Firstly why Irvine, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Irvine
• State: California
• Population: 307,670 people
• Irvine’s quick summary would be Recognized for its meticulously planned communities and the University of California, Irvine.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 30,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 30,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 7,000
• Number of Homeless people: 300

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a strong economy and excellent schools attracting families and professionals

Perk #1: Irvine Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 39%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 41%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Asian
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $95,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Irvine is $115,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $20000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Irvine’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 180 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,585
• Property Tax %: 0.75%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,300
• Rent for an average house: $3,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Woodbury
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Irvine, Woodbridge, Northwood, University-Irvine, and probably could include Quail-Hill
• Avg. Age of Homes in Irvine: 28 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Irvine’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Irvine are  Technology, Education, and Healthcare
• Irvine Job Scene: strong job market in tech and education industries
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub known for its strong presence in technology and life sciences , ,
• Irvine Resident’s pay $2,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Irvine: 10.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 200 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 11

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Irvine

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $190 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-5 runs through Irvine facilitating access between LA and San Diego
• Commute Time: 27 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic slowing on Jamboree Road
• Transportation Score: 35 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Irvine: 160,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 14 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Irvine: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 75 of 100
• Local Airport: John Wayne

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Irvine’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Irvine is best described as experiences mild winters with cool temperatures and warm dry summers with occasional heat waves
• Winter Weather in Irvine i’d describe as mild and dry
• Spring Weather in Irvine can be described as mild and dry
• Summer’s in Irvine are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Irvine is usually warm with occasional clouds
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 14 days in summer
• Days in a row in Irvine below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 15 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally with suburban influences
• Irvine Winter Air generally good air quality slightly affected by traffic

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Irvine Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Irvine 10
• While the number of trade schools inside Irvines’s city limits are 5
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Irvine Valley College Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Irvine Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Irvine only Doctors is about 220
• Local Hospitals here is  8
• Full-time Irvine only Police Officers is about 220
• Crime Rate Index: 20/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Irvine’s Monthly utility bill average is $230
• Irvine’s Monthly Gym Membership: $78
• Irvine’s Water Quality Score: 82

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Irvine

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 15 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: planned community known for excellent schools and amenities
• You might enjoy performances at the Irvine Barclay Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Irvine  has a calm nightlife with upscale dining options and friendly bars perfect for gatherings

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Irvine

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes chain restaurants and a wide range of family diners
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 60 scattered around Irvine
• The Popular Sports Team is UCI Anteaters
• Top Level Political Climate in Irvine can be described as liberal suburban center focused on education and innovation
• Irvine’s Longer standing religious establishment is Hope Community Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Irvine Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Irvine has 80 Parks?
• William R. Mason Regional Park is Irvine’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Irvine Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and outdoor festivals

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Irvine Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Irvine can be described as fast-paced urban atmosphere with a tech-driven community
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Irvine visiting parks community sports events attending festivals
• The Cities people commute to from Irvine are Newport-Beach 7 miles away Tustin 5 miles away Laguna-Hills 8 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Irvine or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic slowing on Jamboree Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Irvine’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Woodbury is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Irvine are Newport-Beach 7 miles away Tustin 5 miles away Laguna-Hills 8 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 20 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Irvine has 0 days in a row below freezing and 14 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Irvine people have an average (positive or negative) $20000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   300 homeless people living in Irvine. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal suburban center focused on education and innovation could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Irvine.

Retiree & Senior Life in Irvine

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for property tax relief programs assisting older residents
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Atria Woodbridge
• Irvine Senior Center offers diverse activities educational workshops and social events for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Irvine, California?

If Irvine, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Irvine, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!