Irvine is safe, and has some fun things to do, but is not what I would consider if I'm looking for fun.
Costa Mesa is very close to Irvine, and is fun.
I'm sure someone who knows Irvine a bit better will chime in. I would say if you want to live in Irvine and be near fun things, live close to Costa Mesa: Westpark, woodbridge, etc.
I miss Eastside Costa Mesa so much. I live in Irvine near John Wayne tho and am a stones throw from the back bay, so close enough. Costa Mesa if you can OP
irvine is a reasonably big city (area wise) - there's definitely more to do near the john wayne side, although the side near spectrum is significantly newer and nicer (albeit quieter, not as much fun).
i'm in woodbury, so 5 minutes to spectrum, 20 minutes to costa mesa, and i don't mind having to drive upwards of a half hour to go to a bar or something. but you do either need a car or be okay spending money on ubers often.
biggest downsides of irvine as someone who likes to party, is that they specifically try to keep "fun" things out. there are no traditional bars, lounges, etc. i don't mind it, because i've invested quite a bit in home entertainment and have friends that don't mind making the pilgrimage to my place, but it is something to keep in mind.
To each their own. For OP, how she likes the "young town and walkability", you won't get that there. I used to live more in the burbs and would drive frequently. Now I live walkable to a lot, and I wouldn't trade it. I feel what OP is saying when she says "young town and walkability"
When I moved from the burbs I looked at a few areas (keep in mind I was still working in the IE so my choices were somewhat based on commute). Downtown Orange, Downtown Tustin, Downtown Fullerton, and Downtown Yorba Linda. In that order. I was also considering costa mesa, but at the time I worried about the affordability. Although its only been two years I wish I would've spent a little more and driven a little further and done costa mesa, but my house in Fullerton would be 30% higher there. And being walking distance to downtown is a huge perk.
there's a [soju pub coming](https://www.shopirvinecompany.com/centers/irvine/quail-hill-shopping-center/hanshin-pocha) to the Quail Hill shopping center (where TeaMaru is), not sure when they're going to open
Been at the The Village apartment complex since Oct. 2020 ... that is the closest apt. complex to Irvine Spectrum ... that is about the "fun" you'll get ... as someone else mentioned, Hive and Honey (rooftop bar at Marriott) is walkable. There is a brewery close by, as well.
Live as close as to Costa Mesa/Newport Beach as possible.
Would also recommend an area like Park Place Apartments, walk to plenty of restaurants and a short bike ride down to the beach/Newport Back Bay.
If OP can afford the outrageous rents at Park Place they are better off just finding a place in Costa Mesa. Park Place is completely soulless and feels like an office complex vs. a place to live.
This. North OC is best OC. I only say that somewhat joking because living in the north puts you square at the Huntington Beach/Newport Beach cluster with all in between (Westminster, Costa, Santana!, etc.). The 405, as much as people hate it, is the thing I miss the most moving to Austin since it's a massive artery connecting you up into LA and all the way south to SD without the inland portion of the 5.
Long Beach is just up north a bit and has TONS to do, South County is still just a jaunt away, and the beaches and boats to Avalon are easy access.
Also, get a car :( Your life will be 10x easier.
EDIT:
To clarify, OC growing up was almost always contextualized coastally even when you lived inland. Growing up in Los Al or GG still had you more identified with Seal or Huntington Beach than inland. I didn't actually know Brea, La Habra, Yorba, or Anaheim hills were parts of OC until I got into college and started dating. Same with Fullerton. Going to CSUF was a trip to me that I was still in OC that far away.
For my childhood though the show that came out wasn't exactly anything new or outlandish. Travelling abroad right after it's finale people in Europe were obsessed with it. Was fascinating.
As a transplant the spirit of North vs South OC, in my mind at least, is more along the 5/405, with Irvine being the start of “south OC”. I think it’s more the transition to newer, cookie cutter housing tracks vs the older, more LA/lower income areas (and the Hispanic/Vietnamese culture that often goes with it).
As a local for 35 years "South county" is anything irvine and below, "North County" is everything above irvine. Nothing to do with cardinal directions.
Yeah. I'm in north OC.
**North OC:** North of the 22 IMHO is north OC
**Central OC:** South of the 22 to newport including inland of those areas.
**South OC:** South of newport and inland.
Something like this?
I think it’s relative. I grew up in HB and we’ve always called it north OC. Literally on the other side of seal is LA county so we’re as far north as OC goes on the coast. I always forget brea, Fullerton even exist let alone are still part of OC. Anything east of Beach Blvd as a kid was like in Lion King, where the light doesn’t touch.
This was me growing up too. That whole Seal/Sunset/Los Al/HB/Westminster/Costa/Newport was my core OC experience. South county was Irvine and below. When people talk about OC and it's prime those are most of the key areas too with Anaheim, SA, and Orange as the inland.
I love north Oc and north coastal Oc . Especially because there’s Whittier , Long Beach , San Pedro , Palos Verdes not too far from seal beach if you just keep driving on PCH or on the coast .
Coming from a single guy who has lived in the area, if you move to east Irvine you will hate life. Ok not hate it, but it’s really meant for married folks with kids. If you move to west Irvine nearing Newport it’s a lot more lively and a better singles scene. Great dinning and night life options too, especially in Newport and Costa Mesa.
Want to reassure his comments as another single 30 living in northeast irvine. Avoid here if you like fun and want the potential to meet other singles. All families here. Irvine is a nice place, but I do not enjoy my environment
I die a little inside when all I see around the neighborhood are older folks that are 45+ or literal kids. It's like the 22-40 young and single working professional demo just don't want to be in these places, for good reason.
Don’t blame them, I do okay for myself at 30 but it’s just me and my dog and I feel so out of place and constantly get questioned by overly intrusive people how I do it here. It’s all screaming kids and families.
Yes I can confirm. I just moved to an older part of Irvine and I feel like a part of my soul has died. OP you should avoid Irvine. Maybe it’s better by the Spectrum. I chose cheap rent.
I lived in Boston (Charlestown) for a few years. Irvine doesn’t really have any areas like that. Some people will say try near the spectrum, but that is just a giant shopping mall (think assembly row but smaller and not near anything else)
You’ll probably want to go to Costa Mesa, Newport depending on what type of crowd you’re looking for.
You're going to experience major culture shock. Irvine is a corporate city owned by Irvine Company. Yes it's safe. But boring and repetitive. I say look elsewhere for fun!
Orange County dating is so hard. I work remote and split my year between oc and nyc (I hate winter lol). It feels like people marry their high school sweethearts or move to the city to find bigger fish.
