Moving to Irvine, California

Moving to Irvine, California, is a big decision, but it will be easy if you follow our blog post.

Irvine, California, is situated in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The city is ranked as 3rd healthiest city in America. Moreover, it is also the best city in South California to raise a family. 

The city was established when the son of Irvine inherited the land and built an Irvine Company in 1894. Later, the area was developed into a farming land to grow barley, beans, olives, asparagus, strawberries, and oranges. Irvine was officially incorporated on 28th December 1971.

Irvine is widely known for the University of California, Irvine, and for hosting various cultural centers. It is also home to the Irvine Ranch Historic Park. Moreover, the city is near Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach.

There needs to be more! Dig into the article, moving to Irvine, CA, to discover more about this buzzing city.

Quick facts to know before moving to Irvine, California

Where is Irvine, CA, located?

Irvine, California, is a master planned city in southern Orange County, part of the Los Angeles metro area. It is 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles and neighbors Santa Ana to the northwest.

Population in Irvine, CA

The population of Irvine, CA, as of 2023, is around 314,384 residents, growing at an annual rate of 0.86%.

Irvine’s population has increased by 2.61% since 2020, when it was 306,389.

Diversity in Irvine, CA

With a diversity score of 96 out of 100, the racial distribution of Irvine, CA, is as follows:

• White 37.8%
• Hispanic 12.3%
• Black 1.6%
• Asian 42.2%
• Native American 0.1%
• Other 5.9%.

Cost of living in Irvine, CA

The cost of living in Irvine, CA, is notably higher than the national average, with an index of 181.1, surpassing it by 81.1% and exceeding the California state average by 31.2%.

• The median household income in Irvine is cited as $122,948, and the average annual household income is $146,465.
• To live comfortably in Irvine, a single person must have a minimum annual income of $110,000, while a family needs a minimum of $216,000 annually. 
• The average cost of living in Irvine, CA, is $3181 per month.
• Housing significantly contributes to Irvine’s living cost, with expenses 152.7% higher than the US average.

Here is a table summarizing the cost of living index for Irvine, CA:

Cost of Living Factors	Index Value
Overall Cost of Living	181.1
Housing	252.7
Food	+3.3% compared to national average
Healthcare	+0.6% compared to national average
Transportation	+2.5% compared to national average

Housing market in Irvine, CA

Homes in Irvine, CA, are in high demand, often selling within approximately 33 days.

• The average cost of buying a home in Irvine is $1.39 million, with the median sale price reaching $1.4 million last month, indicating a significant 17.8% increase compared to the previous year.
• The homeownership rate in Irvine is 44.5%, which is lower than the national average of 64.6%.
• The median list price per square foot in Irvine is $751.
• The average monthly rental price for a home in Irvine is approximately $4,500.
• About 55.7% of the population in Irvine are renters.
• Studio apartments in Irvine typically have an average rent of $2,462.
• For 1-bedroom apartments in Irvine, the average rent is $3,042.
• The average rent for 3-bedroom homes in Irvine is $5,211.
• Larger 4-bedroom homes in Irvine have an average rent of $8,643.

Job market in Irvine, CA

Despite fluctuations in unemployment rates, Irvine offers a strong job market with attractive salaries and future growth predictions, making it an appealing location for job seekers moving to Irvine, California. 

Irvine’s conducive environment for business is evident as it’s rated among the Top Cities for Start-Up Businesses, contributing to the robust economy of Orange County.

• Irvine, California, is ranked the best city for job seekers in Southern California and 12th nationwide.
• The city has experienced a 0.6% increase in the job market over the past year, with predicted future job growth at 40.2% over the next decade, surpassing the national average.
• The average salary in Irvine is $89,000, with an average hourly wage of $37.41.
• The current unemployment rate in Irvine is 4.10% as of 2023, slightly higher than the long-term average of 3.87%.
• The average salary for males in Irvine, California, is $87,737, while females earn a significantly lower average of $39,666, indicating a notable gender-based income gap.

Top employers in Irvine, CA

• Taco Bell
• Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc.
• Alorica
• Ingram Micro
• Ivantis
• Muller
• In-N-Out Burger
• Mazda
• Arbonne
• Agility Logistics

Most typical job titles in Irvine, CA

• Internship
• Cashier
• Research Assistant
• Sales Associate
• Project Manager
• Account Executive
• Office Assistant
• Receptionist
• Project Coordinator
• Tutor

Highest paying jobs in Irvine, CA

• Hospitalist
• Software Engineer
• Plastic Surgery RN
• Senior Software Engineer
• Sales Representative
• Security Officer
• Account Executive
• Project Manager

Is it safe to live in Irvine, CA?

The critical stats of crime rates in Irvine, CA, are:

• Irvine, California, has a low crime rate of 1,554.4 per 100,000 people, below the national and California averages, making it a safe place for people moving to Irvine, California, with families.
• The violent crime rate in Irvine is 75.1 per 100,000 residents, much lower than the national average.
• Crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and assault are included in the tracked violent offenses.
• Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Irvine is 1 in 1,644 or 1 in 1,954.4 each year.
• Property crime is also present with a rate of 1,479.3 per 100,000 residents in Irvine.
• Your chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Irvine is 1 in 58, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
• Theft is the most common crime in Irvine, followed by burglary and motor vehicle theft.

Safest neighborhoods in Irvine, CA

Irvine is one of the safest cities in California to live in, with several of the safest neighborhoods with lower crime scenes, as stated below. 

• Shady Canyon
• Turtle Ridge
• Northwood
• Oak Creek
• University Park
• Westpark
• Woodbridge
• Turtle Rock
• Stonegate
• Foothill Ranch

How fast can you commute in Irvine, CA?

