Moving to Irvine

Nestled in the heart of Orange County in California, Irvine stands as a testament to thoughtful urban planning and a commitment to balancing business with nature. Located approximately 40 miles (64km) southeast of Los Angeles, this city offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. Its welcoming communities, diverse attractions and distinct culture, all shaped by its convenient location, make it an enticing destination.

Irvine's villages each have their own architectural theme, which adds to the city's charm. Shady Canyon showcases landscape artistry, interspersing custom homes and native Californian flora, Woodbridge is eminently walkable, Woodbury has a unique Italian Romanesque style, and Orchard Hills celebrates Irvine's agricultural heritage.

The city of Irvine boasts a Mediterranean-like climate that complements its vast array of outdoor recreational activities with hiking and biking trails, golf courses and parks. The city also has a thriving cultural and educational scene, in part due to the presence of the University of California, Irvine (UCI).

Cost of living in Irvine

The cost of living in Irvine is significantly higher than the national average. This is primarily influenced by housing prices, which have increased notably over the past years. Beyond housing, the rising price of daily essentials also contributes to the city's cost of living. Groceries and transport in Irvine cost more than the national average, though healthcare expenses are marginally lower.

Irvine's employment landscape offers competitive salaries higher than in many other regions, but California's progressive state income tax system means that higher earnings are also met with higher taxes. This contrast creates a complex financial landscape for those working in Irvine.

For more on budgeting in California, see our comprehensive guides to the Cost of Living in Los Angeles and the Cost of Living in San Diego.

Travel in Irvine

The Irvine community commonly uses public transport, biking, and walking. The city's dedication to accessible transport reflects its priorities of modern urban planning and environmental consciousness.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) spearheads bus services across Irvine, connecting essential locations like the Irvine Business Complex, Tustin Station and the vibrant Irvine Spectrum area. The Irvine Transportation System (iShuttle) also offers a bus network that links the city's major areas.

Rail services, such as the Metrolink commuter rail, offer convenient connections to major cities in Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Diego. Anticipating future needs, Irvine is set to introduce the Irvine CONNECT, a complimentary shuttle service.

Get insights into navigating Southern California by visiting our detailed guides to Getting Around in Los Angeles and Getting Around in San Diego.

Useful links

• City of Irvine
• Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)

Healthcare in Irvine

Irvine provides access to quality healthcare services through hospitals, clinics and specialised medical centres. These institutions offer various medical services, including emergency care, cardiology, oncology and women's health.

Irvine boasts several renowned healthcare providers, including Hoag Hospital Irvine, which is known for its acute-care services and extensive medical offerings. Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) is recognised for specialised paediatric care. UC Irvine Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Irvine Medical Center are also essential healthcare providers in Irvine.

Access to healthcare is crucial for Irvine residents, and California law mandates health insurance for everyone. Much of the population benefits from employer-sponsored insurance, while others rely on government programmes like Medi-Cal or Medicare or opt for private insurance through the individual market.

Discover more about healthcare services and living a healthy life in California by exploring our guides on Healthcare in Los Angeles and Healthcare in San Diego.

Useful links

• Hoag Hospital Irvine
• Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)
• UC Irvine Medical Center
• Kaiser Permanente Irvine Medical Center

Schools in Irvine

Irvine offers a wide range of educational institutions to cater to its community's diverse needs and preferences. The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) lies at the core of public education in Irvine, serving a student body of over 39,000. 

Charter schools like Excel Academy offer innovative education models, and these tuition-free programmes often feature specialised curricula. Private schools in Irvine, such as Fusion Academy, Pacific Academy and New Horizon School, present alternative educational pathways with tailored curricula and unique learning environments.

The International School of Orange County stands out with its bilingual French immersion programme accredited by the French Ministry of Education. It caters to students from preschool to 6th grade. Newport Harbor High School offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for juniors and seniors.

Irvine International Academy and Rochambeau, The French International School, are notable for their specialised international curricula, with Irvine International Academy offering a British curriculum and Rochambeau introducing students to the IB Diploma Programme while pursuing authorisation for the IB Middle Years Programme.

The International School of Los Angeles provides a comprehensive French immersion track from preschool to 12th grade, alongside an international high school track preparing students for the IB Diploma Programme in the final two years of school.

Enhance your understanding of educational opportunities in Southern California by visiting our guides on Education and Schools in Los Angeles and Education and Schools in San Diego.

Useful links

• Irvine Unified School District (IUSD)

Weather in Irvine

Irvine, nestled in balmy California, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This weather pattern provides the city with an average of 280 sunny days per year, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and sun-seekers. That said, residents must remain cautious of occasional heatwaves and droughts during summer.

