My husband is getting a job offer in Irvine, CA. So there's a good possiblity we'd be moving out there. It's a decision we are not taken lightly, since we'll be uprooting & moving across the country. We are doing some research on the area, he's already been out there for interveiws. I never planned on living in Ohio my whole life & have wanted to live out west or go south at some point. Now that we may be getting what we wish for, it's a tad scary. Do any of you girls live or have you ever lived in that area? Any advice or recommendations on where to live (i know a lot of this depends on income levels)? FYI - i work in advertising sales, so i know it won't be THAT hard for me to find a job. I just trying to get an idea of the vibe out there and what we'd be getting into TIA for any help!
Irvine ca was just voted the safest big city in the USA. It is a clean beautiful city, closely located to newport beach, Los Angeles , with easy access to freeways to San Diego area.
Housing is VERY expensive, however it also is one of the only places in CA where housing value has not declined and is expected to raise in value another 10% in the next 10 years.
There is tons of job availabilities nearby , as it is close to many large companies from tech to retail.
Also on a side note, lots of amazing shopping and food is nearby.
I live about 45 min from Irvine, and I can tell you it is a great place!
i used to live there and have to agree it's an incredibly safe city. it is a VERY planned community, which was a strange adjustment coming from hawaii.
i don't know what the job market is like there, but i found a lot of opportunity there. housing is pricey, but a friend of mine just scored a great place in newport beach (about 10 minutes away) for a great price.
pm me if you want to know more. i'm happy to help.
If you want a more diverse or funkier community, there are lots of surrounding areas to choose from. You aren't limited to Irvine if you don't like the vibe. It can be rather homogeneous.
DH went to UC Irvine, a great school by the way, and he lived in Newport Beach.
There's a lot to do in the OC, but L.A. and San Diego are only an hour or so away, and Palm Springs an hour and a half or so. You won't lack places to spend a weekend.
If you haven't spent time looking at houses on camoves.com, I recommend it!
I don't live in Irvine but have been there many times. It's a very quiet city that seems really safe. There are lots of major cities nearby, and the beaches are not too far. There are many hit and misses in SoCal but Irvine is definitely a nice place.