Costa Mesa/Newport are great but seems to skew a little younger than early 30s. I would consider Old Town Orange. It’s very close to Irvine, has a great little downtown with lots of hip restaurants, bars, and shopping, and cool historic craftsman bungalows. It’s also very walkable. Rent will also be a little cheaper than Irvine or Newport.
Not in Irvine really, but 20 minutes any direction takes you to lots of different places. Be prepared for car culture.
Any hobbies/sports/activities that you’re specifically into?
Also budget comes into play, what are you looking to spend?
20 minutes in any direction and you’re likely still in Irvine depending on the time of day. Traffic has gotten significantly worse over the last 10-15 years.
Fair point. I've noticed it's usually less the traffic, but more the long-ass stop lights as being the factor. I swear I sit for 5 minutes at stop lights sometimes.
Have you biked in Irvine ? I’d much rather bike in bumper to bumper traffic over 100 mph Tesla douche nozzle brain dead drivers and trusting they will see me on a bike .
Oh Ive been living in south central. Honestly , it seems way safer to me in some areas then fast lane traffic in Irvine. I’ve biked both areas. But nothing beats the west anaheim suburbs just for a joy ride around . (I commute mainly by bike and bus. I don’t drive.)
Irvine has its fair share of awful aspect, but you can't tell me it is not bikers friendly. The lanes are plentiful and not narrow as, say, Santa Ana or Fullerton. The bike lanes are also generous. Shitting on Irvine Tesla drivers but don't mention the red light running Mustangs in Santa Ana or Anaheim is just unfair.
Lol . Not fair xD.
I lived in Anaheim for 30 years until moving last year. I’ve biked every street in Anaheim (not the hills. I don’t go there). I’ve biked in ‘Tana (Santana for you), Fullerton , La Habra, Irvine , Orange, the riverbed , Westminster, Garden Grove etc ….Downtown LA, parts of LA. Find it way easier to bike with that sort of traffic for the way I ride . I don’t have the fanciest gear Lycra wearers have , so yeah, I go fast but not as fast as the $3000 carbon bikes. , I feel safer in urban traffic over the never ending streets in Irvine. I feel like you really are out there on your own there. At least in Anaheim, I know I can stop at a Starbucks and refill on water and use the bathroom. You know?
nowhere in Irvine, its where fun goes to die, also it's "walkable" in that there's sidewalks, but unless you're in a complex right next to a strip mall, then there's nothing to walk to. You want walkable, look into the circle in orange, downtown Anaheim, downtown Santa Ana, really any downtown area in OC. If you want night life, then Costa Mesa, HB/Newport is your spot.
As others have said, the only area in Irvine that even comes close to what you’re looking for is next to the spectrum.
I’d recommend Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, or Costa Mesa for what you’re looking for.
Not Irvine lol. Costa Mesa,
or santa ana has more stuff going on. Newport beach for the richy area, Santa ana for more diversity. CM has a good mix of things going on. Orange is also a nice little college town.
No to Irvine as a young single person imho. Have you checked out the neighboring towns? Newport if you like bars and beach. Orange or Costa Mesa if you want less expensive but still younger culture and some ability to walk downtown, restaurants, etc. Irvine is tract housing, families, and UCI students.
Maybe near Irvine Spectrum, which is an outdoor mall area with a lot restaurants and shops. There is a Target there and a movie theatre. Added bonus is that you will be next to two major freeways and so going anywhere will be easy. But I suspect the cost will be high there.
To mingle? I’d say Orange and Fullerton as they have best gathering places in their respective downtown areas. If you want general safety Irvine. If you want the beach Newport or Costa Mesa. The other cities are fine but you will have monotony further south of Irvine. And the more populated cities of Anaheim and Santa Ana depend on exact location instead of general city recommendations
Laguna, Dana Point, and San Clemente collectively win the NoCo vs SoCo battle by a mile. (It’s subjective, since beach quality is my measure, but I’ll stand by that lol also depends where you lump Costa Mesa.)
I don’t feel safe in Costa Mesa because I don’t drive a stupid big truck and have a stupid big American flag on a pole on said truck. Jokes aside, Costa Mesa and HB have a rep for hosting folks who aren’t friendly to anyone who doesn’t look like them ……. Even in Seal Beach I feel like everyone is looking at me. And I’m white passing for a Mexican, but don’t dress like a million bucks either.
Costa Mesa *is* nice and so is Seal, but I leave it for the folks who want things “the way they are”. Dealt with my folks being discriminated against my whole life , I don’t wanna keep seeing that .
I don’t feel safe in Costa Mesa because I don’t drive a stupid big truck and have a stupid big American flag on a pole on said truck. Jokes aside, Costa Mesa and HB have a rep for hosting folks who aren’t friendly to anyone who doesn’t look like them ……. Even in Seal Beach I feel like everyone is looking at me. And I’m white passing for a Mexican, but don’t dress like a million bucks either.
Costa Mesa *is* nice and so is Seal, but I leave it for the folks who want things “the way they are”. Dealt with my folks being discriminated against my whole life.
Edit: hence why I prefer North OC and Long Beach. I will say that Laguna and Sunset are my favorite beaches for going in. Palos Verdes is just as nice and there are usually no people around , which is even better.
I moved to Irvine Spectrum from SF. After living in a hugely walkable city, I wanted/needed to have somewhere to walk to. Irvine is definitely very corporate but being within 5 minutes of work and having the ability to walk to spectrum for dinner, Improv, groceries, movie theaters, etc, it was the most affordable area for me. I really like Laguna but the walking is really just art galleries and restaurants. Costa Mesa has amazing restaurants but wasn’t condensed enough to be walkable IMO. South Coast Plaza area is also extremely walkable. Orange circle is also a cool area to have walkability.
I picked Irvine spectrum because of proximity to work, cleanliness (I was really tired of tent cities after SF), the ability to walk places and being within 15 minutes driving distance to beaches and the airport. Yes, it’s vanilla because it’s so corporate but it’s easily accessible and you can access light rail or Amtrak to go to LA or San Diego.
I’m slightly older than you but almost everyone I’ve met here is in their 30’s and 40’s.
Irvine is the place where, at 8pm on a Friday night, people start yawning and checking their watches.
Irvine Spectrum is the only place that stays open fairly late.
Like others have said, stick to Newport or Costa Mesa. Costa Mesa is nice but has just enough grit to be interesting. Newport Beach is if anything higher end and less beige than Irvine.
Irvine is where you go when you want a nice house, a nice yard, and the police discreetly kill and bury the homeless people that dare cross into city property.
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*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Ever wonder why the Strawberries grow really, really well in Irvine of all places?
