

      MedLife Pharmacy & Compounding
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      Rite Aid
      Walgreens
      Rite Aid
      Long Pharmacy

      Doctors

      Dr. Neil Neimark, MD
      Lee Chiropractic
      Woodbridge Medical Center
      Hoag Health Center - Woodbridge
      Woodbridge Square Medical
      Woodbridge Professional Building
      Bristol Park Medical Group
      Student Health Center