Overview
Located in Orange County in Southern California. With its year-round warmth, proximity to the ocean, and plentiful outdoor recreation, Irvine is a popular retirement destination for active adults. Besides this, retirees love the local shopping and cultural events available in the city.
Climate & Geography
Irvine, a master-planned city in the Los Angeles metro area, is located very close to the Pacific Ocean, and the many villages within the city have different microclimates depending on their location. In general, residents can expect hot summers, mild winters, and very little rain. Winters can get hot and dry because of the Santa Ana Winds. There are approximately 281 days of sun each year.
Much of Irvine lies on a broad, flat valley, but the northernmost and southernmost parts of the city lead to several hills and canyons. The Crystal Cove State Park is to the south of the city, and the Limestone Canyon Regional Park is to the north.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Irvine’s outdoor recreation is favorable to residents who enjoy sports. The city has an extensive series of bike paths throughout the city, many public pickleball courts, and several public golf courses. In addition, residents enjoy the expansive beach of Crystal Cove State Park, one of the largest natural seashores in Orange County.
For shopping, residents head to the Irvine Spectrum Center, a shopping, dining, and entertainment center. The center features name brands and small boutiques, community and seasonal events, and a large ferris wheel. Other popular cultural destinations include the Fine Arts Center for continuing arts education and numerous farmers markets throughout the city.
Irvine is also located about an hour south of downtown Los Angeles, where residents can find larger name brand stores, major league sports, and famous restaurants.
Cost of Living & Taxes
Irvine’s cost of living is higher than the national average because of high home costs. Transportation costs are also higher than the national average, but lower than California’s average. Other factors like groceries, utilities, and health care are similar to or below average.
California does not tax Social Security benefits, but it does fully tax all other forms of retirement income. Property taxes are lower than average, but the state’s sales tax is the highest in the country.
Health Care
The Los Angeles metro area ranks in the top 45 communities across the country on Gallup’s annual Well-Being Index.
The Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Irvine is nationally ranked by U.S. News. Other nationally ranked hospitals within 10 miles of Irvine include MemorialCare Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in Laguna Hills, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, and UCI Medical Center in Orange.