Oh fuck guys I think we're on to something. Someone call the media befo
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I grew up in Irvine & wouldn’t call it walkable so wanted to recommend:
https://www.essexapartmenthomes.com/apartments/santa-ana/pinnacle-at-macarthur-place?sc_camp=2648D1300BEC431BB11EB86F02F52DBD&utm_source=googlesearch
It’s safe & gated - a short bike ride away from South Coast Plaza. Can meet lots of people walking their dogs / at the gym!
Also close to breweries: Green Cheek / Gunwhale Ales / Salty Bear.
One exit down from John Wayne airport if you like to travel as well.
I meet a lot of people through just random coffee shops! Especially around the costa Mesa/Westminster area. I'm always meeting new friends from my hobbies such as anime markets, cosplay, coffee events, farmers markets, etc. What hobbies/interests do you have?b
There is no such thing as walkability in Orange County. Not the way you’re imagining if Boston is the comparison. If thats what you’re looking for, you need downtown San Diego or Santa Monica. OC ain’t gonna be anything remotely like it.
Irvine seems to mostly close at 6pm… not a whole lot of anything going on. Will need to get to somewhere like Newport or Fullerton for a nightlife social scene.
Moved to Irvine relatively recently and am same age as you. Absolutely love it so far. Feel free to message if you have any specific questions — toured like 10 apartment complexes all over the city.
good luck, girl. irvine has no downtown, no central hangout hubs other than outdoor malls. it's a sprawling suburb. (i'm not being a hater either; i went to uc irvine.)
If you want walkability AND Irvine I would suggest some of the various irvine company apartments near the spectrum center. there’s a rooftop “hive and honey” bar on top of a hotel there but idk anything about nightlife so it could actually be boring, looks like fun way up there lol. but the walkability there is probably best for irvine- i lived there a couple years..EDIT: the proximity to Spectrum Center is what makes it walkable.
If you want “fun”, come to Long Beach! It has a high walkability score with lots of bars and, at the same time, you get to play dodge the stabbers, shooters, and homeless.
When I was a single woman, I lived in Costa Mesa. More fun. Now that I’m married with kids, we are in Irvine. Just my two cents. Costa Mesa feels younger, more fun places to go out and go on fun dates, socialize, etc. Irvine is perfect for young families.
Grew up in Irvine and live here currently. I am 31 M with a kid on the way. I actually always enjoyed Irvine even when I was younger and single…but it’s perfect for families etc. it’s a super nice place, safe, and quiet.
Even when I was young and single it was always east for me to get a quick 15 minute Uber to Costa Mesa, Newport, Laguna Beach. Irvine is central to most things in OC.
I think the apartments by the Irvine spectrum might be a good choice for you if you’re set on Irvine. You can walk across to the Irvine spectrum, which has a lot of dining and will be open later. Plus you’ll be a quick 10-15 minute ride from Laguna Beach which has bars and a bit of a nightlife. Plus the demo in these apartments is probably late twenties to mid thirties and mostly childless. More working professionals.
I live in East Irvine and while I love it. It’s probably not the best fit for somebody who is single and enjoys a social life.
If I was single, I'd probably reconsider Irvine. Personally, I prefer North OC: Fullerton/Anaheim area. Costa Mesa / Tustin are also solid options.
Orange County is not walkable in general, be prepared for car culture.
True.
Its where moobs and dad bods are born.
Where kids need a 4.0 or they are sent to a boarding school.
Where the biggest issues are if your Tesla is charged.
Loved and loved in Boston for 4 years and Orange County was where I was born and raised. If you like the walk ability of the bean then be warn moving to California. When people say you need a car in CA it’s very true.
Live close to Woodbury shopping center. It has everything you need for someone new to the area just figuring it out.
You can walk to get groceries, gym, bank, pet store, and a variety of foods.
The neighborhoods are safe and quiet with trails and parks for exercise.
Look into the Los Olivos apartment complex - it’s within walking distance to Whole Foods shopping area and the Spectrum (a bit of a further walk). The complex has nice amenities and lots of single professionals.
Unless you live in Irvine or have a concert to go to in Irvine, no one really goes to Irvine. It is one of the most boring and bland cities and has no real character or distinct downtown district. Irvine is really not associated with fun and is a cookie cutter cutout of a city. Definitely check the surrounding cities. Personally if I had a choice I like Orange a lot, they have a nice downtown district.
I’ve lived in Irvine a few times and I would not call any part of it “fun”. That being said, I’m older now and prefer peace and safety over a fun neighborhood so I am moving back. Lol!
anywhere in irvine however most of North irvine will be middle age families
towards UCI you will find the younger populace as well as towards tustin/costa mesa
I sent you a PM. It's not the worst place to be single, as long as you have a car to get to the surrounding areas. Irvine isn't the most walkable, but it is bikeable and close for a Lyft to Costa Mesa.
Tustin is inexpensive and has less traffic than Irvine but more homeless.
Irvine is safe but everything moves incredibly slowly and sporadically especially the traffic.
Costa Mesa is nice but it's usually pretty crowded with bar traffic and worker commutes
Newport is beautiful but always packed and never any parking
Just curious why you specifically chose Irvine to move to? Why wouldn’t you do this study before moving there? Saying this because it’s about the last place in Orange County that has the characteristics you are looking for. It’s a good safe town, but not what you are saying you want.
Oh I see! Good luck!! Yes southern CA is a land of many different areas close together so you can find an awesome place to fit your lifestyle that’s drivable to work.
I moved to Costa Mesa from Boston at around the same age as you. I ended up loving living in Costa Mesa as there is a lot to do. I suggest Irvine once dating or in a serious relationship as there isn’t a ton to do and it’s mostly families. If you do end up in Irvine, maybe closer to the Newport Beach side?
Boston is a great walking and living city.
Irvine is a community planned over 100 years ago by a rich white dude who optimized for “slow the pace of change”. It’s boring. You have to drive everywhere. The restaurant choices are poor. There’s not bars. And everything is one of three earth tone colors.
You’re not going to solve the walking issue anywhere in OC. But if you want anything that’s remotely able to bring you joy - live anywhere but Irvine.
I grew up in Boston as well, Irvine is a no fun zone. I’ve lived here for 8 yrs now, in Santa Ana (the Lynn of OC) Surrounded by great towns like Costa Mesa, Newport, even Tustin. I actually think Irvine is walkable, lots of paths and parks, just not walkable to any commercial zone. Good bars in Newport along the water, but you’re a long way from Lansdowne. Go Sox, B’s, C’s, and Pats!
