"Irvine - Clean, Safe...and Slightly Boring" Irvine by KarinL

Irvine has a lot going for it: Many new and affordable houses, good schools, a great and growing university, a nice business district close to the lovely John Wayne airport, green areas, and very little trash. But somehow, like many other Orange County cities, it seems to lack a soul. True it has lovely parks and shopping malls nearby, some nice bike paths, and good restaurants, but very little is tied together, and there is no vibrant culture or nightlife - people head to (Laguna, Newport or Huntington Beach for that). Fans of Irvine seem to trade excitement and diversity for safety (if there's no nightlife, no one is out on the street late, and because of that there's less crime) It's an ideal formula for many families who live here.

• Pros:Safe, clean, good schools, great for families w/ young kids
• Cons:Very little nightlife, not good for young single people