Choosing the place where you are going to settle down or make your forever home is a big decision. Whether you are a newbie or an oldie, a party of one or many, running hard after your career or downshifting to a more sustainable pace of life, Irvine is a place that checks off many boxes. Read below to see how Orange County’s fastest growing city will win over your heart.
1. Clap if you’re happy.
In a recent study by WalletHub, Irvine was ranked the third happiest city amongst 150 of the largest in the U.S. As the old saying goes, happiness is a state-of-mind, and experts recognize that your location is certainly an undeniable influencer. Irvine is just a quick drive or bike ride away from the beach, houses a state-of-the-art new park facility and is a mere hour and a half from the desert or snow–the possibilities for future weekend plans are endless. Not to mention that community involvement and environmentally conscious initiatives are at the forefront of residents’ minds. Su casa es mi casa.
2. Job market is hot.
And we’re talking sizzling. Irvine was named the 10th Best City to Find a Job in 2018 by CNBC. This exciting statistic comes during an era where finding a job can prove to be no easy feat. Irvine has one of the lowest unemployment rates, maintains relatively low work commutes, exhibits high scores for family friendliness and a welcoming dating atmosphere. Touché.
3. Uptown funk.
Billed as “Uptown Irvine” by some, the residential side of the Irvine Business Complex offers thriving retail centers such as Diamond Jamboree and Park Place, not to mention The District at Tustin Legacy just a short drive away. With more retail, entertainment, mixed-use and residential development approved and underway, the sense of community in Orange County’s cosmopolitan heart is growing and provides a true slice of city life in paradise. Now is the time to invest in this corner of Irvine on the rise.
4. School is Cool.
Irvine is home to the 9th best public university in the U.S., the University of California Irvine. While it is well known for its national and international honors and is among the nation’s best hospitals, recently UCI is in the spotlight for a new merit: the most popular choice for Latino applicants. The LA Times recognized the university’s federal recognition for serving Latinos in a recent article.
Not only are universities above par, but elementary and high schools follow suit. Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) was named among the Best in Music Education for the fifth time; an award only given to 4% of districts in the U.S. If any critics still need convincing, Niche ranked Irvine the Best School District in Orange County and 11th in California. Over the years, many Irvine-based schools have been praised for the development of STEM skills–science, technology, engineering and math. Already this year, University High School took the top spot at the regional Science Bowl Competition. IUSD has also been recognized for student’s test scores and is consistently ranked amongst the top in the nation by Newsweek.
5. Playin’ it Safe.
Whether you are riding solo, starting a family, or starring in your own remake of the Brady Bunch, a safe community is a top priority for most of us. Niche named Irvine the second safest city to live in America largely based on low crime ratings, a great family environment and award-winning public schools. Irvine was also ranked as America’s safest city of its size, marking the 12th consecutive year city leaders and citizens alike were awarded for their safety efforts.
Night owls, don’t think we forgot about you—nightlife was high on the list and outdoor activities were ranked the 4th best in America.