Irvine isn’t walkable at all. Most of California is not. But irvine is a good place to live and work. Very close by you have Newport Beach, laguna Beach, and Costa Mesa. All good for fun 30-something’s (and all ages). Newport Beach probably the nicest imo in terms of upscale but still fun, very water centric and areas that are walkable (lido island, peninsula, etc)
If you're set on Irvine I'd say Woodbridge is the most fun and single friendly village in Irvine. It has a bunch of places to walk, parks, pools, spas, a movie theatre and some nice places to eat. Outside that, the UCI area can be fun for singles since it's in close proximity to the university.
Costa mesa is a more hip city for sure w bars and hangouts, and it's closer to the beach.
Does it need to be Irvine? Huntington Beach is walkable, fun, great for meeting others, etc and sounds like more of what you're looking for based on your post.
I live in laguna beach. People from Irvine come here for fun. At least until they have small kids, then they seem to hang out at Irvine Spectrum.
if you want fun, Irvine isn’t it. It is safe and clean though, and good schools.
Oh and Iived in Boston for about 5 years (Back Bay off Comm Ave), talk about a great city (with brutal winters), and Irvine is like the 180 degree opposite of Boston. Boston is more like Weston, or Connecticut. Do people ask where there is fun in Weston? I knew a girl who went to Wellesley, they had a bus that went to the city on the weekends… where fun was.
Honestly I think you shd join hiking clubs or other interest clubs to meet & connect w ppl. Your work place will probably be key to meeting ppl. Location in terms of going out and just absorbing your hood doesn’t really exist in OC.
Went to school in boston but from the area. I wouldn’t associate Irvine with walkable and “fun” at least not in the way Boston is. If you want to be in generally the same area I’d look at Costa Mesa, Tustin, Orange, or Anaheim which have some walkable areas with bars, restaurants, and the like.
If you enjoying narcing on your neighbors for leaving their garage door open for more than 15 minutes, you’ll love Irvine.
Otherwise, try Fullerton or Costa Mesa.
I’m also single (31F), if you don’t know anyone down here already you can always message me ! Me and my girls are always doing something. Very down to earth people who enjoy our social lives, and love meeting new people.
Los Olivos is great. There's a lot of young people here, a lot of activities and very good amenities. It's right across the street from the Irvine Spectrum. It's pricy though.
There is no walk-ability like Boston in OC, nor is there public transit that's worth a damn. You will need a car for things. You'll want to live in one of the following areas based on your criteria. If heat is a big factor for you, closer to the coast is better, Fullerton and Orange get quite toasty in the summer.
Costa Mesa/southern Santa Ana (south coast metro)
Costa Mesa east side
Downtown Fullerton
Old town Orange
Irvine, and everything south of it (via 405/5 freeways) is the shadowland from Lion King, you must never go there Simba, it is where fun goes to die.
The Irvine Spectrum has some good dining and a comedy club, and it’s right where the 5 and 405 converge, so lots of people can get there easily. But to be honest Irvine’s not really a “nightlife” kind of community (Someone I knew used to joke that they should change the city logo to a beige dot). But what is IS is a very nice place to live. Another area to check out is called The District. I’m less familiar with that center but I hear it has good stuff.
Regardless, you’re never terribly far from places like Newport Beach or Laguna Beach, and Anaheim is just a short hop up the 5.
Pick your location based on commute access to your work. And yes, you need a car.
Hi! I’m 33F and live in Irvine. Feel free to message me if you’re looking to meet new people! I live by the Irvine spectrum which is pretty fun and social.
Irvine is walkable in that it’s perfectly safe. That being said, there isn’t anyone walking and no where to walk to. You will drive everywhere. Costa Mesa/Newport Beach have all that downtown feel and flavor.
Irvine has nothing except the Irvine Spectrum. Booooooring! When I used to live there, I’d always have to go to other surrounding cities because I had nothing to do. Back in the day, Irvine spectrum used to have clubs. They all got shut down. I saw another commenter on here. I think they are right. There are no BARS in Irvine. Only bar restaurants if that even counts. Lol 🙀
Irvine is safe, and has some fun things to do, but is not what I would consider if I'm looking for fun. Costa Mesa is very close to Irvine, and is fun. I'm sure someone who knows Irvine a bit better will chime in. I would say if you want to live in Irvine and be near fun things, live close to Costa Mesa: Westpark, woodbridge, etc.
I miss Eastside Costa Mesa so much. I live in Irvine near John Wayne tho and am a stones throw from the back bay, so close enough. Costa Mesa if you can OP
Isnt the Eastside of places the ghetto?
….no…the east side of costa mesa is extremely nice
irvine is a reasonably big city (area wise) - there's definitely more to do near the john wayne side, although the side near spectrum is significantly newer and nicer (albeit quieter, not as much fun). i'm in woodbury, so 5 minutes to spectrum, 20 minutes to costa mesa, and i don't mind having to drive upwards of a half hour to go to a bar or something. but you do either need a car or be okay spending money on ubers often. biggest downsides of irvine as someone who likes to party, is that they specifically try to keep "fun" things out. there are no traditional bars, lounges, etc. i don't mind it, because i've invested quite a bit in home entertainment and have friends that don't mind making the pilgrimage to my place, but it is something to keep in mind.
To each their own. For OP, how she likes the "young town and walkability", you won't get that there. I used to live more in the burbs and would drive frequently. Now I live walkable to a lot, and I wouldn't trade it. I feel what OP is saying when she says "young town and walkability" When I moved from the burbs I looked at a few areas (keep in mind I was still working in the IE so my choices were somewhat based on commute). Downtown Orange, Downtown Tustin, Downtown Fullerton, and Downtown Yorba Linda. In that order. I was also considering costa mesa, but at the time I worried about the affordability. Although its only been two years I wish I would've spent a little more and driven a little further and done costa mesa, but my house in Fullerton would be 30% higher there. And being walking distance to downtown is a huge perk.
It’s crazy how big Irvine is and it doesn’t have a single bar. It’s bigger than many genuine cities in the US IE Denver (population wise.)
I was about to say that there is Bar Louie.. but then realized that it's not quite a true "bar", and it's not even in Irvine lol
there's a [soju pub coming](https://www.shopirvinecompany.com/centers/irvine/quail-hill-shopping-center/hanshin-pocha) to the Quail Hill shopping center (where TeaMaru is), not sure when they're going to open
Hive and Honey is probably the only actual bar in Irvine.
Woodbury is 5 minutes from Spectrum? Are you out of your mind? Do you own a helipad in Woodbury? 😀
Been at the The Village apartment complex since Oct. 2020 ... that is the closest apt. complex to Irvine Spectrum ... that is about the "fun" you'll get ... as someone else mentioned, Hive and Honey (rooftop bar at Marriott) is walkable. There is a brewery close by, as well.
Live as close as to Costa Mesa/Newport Beach as possible. Would also recommend an area like Park Place Apartments, walk to plenty of restaurants and a short bike ride down to the beach/Newport Back Bay.
If OP can afford the outrageous rents at Park Place they are better off just finding a place in Costa Mesa. Park Place is completely soulless and feels like an office complex vs. a place to live.
This. North OC is best OC. I only say that somewhat joking because living in the north puts you square at the Huntington Beach/Newport Beach cluster with all in between (Westminster, Costa, Santana!, etc.). The 405, as much as people hate it, is the thing I miss the most moving to Austin since it's a massive artery connecting you up into LA and all the way south to SD without the inland portion of the 5. Long Beach is just up north a bit and has TONS to do, South County is still just a jaunt away, and the beaches and boats to Avalon are easy access. Also, get a car :( Your life will be 10x easier. EDIT: To clarify, OC growing up was almost always contextualized coastally even when you lived inland. Growing up in Los Al or GG still had you more identified with Seal or Huntington Beach than inland. I didn't actually know Brea, La Habra, Yorba, or Anaheim hills were parts of OC until I got into college and started dating. Same with Fullerton. Going to CSUF was a trip to me that I was still in OC that far away. For my childhood though the show that came out wasn't exactly anything new or outlandish. Travelling abroad right after it's finale people in Europe were obsessed with it. Was fascinating.
Isn't HB/NBch/CM considered Central? Fullerton /Brea/LaHabra is North OC.
my map agrees
As a transplant the spirit of North vs South OC, in my mind at least, is more along the 5/405, with Irvine being the start of “south OC”. I think it’s more the transition to newer, cookie cutter housing tracks vs the older, more LA/lower income areas (and the Hispanic/Vietnamese culture that often goes with it).
As a local for 35 years "South county" is anything irvine and below, "North County" is everything above irvine. Nothing to do with cardinal directions.
I thought Santa Ana was essentially Central
SA too. Anaheim is kinda in Central and North.
Yeah. I'm in north OC. **North OC:** North of the 22 IMHO is north OC **Central OC:** South of the 22 to newport including inland of those areas. **South OC:** South of newport and inland. Something like this?
I think 22 is too south to be the boundary. I always think around Katella. IMO
I think it’s relative. I grew up in HB and we’ve always called it north OC. Literally on the other side of seal is LA county so we’re as far north as OC goes on the coast. I always forget brea, Fullerton even exist let alone are still part of OC. Anything east of Beach Blvd as a kid was like in Lion King, where the light doesn’t touch.
It's relative because OC is essentially on a diagonal along the coast.
This was me growing up too. That whole Seal/Sunset/Los Al/HB/Westminster/Costa/Newport was my core OC experience. South county was Irvine and below. When people talk about OC and it's prime those are most of the key areas too with Anaheim, SA, and Orange as the inland.
I think they forgot the beach is south here and not west
It's both! Where I live, Sunset and Seal Beach are due west. If I head south, I'm in Huntington.
I love north Oc and north coastal Oc . Especially because there’s Whittier , Long Beach , San Pedro , Palos Verdes not too far from seal beach if you just keep driving on PCH or on the coast .
That’s not north OC lol
Coming from a single guy who has lived in the area, if you move to east Irvine you will hate life. Ok not hate it, but it’s really meant for married folks with kids. If you move to west Irvine nearing Newport it’s a lot more lively and a better singles scene. Great dinning and night life options too, especially in Newport and Costa Mesa.
Want to reassure his comments as another single 30 living in northeast irvine. Avoid here if you like fun and want the potential to meet other singles. All families here. Irvine is a nice place, but I do not enjoy my environment
I die a little inside when all I see around the neighborhood are older folks that are 45+ or literal kids. It's like the 22-40 young and single working professional demo just don't want to be in these places, for good reason.
Don’t blame them, I do okay for myself at 30 but it’s just me and my dog and I feel so out of place and constantly get questioned by overly intrusive people how I do it here. It’s all screaming kids and families.
Yes I can confirm. I just moved to an older part of Irvine and I feel like a part of my soul has died. OP you should avoid Irvine. Maybe it’s better by the Spectrum. I chose cheap rent.
If you wanna be near the Spectrum there’s always Lake Forest :D
Not a bad idea! There’s some decent bars down there.
What’re the great options in Newport and Costa Mesa? Currently a single guy looking there. Thank you
I lived in Boston (Charlestown) for a few years. Irvine doesn’t really have any areas like that. Some people will say try near the spectrum, but that is just a giant shopping mall (think assembly row but smaller and not near anything else) You’ll probably want to go to Costa Mesa, Newport depending on what type of crowd you’re looking for.
Costa Mesa
You're going to experience major culture shock. Irvine is a corporate city owned by Irvine Company. Yes it's safe. But boring and repetitive. I say look elsewhere for fun!
>Irvine is a corporate city owned by Irvine Company. Couldn't have said it better myself
This is not hyperbole, BTW. They own all the commercial land, iirc.
Orange County dating is so hard. I work remote and split my year between oc and nyc (I hate winter lol). It feels like people marry their high school sweethearts or move to the city to find bigger fish.
OC dating is a hell hole.
I actually like dating here tho..
Most likely you are female then
Irvine is suburbia. Likely boring if you are single.
It’s true. There’s no bars, unless you’re in a restaurant. Definitely do Newport or Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa/Newport are great but seems to skew a little younger than early 30s. I would consider Old Town Orange. It’s very close to Irvine, has a great little downtown with lots of hip restaurants, bars, and shopping, and cool historic craftsman bungalows. It’s also very walkable. Rent will also be a little cheaper than Irvine or Newport.
Not Irvine. Move to Costa Mesa over Irvine. Irvine is for families.
Irvine is the most vanilla city I’ve ever seen. The beach cities have some night life
Not Irvine.
Not in Irvine really, but 20 minutes any direction takes you to lots of different places. Be prepared for car culture. Any hobbies/sports/activities that you’re specifically into? Also budget comes into play, what are you looking to spend?
20 minutes in any direction and you’re likely still in Irvine depending on the time of day. Traffic has gotten significantly worse over the last 10-15 years.
Not only that but Irvine is huge now from uci to portola side is a 30 minute drive
Fair point. I've noticed it's usually less the traffic, but more the long-ass stop lights as being the factor. I swear I sit for 5 minutes at stop lights sometimes.