Irvine’s average one-way commute time is about 25.1 minutes, slightly shorter than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes.

Most people drive alone to work, with an average of 2 cars per household, matching the national average.

List available public transportation in Irvine, CA

In Irvine, California, residents have various public transportation options, including:

• Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Buses operate on various routes throughout Irvine and Orange County.
• Metrolink is a commuter rail service connecting Irvine to Southern California cities, with Orange County Line and Inland Empire-Orange County Line routes.
• Amtrak provides intercity train services connecting Irvine to other cities in California and beyond.
• OCTA’s iShuttle offers routes from Tustin Station to the Irvine Business Complex and Irvine Station to the Spectrum area.
• Rideshare services, biking, and walking are additional transportation choices in Irvine.

How is the weather in Irvine, CA?

Irvine experiences two main seasons: a warm season from July 6 to October 1, with an average daily high above 79°F, and a winter season lasting 4.1 months, from November 27 to March 30, with an average daily high below 69°F.

• Irvine has a Mediterranean climate featuring short, warm, arid summers and long, cool, partly cloudy winters. Temperatures typically range from 47°F to 82°F, rarely going below 40°F or above 90°F.
• Irvine receives an average of 13 inches of rain annually. The wetter season lasts 4.4 months, from November 21 to April 2, with the highest rainfall in January and February.
• Snowfall is sporadic in Irvine, with an average of 0 inches annually.
• Irvine enjoys a high percentage of sunny days, with clear or partly cloudy skies about 90% of the time.
• August is typically the hottest month in Irvine, with an average high of 81°F and a low of 65°F.
• December is the coldest month, with an average low of 48°F and a high of 67°F.
• The best time to visit Irvine, California, is Spring, from March to May. 

Education system in Irvine, CA

Irvine, CA, is recognized for its high-quality education system, with the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) ranked 15th in California and 2nd in Orange County.

Irvine High School ranks #423 nationally and #61 in California High Schools.

Irvine’s IUSD comprises 24 elementary schools, four K-8 schools, six middle schools, five comprehensive high schools, and one alternative high school, with a student-teacher ratio slightly higher than the state average of 25 to 1.

Irvine, CA, is renowned for its top-rated Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) and schools consistently recognized among the nation’s finest.

Public K-12 education costs involve school supplies, extracurriculars, and potential donations. Higher education at the University of California, Irvine, has tuition ranging from $15,185 for in-state to $47,759 for out-of-state students, exceeding the national average for in-state tuition.

Best middle schools in Irvine, CA

• Vista Verde
• Cadence Park
• Jeffrey Trail Middle
• Rancho San Joaquin Middle
• Sierra Vista Middle
• South Lake Middle

Best elementary schools in Irvine, CA

• Turtle Rock Elementary
• Santiago Hills Elementary
• Stonegate Elementary
• Canyon View Elementary
• Stone Creek Elementary

Best High Schools in Irvine, CA

• Irvine High School
• Northwood High School
• University High School (Irvine)

Best universities and colleges in Irvine, CA

• The University of California, Irvine
• Brandman University
• West Coast University
• Concordia University Irvine
• Western State College of Law at Westcliff University

What are the best things to do in Irvine, CA

The best things to see in Irvine, CA, are:

• Shop, dine, and ride the 108 ft Giant Wheel at Irvine Spectrum Center, an expansive outdoor mall with over 130 establishments, including a pop-up Hello Kitty Cafe.
• Explore Tanaka Farms, a family-owned farm offering tours and hands-on learning about farming practices, fruit and vegetable picking, and seasonal events.
• Connect with nature at San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, featuring peaceful walking and bird-watching trails.
• Appreciate California Impressionist paintings at the Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art.
• Hike and enjoy panoramic views of Irvine and the Pacific Ocean at Turtle Rock Viewpoint.
• Immerse yourself in the Impressionist Period (1890-1930) at The Irvine Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and displaying California art.
• Explore the rich history of Irvine at the Irvine Historical Society Museum.
• Traverse Bommer Canyon Trail, a popular hiking and biking route, offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Make a splash at Wild Rivers, a water park with slides and pools for all ages.
• Experience the Orange County Great Park, featuring a hot air balloon ride, sports facilities, and a farmers market.
• Foster creativity at Adventure Playground, an outdoor space encouraging imaginative play.
• Explore Pretend City Children’s Museum, a child-size interconnected city designed for purposeful play and hands-on learning.
• Enjoy bowling fun for all ages at Irvine Lanes.
• Dance the night away at Atomic Ballroom, a studio offering swing, salsa, tango, hip-hop, and ballroom dancing classes.
• Attend diverse performances at Irvine Valley College Performing Arts Center, showcasing music, dance, and theater.

Best neighborhoods in Irvine, CA

The best places to live in Irvine, CA, are:

• Woodbury
• Turtle Rock
• Westpark
• Northwood
• Portola Springs
• Quail Hill
• Oak Creek
• University Park
• El Camino Real
• Turtle Ridge

Pros and cons of living in Irvine, CA

If you are moving to Irvine, CA, you must learn the benefits and drawbacks of living in the city, which are mentioned below: 

Pros	Cons
Great place to raise a family	High cost of living
Excellent school system	Limited nightlife
A safe and well-planned city	Traffic congestion
Diverse community and cultural events	Little seasonal changes in weather
Strong economy and job opportunities	Expensive housing

Conclusion

If you have made up your mind about moving to California, choose no other than this all-rounder Orange County city. Although the cost of living is relatively high, it has the lowest violent crime, a strong economy, and the best city for startup businesses. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hire the best packers and movers to relocate you safely to Irvine.

Photo Credit: Nandaro, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons