Detroit RX8

Hey all, wanted to drop by into your forums (Is a Michigander allowed in here?! )

I am currently looking into a job opportunity in Irvine, CA and wanted to get some feedback from the locals. At this point in the game, it's all very preliminary and I just want to get a general idea about the Irvine area. Things like cost of living, area attractions, traffic (i know it's cali so im not expecting anything good!), weather, scenery, etc. Being from Michigan my entire life I had to mapquest Irvine last night to see where it was in Cali!

Any thoughts are appreciated!

Chris

rglbegl

Irvine is a great place. EXPENSIVE, but great. I grew up there. The weather is awsome, but aside from that, I am not a big fan of that city. Our local paper is called the 'orange county register'. look at their website and see what people are paying for houses out here. Even rent is hellacious. There is plenty to do, plenty of people . . rude people . . but plenty of them. And us California people really LOVE our cars.
If you move out here, you will be within a couple miles of the largest freeway interchange in the U.S. (el toro Y in irvine) the second largest movie theatre and the single most expensive toll road in the world. (the 73)
Forbes magazine just named it as one of their top 10 most expensive in the 'cost of living' index. Annual household income was something like $121,000 just to afford a house. you gotta make more if you want to eat.

RotaryNoob

Rent is about $1300 month for a 1 bedroom. A new 2 bedroom townhouse is going for about $450k. Traffic sucks from 7:30-9:30. People are lousy drivers and stuck up. Lots of beautiful women and things to do.

Detroit RX8

Thanks for the info!

Sounds similar to Detroit aside from the scenery and things to do

Razz1

You don't have to live in Irvine. Rent will be a little cheaper elsewhere.

you do not want to commute far.

You will be able to make it to Seven Stock each year.

Party is at the Beach.

Wing5

Let's not forget
-Anaheim Angels (Anaheim & Irvine r really close)
-Anaheim Ducks
-Disneyland! lol
-An LA Dodger game w/ game traffic is gonna be at least and hour away prolly more like 1.5 hours

-Monthly RX8 Meet @ LAX ^.^
-Toyota Grand Prix every year in Long Beach

Outlaws eXtreme

A House 2-3 Bedroom if you're lucky is hitting about 800k+ in the area. Rent is ridiculous.. the same apartment I stayed at when I went to Univ. of Cali Irvine was 1200 for a 2 bedroom 8 years ago... now for the same place it's 2200 (Yes for an apartment).

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

Irvine is a beautiful city! Irvine has become a very attractive location for businesses so you'll find plenty of commercial building lots and major companies in the area.

The biggest problem you'll run into will be housing expenses. (which has already been covered)

Orange County is probably home to the greatest weather in the country and the local mountains are only an hour away if you're into skiing / snowboarding. The beach is 20 minutes away and Newport Beach / Huntington Beach is TONS of eye candy if you're still single.

Detroit RX8

I'm not too worried about the housing situation (apt) as it will be secured for me and my salary would obviously cover increases in the cost of living (in MI I pay 1,100 for a 1,100 sq ft apt - those days are gone!).

I do appreciate the comments and feedback, I have never been farther West than Phoenix do this is all new to me =)

Razz1

1hr ten minutes to Malibu mountains.

1hr to Mount Baldy.

One of country's most senic hwy Ortega Hwy 13 miles away.

Big Bear 1 1/2 hr away.

Auto X in Irvivine 2x / year

Auto X in San Diego 80 miles almost every week end.

Auto X in Fontanna 65 miles almost every week end.

California Speedway for a Mans real racing 65 miles.

Willow Springs 110 miles away for more racing.

Button Willow 135 miles? Fastest track in the West.

And Knockers at Hooters!

Detroit RX8

^^ Nice, my brother tells me there is some decent skiing/boarding at Big Bear.

Looks like I will be out next Friday to take a look around, meet some people at the company and generally sightsee the Irvine aread

Shiyi Xia

iTrader: (5)

just moved to Irvine...saw 3 rx8 so far in UCI parking lot(include mine)...we should have some rx8 meeting in Irvine..lol!~

Detroit RX8

How do you like UCI? That's most likely where I would go to finish up my MBA that I started up here, and based on a map it's only about 5-10 miles away from where I would be working which is across the street from the Spectrum mall.