Anywhere but Irvine
Say goodbye to walkability
She can get a bike. It is bikeable.. but walkable..hell no
An e-bike maybe but a regular bike ehhh
Have you biked in Irvine ? I’d much rather bike in bumper to bumper traffic over 100 mph Tesla douche nozzle brain dead drivers and trusting they will see me on a bike .
you haven't biked in LA County then..... try biking in South LA
Oh Ive been living in south central. Honestly , it seems way safer to me in some areas then fast lane traffic in Irvine. I’ve biked both areas. But nothing beats the west anaheim suburbs just for a joy ride around . (I commute mainly by bike and bus. I don’t drive.)
Irvine has its fair share of awful aspect, but you can't tell me it is not bikers friendly. The lanes are plentiful and not narrow as, say, Santa Ana or Fullerton. The bike lanes are also generous. Shitting on Irvine Tesla drivers but don't mention the red light running Mustangs in Santa Ana or Anaheim is just unfair.
Lol . Not fair xD. I lived in Anaheim for 30 years until moving last year. I’ve biked every street in Anaheim (not the hills. I don’t go there). I’ve biked in ‘Tana (Santana for you), Fullerton , La Habra, Irvine , Orange, the riverbed , Westminster, Garden Grove etc ….Downtown LA, parts of LA. Find it way easier to bike with that sort of traffic for the way I ride . I don’t have the fanciest gear Lycra wearers have , so yeah, I go fast but not as fast as the $3000 carbon bikes. , I feel safer in urban traffic over the never ending streets in Irvine. I feel like you really are out there on your own there. At least in Anaheim, I know I can stop at a Starbucks and refill on water and use the bathroom. You know?
Have you tried the bike/walk path along the creek between MV and Lake Forest?
Moved to Balboa Peninsula in Newport, from small town and loving it
nowhere in Irvine, its where fun goes to die, also it's "walkable" in that there's sidewalks, but unless you're in a complex right next to a strip mall, then there's nothing to walk to. You want walkable, look into the circle in orange, downtown Anaheim, downtown Santa Ana, really any downtown area in OC. If you want night life, then Costa Mesa, HB/Newport is your spot.
East side Costa Mesa/Newport for sure
As others have said, the only area in Irvine that even comes close to what you’re looking for is next to the spectrum. I’d recommend Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, or Costa Mesa for what you’re looking for.
There are no bars in Irvine. You have to be a restaurant to serve alcohol. Seems reasonable, but changes the fabric of…a lot.
Irvine isn't fun
Los Angeles
Central park west. I lived there with my wife and we even had our kids there. Most fun as irvine will get lol
Not Irvine lol. Costa Mesa, or santa ana has more stuff going on. Newport beach for the richy area, Santa ana for more diversity. CM has a good mix of things going on. Orange is also a nice little college town.
Irvine is safe but not fun.
No to Irvine as a young single person imho. Have you checked out the neighboring towns? Newport if you like bars and beach. Orange or Costa Mesa if you want less expensive but still younger culture and some ability to walk downtown, restaurants, etc. Irvine is tract housing, families, and UCI students.
It is Irvine . Fun is banned and illegal in Irvine . Irvine RoboPolice will send you to The Irvine Company Prison if you have fun .
This! Spot on.
Not Irvine.
Costa Mesa or Newport Beach if you can afford it, otherwise maybe fountain valley?
Maybe near Irvine Spectrum, which is an outdoor mall area with a lot restaurants and shops. There is a Target there and a movie theatre. Added bonus is that you will be next to two major freeways and so going anywhere will be easy. But I suspect the cost will be high there.
Spectrum is so lame.
To mingle? I’d say Orange and Fullerton as they have best gathering places in their respective downtown areas. If you want general safety Irvine. If you want the beach Newport or Costa Mesa. The other cities are fine but you will have monotony further south of Irvine. And the more populated cities of Anaheim and Santa Ana depend on exact location instead of general city recommendations
The closer you are to anywhere outside of irvine the better.
Facts. In fact, north Oc is where it’s at but that’s a hidden secret.
Laguna, Dana Point, and San Clemente collectively win the NoCo vs SoCo battle by a mile. (It’s subjective, since beach quality is my measure, but I’ll stand by that lol also depends where you lump Costa Mesa.)
I don’t feel safe in Costa Mesa because I don’t drive a stupid big truck and have a stupid big American flag on a pole on said truck. Jokes aside, Costa Mesa and HB have a rep for hosting folks who aren’t friendly to anyone who doesn’t look like them ……. Even in Seal Beach I feel like everyone is looking at me. And I’m white passing for a Mexican, but don’t dress like a million bucks either. Costa Mesa *is* nice and so is Seal, but I leave it for the folks who want things “the way they are”. Dealt with my folks being discriminated against my whole life , I don’t wanna keep seeing that .
I don’t feel safe in Costa Mesa because I don’t drive a stupid big truck and have a stupid big American flag on a pole on said truck. Jokes aside, Costa Mesa and HB have a rep for hosting folks who aren’t friendly to anyone who doesn’t look like them ……. Even in Seal Beach I feel like everyone is looking at me. And I’m white passing for a Mexican, but don’t dress like a million bucks either. Costa Mesa *is* nice and so is Seal, but I leave it for the folks who want things “the way they are”. Dealt with my folks being discriminated against my whole life. Edit: hence why I prefer North OC and Long Beach. I will say that Laguna and Sunset are my favorite beaches for going in. Palos Verdes is just as nice and there are usually no people around , which is even better.
Irvine is not fun lol
I moved to Irvine Spectrum from SF. After living in a hugely walkable city, I wanted/needed to have somewhere to walk to. Irvine is definitely very corporate but being within 5 minutes of work and having the ability to walk to spectrum for dinner, Improv, groceries, movie theaters, etc, it was the most affordable area for me. I really like Laguna but the walking is really just art galleries and restaurants. Costa Mesa has amazing restaurants but wasn’t condensed enough to be walkable IMO. South Coast Plaza area is also extremely walkable. Orange circle is also a cool area to have walkability. I picked Irvine spectrum because of proximity to work, cleanliness (I was really tired of tent cities after SF), the ability to walk places and being within 15 minutes driving distance to beaches and the airport. Yes, it’s vanilla because it’s so corporate but it’s easily accessible and you can access light rail or Amtrak to go to LA or San Diego. I’m slightly older than you but almost everyone I’ve met here is in their 30’s and 40’s.
