Want to relocate to California? You can choose Irvine, a city in Orange County known for its modern and master-planned communities. Living in Irvine can be a rewarding experience on both personal and professional fronts with its loads of greenery, low crime rate, and thriving communities that make living wonderful. 

So, if you’re interested in knowing more, this blog will be the best choice. Know all the details about Irvine, including the cost of living there, the property range, and other facts about finding your dream home in this city. 

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Irvine is considered a bit higher, nearly 45% more than the national average. A Numbeo report suggests that the average cost of living for a family of four is $4440, excluding rent. If you are a single person, you can manage within $1237, excluding the rent. So, if you are planning to relocate, understand the cost of properties, commuting, or daily necessities to have a clear budget for an easy relocation experience.

Housing

Like many other cities, housing continues to be a significant part of the residents’ budget. With a competitive market, you can tally the rental or ownership properties to find what suits you best. 

Rentals

According to Forrent, the remnant of a one-bedroom apartment can start from $2300 and can go up to $3800 for two or more-bedroom apartments or for location and other urban facilities. On the other hand, if you opt for villas, the price can range from $4000 to $9000 depending on the rooms and design or location. 

Home Ownership 

You can also buy a home for your family in Irvine, but this could call for more money as buying a house is a bit expensive. Zillow.com reports that the average apartment value in Irvine is $1543820. It can go up to $1 million if you plan to buy a standalone villa or chateau. While detached homes are the most expensive, ranging from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, you can find townhouses from $80k to $1.2 million. On the other hand, condos are relatively cheaper, with a starting price of only $50k. 

Groceries and Utilities 

As per Numbeo, the grocery cost in Irvine is nearly 10% more than the national average, and for one person, it costs around $350-$450. 

You may also need to spend an extra $150-$250 for a regular two-bedroom apartment for monthly bills, including water, electricity, garbage, etc. 

Neighborhoods to Consider

  • Woodbridge: Woodbridge is ideal for families and is among the most popular neighborhoods. It has many parks, lakes, and schools, which makes it ideal for families with children.  
  • Quail Hill: Those who don’t like the hustle-bustle of city life can settle down in the Quail Hill neighborhood. Located at the foot of Quail Hill, it is close to nature and offers excellent scope for hiking, biking, or camping.  

University Town Center: If you are a professional or student who wants to start a new career and life in Irvine, you can choose University Town Center, which is known to be the center of Irvine’s educational and commercial happenings.

Moving Supplies for Heavy Lifting

If you have heavy furniture, appliances, and large boxes, then moving in Irvine can be challenging without any additional support. To make your move to Irvine safer and more manageable, these tools are must-haves.

  • Dollies – If you have a lot of boxes, then you should get a two-wheel dolly. The good thing is that it can also be used to move items like mini-fridges and microwaves. For transporting larger, bulkier items like furniture, heavy desks, or multiple boxes, a four-wheeler dolly would be ideal.
  • Moving Straps – These straps are worn over your shoulders or arms to help you lift heavy furniture or appliances with proper posture. They help you maintain a good posture while carrying heavy items, which prevents injuries and makes the move easier.
  • Hand Truck –  You will need a hand truck to move your heavy items like the washing machine and refrigerator. It comes with wheels and a strong frame that lets you tilt and roll items instead of lifting them entirely.

Specialty Packing Supplies

Specialty packing supplies are items designed for unique packing needs that go beyond the basics like boxes and tape. If you have delicate, valuable items that require extra care, you should use these to ensure they arrive safely at your new place. 

  • Furniture Pads or Moving Blankets – The primary purpose of these pads and blankets is to protect your furniture from scratches, dents, and scuffs. You can wrap around tables, chairs, or larger furniture pieces to prevent damage during transport. 
  • Stretch Wrap – These straps help you keep your items strapped and protected from dust. You can secure drawers on dressers, bundle cords together, or wrap couches and other upholstered furniture to keep them clean. 
  • Mattress Bags – You can keep your mattress inside these heavy-duty bags to shield them from dirt moisture and tears.  
  • Dish and Glass Dividers – These work as great cushions for fragile kitchen items like dishes, cups, and glasses. You can use them to create compartments inside the boxes and reduce the risk of them clinking together. 
  • Plastic Bins – You can use these to provide extra care to your valuable items. They can be used to store clothing, important documents, or seasonal decorations in plastic bins for extra protection, especially if there’s a chance of rain on moving day.

Education and Schools

Irvine is known for its education, and besides the University of California, here you can find some of the top-rated schools in Orange County that offer the best education for the future of the nation. 

Public Schools

  • Irvine Unified School District is among the top national public schools. There are other institutes like University High School and Irvine High School, which offer students programs that are ideal for their college education.

