"Irvine" Top 5 Page for this destination Irvine by Lizchiq

Sometimes Irvine receives mixed reviews.

Irvine is a wonderful place in which to live, but it is definitely not a "destination" city. If I were an outsider, I would probably not spend my valuable and limited "vacation days." Most services are available within the city limits, but the city lacks a diversity of feel, because it has been a master-planned community since its inception. It has distinct residential and commercial zoning. Many of the restaurants, shops and hotels are in chains. If you are looking for more boutiques, charming cafes and more intimate hotels, try Laguna Beach, Newport Beach or San Clemente.

For the majority of its residents, Irvine allows them a high standard of living. It's clean and safe (in fact, it was voted the safest city in the United States in 2005), has great public schools and there is much less traffic here than LA obviously, as well as some other areas of Orange County.

In exchange for the high standard of living and safe "community" feeling, some diversity is sacrificed. This is the case in many cities with a safer feeling. Love it or leave it!