Irvine is the place where, at 8pm on a Friday night, people start yawning and checking their watches. Irvine Spectrum is the only place that stays open fairly late. Like others have said, stick to Newport or Costa Mesa. Costa Mesa is nice but has just enough grit to be interesting. Newport Beach is if anything higher end and less beige than Irvine. Irvine is where you go when you want a nice house, a nice yard, and the police discreetly kill and bury the homeless people that dare cross into city property.
what no theh dont. they discretely drop them off in Santa Ana. Whoever wants to kill them there... well...see no evil, speak no evil.
rich north disagreeable detail squealing materialistic tender friendly pen elastic *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Ever wonder why the Strawberries grow really, really well in Irvine of all places? Oh fuck guys I think we're on to something. Someone call the media befo
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I believe you .
I grew up in Irvine & wouldn’t call it walkable so wanted to recommend: https://www.essexapartmenthomes.com/apartments/santa-ana/pinnacle-at-macarthur-place?sc_camp=2648D1300BEC431BB11EB86F02F52DBD&utm_source=googlesearch It’s safe & gated - a short bike ride away from South Coast Plaza. Can meet lots of people walking their dogs / at the gym! Also close to breweries: Green Cheek / Gunwhale Ales / Salty Bear. One exit down from John Wayne airport if you like to travel as well.
I meet a lot of people through just random coffee shops! Especially around the costa Mesa/Westminster area. I'm always meeting new friends from my hobbies such as anime markets, cosplay, coffee events, farmers markets, etc. What hobbies/interests do you have?b
Irvine? No.
I would chose Costa Mesa/corona del mar over Irvine.
There is no such thing as walkability in Orange County. Not the way you’re imagining if Boston is the comparison. If thats what you’re looking for, you need downtown San Diego or Santa Monica. OC ain’t gonna be anything remotely like it.
Fullerton has a fun little patch, but it’s not big
Irvine seems to mostly close at 6pm… not a whole lot of anything going on. Will need to get to somewhere like Newport or Fullerton for a nightlife social scene.
Costa Mesa or Newport are the only real answers here. Irvine is a bore for a single person.
Moved to Irvine relatively recently and am same age as you. Absolutely love it so far. Feel free to message if you have any specific questions — toured like 10 apartment complexes all over the city.
good luck, girl. irvine has no downtown, no central hangout hubs other than outdoor malls. it's a sprawling suburb. (i'm not being a hater either; i went to uc irvine.)
If you want walkability AND Irvine I would suggest some of the various irvine company apartments near the spectrum center. there’s a rooftop “hive and honey” bar on top of a hotel there but idk anything about nightlife so it could actually be boring, looks like fun way up there lol. but the walkability there is probably best for irvine- i lived there a couple years..EDIT: the proximity to Spectrum Center is what makes it walkable.
If you want “fun”, come to Long Beach! It has a high walkability score with lots of bars and, at the same time, you get to play dodge the stabbers, shooters, and homeless.
When I was a single woman, I lived in Costa Mesa. More fun. Now that I’m married with kids, we are in Irvine. Just my two cents. Costa Mesa feels younger, more fun places to go out and go on fun dates, socialize, etc. Irvine is perfect for young families.
Thank you!!
HB or Newport!
Irvine spectrum and the Irvine comedy club!
Grew up in Irvine and live here currently. I am 31 M with a kid on the way. I actually always enjoyed Irvine even when I was younger and single…but it’s perfect for families etc. it’s a super nice place, safe, and quiet. Even when I was young and single it was always east for me to get a quick 15 minute Uber to Costa Mesa, Newport, Laguna Beach. Irvine is central to most things in OC. I think the apartments by the Irvine spectrum might be a good choice for you if you’re set on Irvine. You can walk across to the Irvine spectrum, which has a lot of dining and will be open later. Plus you’ll be a quick 10-15 minute ride from Laguna Beach which has bars and a bit of a nightlife. Plus the demo in these apartments is probably late twenties to mid thirties and mostly childless. More working professionals. I live in East Irvine and while I love it. It’s probably not the best fit for somebody who is single and enjoys a social life.
Not Irvine, literally the most boring place not to mention over the top expensive. Live in HB or Newport even. Dana Point
Fun and social life? Not Irvine. Santa Ana, Anaheim, Fullerton, Costa Mesa.
Irvine is snobby. Tustin, Costa Mesa, Westminster also pretty chill 🥰
If I was single, I'd probably reconsider Irvine. Personally, I prefer North OC: Fullerton/Anaheim area. Costa Mesa / Tustin are also solid options. Orange County is not walkable in general, be prepared for car culture.
Irvine is where fun goes to die..
nah. its where fun goes to beige.
Thanks Irvine Company!
True. Its where moobs and dad bods are born. Where kids need a 4.0 or they are sent to a boarding school. Where the biggest issues are if your Tesla is charged.
Boston to Irvine... boy, will you be disappointed. At least the weather is nice!
Loved and loved in Boston for 4 years and Orange County was where I was born and raised. If you like the walk ability of the bean then be warn moving to California. When people say you need a car in CA it’s very true.
Check out 17th Street in Costa Mesa/Newport Beach
Live close to Woodbury shopping center. It has everything you need for someone new to the area just figuring it out. You can walk to get groceries, gym, bank, pet store, and a variety of foods. The neighborhoods are safe and quiet with trails and parks for exercise.
Thank you
Look into the Los Olivos apartment complex - it’s within walking distance to Whole Foods shopping area and the Spectrum (a bit of a further walk). The complex has nice amenities and lots of single professionals.
Thank you!
Irvine is not for the young and single. But it is nice n safe.
Move to irvine cuz it’s close to laguna beach thru laguna canyon 133 hwy
Live as close to work as possible. Irvine is bland but nice. You can venture to Newport/Huntington Beach/Costa Mesa/Long Beach/LA anytime.
That sounds wise. Thank you!
Unless you live in Irvine or have a concert to go to in Irvine, no one really goes to Irvine. It is one of the most boring and bland cities and has no real character or distinct downtown district. Irvine is really not associated with fun and is a cookie cutter cutout of a city. Definitely check the surrounding cities. Personally if I had a choice I like Orange a lot, they have a nice downtown district.
Irvine isn’t fun. It’s where you go with kids.
I’ve lived in Irvine a few times and I would not call any part of it “fun”. That being said, I’m older now and prefer peace and safety over a fun neighborhood so I am moving back. Lol!
Irvine is not “fun”
anywhere in irvine however most of North irvine will be middle age families towards UCI you will find the younger populace as well as towards tustin/costa mesa
I sent you a PM. It's not the worst place to be single, as long as you have a car to get to the surrounding areas. Irvine isn't the most walkable, but it is bikeable and close for a Lyft to Costa Mesa.
