[krasavitsa87]

<p>Hi there!</p>
<p>My DH got a job offer in Irvine, CA and we have two days (well one day left) to make a decision.  We live in Columbus OH and I have relatives and support system in place here.  Please tell me, is Irvine CA - a nice place to live?  Is there an AP community?  Is it true that all schools are good?  I have a child in second grade and freaking out a little bit about having her change schools in the middle of a grade.  Also, COL is rather low here in Central Ohio, and I heard that things are rather expensive in South California (LA is South CA, right?).   Any insight is appreciated!</p>

 

[Viola]

<p>I liked Irvine when I lived in Orange county.  I lived in Rancho Santa Margarita, and I liked the part of Irvine that was north of the 5.  It felt a little like there was breathing room there, but it's been a long time since I've been there, since I moved away over 8 years ago.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yes, the cost of living is high.  When I lived in Orange County, I worked in San Juan Capistrano at one point, and a lot of the people I worked with commuted from other counties like San Bernardino, Riverside or LA. </p>

 

[cocoanib]

<p>You'll have to take this with a grain of salt, because I've only been to and through Irvine. I also used to have a coworker that lived there.</p>
<p>Anyhoo- from the little I know, Irvine is a nice safe place to live. Alot of growth as far as homes and shopping areas being built. </p>
<p>My coworker commented that it was beautiful there, but very expensive.</p>
<p>I'm not sure about the AP community. So sorry, I don't have more info for you Mama!</p>

 

[mad4mady]

<p> I don't live in Irvine but, I live in the next city over (Lake Forest) I worked for one of the high schools in Irvine for a while and I like the city. It is expensive for sure, lake forest, laguna hills are less expensive to live. The AP community is okay here, there are groups and I think AP is growing. Irvine has a farm where you can buy vegs and fruits. The also have a good farmers market next to the College. The schools are really good in Irvine most are top rated (so are the schools in Lake Forest, I have a 3rd grader) You are super close to the beach, Laguna is a really fun city to visit. There is tons of shopping available in Irvine, the only think is you are right in the middle of everything there it is for sure a city. Irivne is a planned community so there is lots of parks and it is totally family friendly.  </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Good Luck and Please email me if you have any other questions.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><img alt="Rainbow.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/Rainbow.gif"></span>Megan</p>
<p> </p>