Private Schools

  • Canyon Hills Christian School:  It is famous for its strong community values and rigorous curriculum.
  • Sage Hill School: A co-educational school well known for offering a comprehensive curriculum for fostering independence and character development.
  • Tarbut V’Torah Community Day School:  A Jewish day school that offers both secular and religious education and is even popular among non-Jewish pupils.

Higher Education
University of California (UCI) is the best option for higher education in Irvine. Being among the top global universities, it offers programs from bachelor’s to doctorate level. Students can enroll in science, engineering, humanities, arts, business, and other programs here. UCI also has a wonderful faculty with notable researchers and educators from around the globe. The university community life is also excellent, with cultural events, regular campaigns, and loads of opportunities for growth. 

Job Market and Economy

Being a notable city, Living in Irvine also offers a diverse yet promising job market due to its thriving economy, which makes it among the top lists of professionals around the globe: 

  • Technology and Innovation: With Blizzard Entertainment, Broadcom, and Applied Materials as employers, the county is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Orange County, home to numerous tech companies and startups.

Healthcare: The healthcare sector is a major contributor to Irvine’s economy, with renowned institutions such as Hoag Hospital and UCI Medical Center opening up a range of job opportunities.

Lifestyle and Entertainment

Living in Irvine will offer you enough scope for entertainment and high–end lifestyle experiences from indoor to outdoor activities. Here, everyone can find something that they can choose from and can make memories: 

Parks and Trails: Irvine has more than 16000 acres of parks, which is ideal for outdoor activity enthusiasts. You can go biking, running, or hiking in the Jeffrey Open Space Trail, explore the Bommer Canyon with hiking and mountain biking trips, or visit the Orange County Zoo and other parks for some weekend outings or picnic with family or friends. 

Shopping and Dining: Irvine is also a great place to go shopping and dining out. You can visit stores in the Irvine Spectrum Centre, South Coast Plaza for a wonderful shopping experience or to enjoy a delicious meal at some of the top fine-dining restaurants. There are also local spots that offer diverse cuisines, and affordable shopping experiences. Some popular options are The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon, Urban Seoul, and Din Tai Fung.

Transportation Options

Navigating inside Irvine city and visiting nearby areas is easier on public transport, including bus, Metrolink, and even bike.

  • Public Transit: OCTA operates and maintains the bus networks that connect Irvine with nearby cities and also different parts of the city. You can also travel via Metrolink, especially the San Bernardino line and Orange County line, inside and outside Irvine, with comfort and convenience.

  • Bike-Friendly: Irvine is also a bike-friendly city with a well-connected 150-mile bike path network that connects schools, offices, neighborhoods, and shopping centers for convenience.

Private vehicle: If you own a car, you can use the highways and well-structured roads to travel inside or outside the city. You can also opt for ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft or book corporate taxis to enjoy private transportation at your convenience.

Neighborhoods Of Irvine

Irvine is surrounded by several key cities and neighborhoods in Orange County, California. Here are some of the main neighboring communities:

  1. Tustin – Located to the north, known for its historic Old Town and The District shopping center.
  2. Santa Ana – Santa Ana is northeast of Irvine, the county seat of Orange County, offering cultural attractions and a vibrant downtown.
  3. Costa Mesa – Costa Mesa is west of Irvine, home to South Coast Plaza, a major shopping and entertainment hub.
  4. Newport Beach  Southwest of Irvine, a luxury coastal city known for its beaches, harbor, and high-end real estate.
  5. Lake Forest – Lake Forest is southeast of Irvine, a suburban area with parks, lakes, and outdoor recreation.
  6. Mission Viejo – Further southeast, a master-planned community with scenic lakes and a family-friendly atmosphere.
  7. Laguna Hills – Laguna Hills is south of Irvine, offering a mix of residential communities and access to nature.
  8. Laguna Beach – A coastal city southwest of Irvine, known for its stunning beaches, art galleries, and cultural festivals.
  9. Aliso Viejo – South of Irvine, a planned community with a mix of residential, commercial, and business developments.
  10. Fountain Valley – Northwest of Irvine, a suburban city known for parks and a strong community feel.

Irvine’s prime location in Orange County makes it a hub for business, education, and entertainment, with easy access to beaches, shopping, and outdoor activities.

Conclusion

While living in Irvine offers a great future and many opportunities, anyone relocating here needs to prepare well. Living in Irvine is a bit costly and the real estate sector is also on the expensive side. However, this area offers access to amazing schools, a well-known university, and wonderful career opportunities. The vibrant yet close-knit community, low crime rate, and family vibe make it ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy a peaceful life. In addition, here you can explore different outdoor activities throughout the year due to the mild yet comfortable weather.