The climate in Irvine has a significant impact on the local lifestyle and outdoor activities. The warm summers offer a variety of activities, including hiking, biking and picnicking in the numerous parks and nature trails throughout the city. Mild winters further extend the outdoor possibilities, allowing sports like golf and tennis to be enjoyed year-round.

Learn more about the climate and best times to visit Southern California by exploring our guides to Weather in Los Angeles and Weather in San Diego.

Useful links

• Trip Report: California Climate

Working in Irvine

Irvine is a thriving Californian economic hub that offers a range of employment opportunities across various industries. Sectors like healthcare, social assistance, life sciences, biotechnology, information technology, digital media, advanced transportation, renewable energy and retail trade support the local economy. The education sector is led by UCI, which plays a crucial role in the local economy by serving as a critical employer.

Irvine's work culture has quickly adapted to the growing trend of remote work, making it a preferred city for professionals working from home. This shift has influenced workplace dynamics and led to new migration patterns as people seek more affordable living options outside major urban hubs.

Gain further insights into the employment landscape across California by referring to our guides on Working in Los Angeles and Working in San Diego.

Accommodation in Irvine

Irvine offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets, including apartments, houses and townhouses. These are homes are designed to provide comfort and convenience, nestled within master-planned communities and scenic neighbourhoods.

There's a variety of neighbourhoods in Irvine, each with its unique charm and characteristics. Families can enjoy neighbourhoods like Northwood Point, Oak Creek, and Woodbridge, which are celebrated for their family-friendly environments, excellent schools, and community parks.

University Park is an attractive location for students and young professionals due to its proximity to UCI, offering convenient access to academic institutions and a vibrant student life. In contrast, Shady Canyon provides luxury living with its upscale homes and exclusive golf courses, appealing to those seeking a more opulent lifestyle. The Orange County Great Park area, known for its plentiful outdoor activities and sports facilities, appeals to those with an active lifestyle.

For a closer look at housing options, explore our detailed guides to Accommodation in Los Angeles and Accommodation in San Diego.

Lifestyle in Irvine

Irvine offers an exciting lifestyle with various leisure activities, cultural opportunities, and dining experiences. It is a treasure trove for those seeking a dynamic blend of outdoor activities and cultural enrichment. The Orange County Great Park attracts leisure and culture enthusiasts and reflects Irvine's dedication to communal spaces and cultural events. Seasonal festivities like the Great Park Pumpkin Harvest and Joyful Jingles unite the community in celebrating local traditions.

Retail therapy in Irvine reaches new heights with shopping destinations like the Irvine Spectrum Center and South Coast Plaza, where luxury brands meet entertainment and culinary delights. Culinary adventurers are sure to find their niche in Irvine's diverse dining scene, where a range of cuisines ensures that every palate is catered for, making dining in Irvine a truly international affair.

Irvine also boasts a diverse and lively nightlife spread across several areas, each offering unique experiences. University Town Center, adjacent to UCI, buzzes with energy, attracting a younger crowd with its eclectic mix of bars, pubs and cafés. For a more varied entertainment experience, the Irvine Spectrum is a one-stop destination for nightlife, boasting an array of dining and entertainment options. 

The District at Tustin Legacy offers a bustling nightlife scene with various bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a favourite among those who appreciate a good meal followed by drinks in a lively setting. For those searching for a more laid-back evening, Oak Creek Village Center provides a selection of cosy pubs and bars, ideal for unwinding with a drink.

There's a well-established sports culture in Irvine, with competitive teams and major sports centres hosting events throughout the year. The city is celebrated for professional teams such as the NHL's Anaheim Ducks, the MLB's Anaheim Angels, and the USL's Orange County SC. The Orange County Great Park Sports Complex lies at the heart of Irvine's sports infrastructure, and its top-notch facilities include a championship soccer stadium, a vast ice facility with NHL- and Olympic-sized rinks, and a multipurpose arena. The Momentous Sports Center supplements these offerings with expansive indoor courts for volleyball, basketball and futsal.

Irvine's calendar is dotted with significant sports events and tournaments that draw participants and spectators from across the States, including the exhilarating US Open of Surfing and the prestigious Toshiba Classic golf tournament.

Immerse yourself in the Southern California lifestyle by checking out our guides to Lifestyle in Los Angeles and Lifestyle in San Diego.

Read more

• Orange County Great Park
• Irvine Spectrum Center
• South Coast Plaza