Reviews & Comments
Irvine, CA
Master planned everything -
5/31/2010Irvine is a wonderful place to live and work. The city was master planned to the T by a famous city planner. The schools are absolutely top notch, dozens of parks in every neighborhood and is landscaped really nicely. The weather is UNBEATABLE. Cool breeze at night, even on hot summer nights. You can get to the beach by driving 15 minutes west, and see the mountains from your house in the other direction.
One drawback is that it is so master crafted as a community that they don't approve hardly any unique shops or restaurants. If you want some really authentic food, you'll have to drive elsewhere or an hour north to Los Angeles to get it.
Con: Very expensive real estate. Homes are 5 times more expensive than a nice suburban neighborhood in Texas, just for reference. Especially with the newer homes, even a $1 million home doesn't buy you a decent backyard. You're lucky if you get one that can accommodate a dog.