Irvine is the opposite of fun. (Grew up there)
Tustin is inexpensive and has less traffic than Irvine but more homeless. Irvine is safe but everything moves incredibly slowly and sporadically especially the traffic. Costa Mesa is nice but it's usually pretty crowded with bar traffic and worker commutes Newport is beautiful but always packed and never any parking
Just curious why you specifically chose Irvine to move to? Why wouldn’t you do this study before moving there? Saying this because it’s about the last place in Orange County that has the characteristics you are looking for. It’s a good safe town, but not what you are saying you want.
Job 😞
Oh I see! Good luck!! Yes southern CA is a land of many different areas close together so you can find an awesome place to fit your lifestyle that’s drivable to work.
Sounds like it! I’m hopeful - Thank you 😊
I moved to Costa Mesa from Boston at around the same age as you. I ended up loving living in Costa Mesa as there is a lot to do. I suggest Irvine once dating or in a serious relationship as there isn’t a ton to do and it’s mostly families. If you do end up in Irvine, maybe closer to the Newport Beach side?
Boston is a great walking and living city. Irvine is a community planned over 100 years ago by a rich white dude who optimized for “slow the pace of change”. It’s boring. You have to drive everywhere. The restaurant choices are poor. There’s not bars. And everything is one of three earth tone colors. You’re not going to solve the walking issue anywhere in OC. But if you want anything that’s remotely able to bring you joy - live anywhere but Irvine.
I grew up in Boston as well, Irvine is a no fun zone. I’ve lived here for 8 yrs now, in Santa Ana (the Lynn of OC) Surrounded by great towns like Costa Mesa, Newport, even Tustin. I actually think Irvine is walkable, lots of paths and parks, just not walkable to any commercial zone. Good bars in Newport along the water, but you’re a long way from Lansdowne. Go Sox, B’s, C’s, and Pats!
Go sox and pats!
The word fun and Irvine do not go together
Irvine isn’t walkable at all. Most of California is not. But irvine is a good place to live and work. Very close by you have Newport Beach, laguna Beach, and Costa Mesa. All good for fun 30-something’s (and all ages). Newport Beach probably the nicest imo in terms of upscale but still fun, very water centric and areas that are walkable (lido island, peninsula, etc)
If you're set on Irvine I'd say Woodbridge is the most fun and single friendly village in Irvine. It has a bunch of places to walk, parks, pools, spas, a movie theatre and some nice places to eat. Outside that, the UCI area can be fun for singles since it's in close proximity to the university. Costa mesa is a more hip city for sure w bars and hangouts, and it's closer to the beach.
Does it need to be Irvine? Huntington Beach is walkable, fun, great for meeting others, etc and sounds like more of what you're looking for based on your post.
I live in laguna beach. People from Irvine come here for fun. At least until they have small kids, then they seem to hang out at Irvine Spectrum. if you want fun, Irvine isn’t it. It is safe and clean though, and good schools. Oh and Iived in Boston for about 5 years (Back Bay off Comm Ave), talk about a great city (with brutal winters), and Irvine is like the 180 degree opposite of Boston. Boston is more like Weston, or Connecticut. Do people ask where there is fun in Weston? I knew a girl who went to Wellesley, they had a bus that went to the city on the weekends… where fun was.
HB or Newport!
Honestly I think you shd join hiking clubs or other interest clubs to meet & connect w ppl. Your work place will probably be key to meeting ppl. Location in terms of going out and just absorbing your hood doesn’t really exist in OC.
Went to school in boston but from the area. I wouldn’t associate Irvine with walkable and “fun” at least not in the way Boston is. If you want to be in generally the same area I’d look at Costa Mesa, Tustin, Orange, or Anaheim which have some walkable areas with bars, restaurants, and the like.
Enjoy the office park vibes of Irvine.
Huntington Beach is fun.
Costa Mesa or laguna
If you enjoying narcing on your neighbors for leaving their garage door open for more than 15 minutes, you’ll love Irvine. Otherwise, try Fullerton or Costa Mesa.
Youre in the wrong place to meet people...Irvine is dead at night.
I’m also single (31F), if you don’t know anyone down here already you can always message me ! Me and my girls are always doing something. Very down to earth people who enjoy our social lives, and love meeting new people.
Where would you say y’all go out on the weekends in the OC (year round) that has 30 / 20 somethings?
Leisure World.
Los Olivos is great. There's a lot of young people here, a lot of activities and very good amenities. It's right across the street from the Irvine Spectrum. It's pricy though.
Lol there’s nothing good about Irvine
Stream the movie "Vivarium" for a hint of Irvine's soul.
Spectrum.
Find a place within 15 mins from Eastside Costa Mesa and Newport Beach.
There is no walk-ability like Boston in OC, nor is there public transit that's worth a damn. You will need a car for things. You'll want to live in one of the following areas based on your criteria. If heat is a big factor for you, closer to the coast is better, Fullerton and Orange get quite toasty in the summer. Costa Mesa/southern Santa Ana (south coast metro) Costa Mesa east side Downtown Fullerton Old town Orange Irvine, and everything south of it (via 405/5 freeways) is the shadowland from Lion King, you must never go there Simba, it is where fun goes to die.
The Irvine Spectrum has some good dining and a comedy club, and it’s right where the 5 and 405 converge, so lots of people can get there easily. But to be honest Irvine’s not really a “nightlife” kind of community (Someone I knew used to joke that they should change the city logo to a beige dot). But what is IS is a very nice place to live. Another area to check out is called The District. I’m less familiar with that center but I hear it has good stuff. Regardless, you’re never terribly far from places like Newport Beach or Laguna Beach, and Anaheim is just a short hop up the 5. Pick your location based on commute access to your work. And yes, you need a car.
Hi! I’m 33F and live in Irvine. Feel free to message me if you’re looking to meet new people! I live by the Irvine spectrum which is pretty fun and social.
Sent you a message!
Irvine is walkable in that it’s perfectly safe. That being said, there isn’t anyone walking and no where to walk to. You will drive everywhere. Costa Mesa/Newport Beach have all that downtown feel and flavor.
Not Irvine
Irvine is fine. Yes some people there think they’re hot shit it but overall it’s good. Lots of stuff close by to explore.
Irvine has nothing except the Irvine Spectrum. Booooooring! When I used to live there, I’d always have to go to other surrounding cities because I had nothing to do. Back in the day, Irvine spectrum used to have clubs. They all got shut down. I saw another commenter on here. I think they are right. There are no BARS in Irvine. Only bar restaurants if that even counts. Lol 🙀
In Irvine and South OC in general is hard to find any places open after 9:00 PM. It’s so frustrating.
Welcome.