Irvine is a premier city in California, known for its well-planned Irvine neighborhoods, quality education, low crime rate, and rich natural landscapes. We will introduce you to the quality communities in Irvine and help you quickly learn about living there.
Is Irvine Safe?
According to the latest data analysis, Irvine is one of the safest cities in the United States, with a crime rate well below the national average. This is excellent news for people who want to live here.
Crime Rate in Irvine, CA
Although Irvine’s crime rate is well above the national average, Irvine is not the place with the highest crime rate. In Irvine, the chance of being a victim of a violent crime or property crime is 1 in 55. According to FBI crime data, Irvine is not among the safest communities in the United States. Relative to California, Irvine has a higher crime rate than 57 % of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes.
However, Irvine’s crime rate is significantly lower than average compared to other cities with similar population sizes. According to an exclusive analysis of FBI crime data by NeighborhoodScout, Irvine is safer than most cities of comparable size across the United States.
Crime rate per 1,000 inhabitants
Parks and designated recreation areas have higher crime rates because they are heavily trafficked and sparsely populated nearby, which tends to breed more crimes. After all, crime happens when there are people, and no matter where you live, you must carefully look up the crime rate in the neighborhood. We will look at best neighborhoods in Irvine with low crime rates and a good environment.
Best Irvine Neighborhoods
University Park - Close to University of California, Irvine
- Average monthly rent: $ 1,997
- Crime Rate: Safer than 83% of Irvine neighborhoods
- Perfect for: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees

University Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Irvine, which is popular with college students. Located north of the University of California, Irvine, this community is one of the most historic. Vast green Spaces and wonderful parks will give you a peaceful and comfortable living atmosphere. There are several bike paths and greenways, providing residents with easy transportation. There are also golf clubs and small shopping centers, so your daily needs can be met in the community.
Oak Creek - Most suitable for professionals
- Average monthly rent: $ 2,299
- Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of Irvine, California neighborhoods
- Perfect for: Students, singles, young professionals, families
Oak Creek is one of the great Irvine, California neighborhoods for professionals to live, with public schools such as Oak Creek Elementary School and Irvine Valley College. The neighborhood is located in the center of Irvine, and its streets are lined with mature oak trees. The houses here are built in traditional style, and you can easily walk to various shops and restaurants in the neighborhood. There are also two playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic tables; your life will be exciting.
Woodbridge - With views of the lake
- Average monthly rent: $ 1,927
- Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of Irvine, CA, neighborhoods
- Perfect for: Families, young professionals

Woodbridge offers its residents elegant scenery and many desirable amenities located between two lakes. There are tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, Pickleball courts, etc. If you are a sports person, this will be a good place to live. Echo Run Park and the village center offer plenty of space to relax. You can also experience boating here. Fishing and other outdoor activities.
Northwood Point - Very safe family living area
- Average monthly rent: $ 1,464
- Crime Rate: Safer than 58% of Irvine, California neighborhoods
- Perfect for: Families, established professionals

Northwood is one of the Irvine, CA neighborhoods, which is very safe and quiet. Just a few minutes from the Irvine Spectrum Center, you can enjoy a pleasant and lively atmosphere here. Well-maintained streets and abundant green Spaces provide a welcoming environment for residents. Northwood Town Center also has plenty of shops and dining options to meet your daily needs. There are many other schools in the neighborhood. Santiago Hills Elementary, Sierra Vista Middle School, and Northwood High School are highly rated schools providing excellent educational opportunities for local children. Northwood offers many fine arts schools, including the Southland Ballet Academy and Vienna Music Institute.
Westpark - The most walkable Irvine, California neighborhoods
- Average monthly rent: $ 2,327
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Irvine, CA
- Perfect for: Young professionals, students, families with young children
Westpark is one of the safe Irvine, CA neighborhoods with a very urban atmosphere. There are many modern apartment buildings here, suitable for college students and young people just starting to look for jobs. There are also many community parks where you can go to relax and breathe the fresh air during your spare time. Bill Barber Memorial Park is also a great place to enjoy an outdoor concert and spend time outdoors. It is very walkable; you only need to spend a few minutes to get to your destination daily, and the convenient lifestyle will add more happiness to your life.
Irvine Neighborhoods to Avoid
The crime rate is among the most important factors when choosing neighborhoods in Irvine, CA. Although Irvine is one of the safest cities in California, there is still some crime in some areas. It’s not a good place to live, especially in certain neighborhoods where crime is higher. Here are the unsafe Irvine neighborhoods:
Spectrum : 197% more crime than Irvine
Spectrum has extremely high crime rates in terms of property crime and violent crime:
Statistic | Spectrum/ 100k People | Irvine/ 100k People | California/ 100k People | National/ 100k People |
---|---|---|---|---|
Total crime | 3,089(estimate) | 1,554 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
Violent crime | 223(estimate) | 75 | 500 | 370 |
Property crime | 2,866(estimate) | 1,479 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
El Toro Marine Air Station: 305% more crime than Irvine
El Toro Marine Air Station has extremely high crime rates in terms of property crime and violent crime:
Statistic | El Toro Marine Air Station/ 100k People | Irvine/ 100k People | California/ 100k People | National/ 100k People |
---|---|---|---|---|
Total crime | 2,677(estimate) | 1,554 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
Violent crime | 304(estimate) | 75 | 500 | 370 |
Property crime | 2,373(estimate) | 1,479 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
Irvine Health and Science Complex: 727% more crime than Irvine
Irvine Health And Science Complex has extremely high crime rates in terms of property crime and violent crime:
Statistic | Irvine Health And Science Complex/ 100k People | Irvine/ 100k People | California/ 100k People | National/ 100k People |
---|---|---|---|---|
Total crime | 10,034(estimate) | 1,554 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
Violent crime | 621(estimate) | 75 | 500 | 370 |
Property crime | 9,413(estimate) | 1,479 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
Quail Hill: 984% more crime than Irvine
Quail Hill has a very high crime rate, mainly property crime and violent crime:
Statistic | Quail Hill/ 100k People | Irvine/ 100k People | California/ 100k People | National/ 100k People |
---|---|---|---|---|
Total crime | 14,610(estimate) | 1,554 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
Violent crime | 787(estimate) | 75 | 500 | 370 |
Property crime | 13823(estimate) | 1,479 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
Choosing the right Irvine apartments for you

The best neighborhoods in Irvine, CA, will affect your standard of living. The neighborhood choice is critical if you are looking for the right apartment. uhomes.com has the right apartments in various quality neighborhoods that are fully furnished and high quality, just waiting for you. Our professional consultants will answer your questions patiently and efficiently to help you find the right apartment.
Conclusion
Finding best neighborhoods in Irvine, CA, is a crucial step. These are essential considerations: crime, employment, facilities, or shops. Irvine has a lot of quality neighborhoods and apartments. Hopefully, combined with our summary, you can find the best Irvine neighborhoods for you.
FAQ
What is the richest area in Irvine?
Shady Canyon is the most expensive neighborhood in Irvine. The median home price is $8,877,272, and the median rent is 3,313. It is a gated community with luxurious custom-built estates and private golf clubs.
What is a decent salary in Irvine?
According to recent data, the average annual salary in Irvine is $78,000. In Irvine, salary ranges for different occupations can vary greatly. The higher the position, the higher the salary. The cost of living in Irvine is high, so a decent wage may need to be higher than the annual salary to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Is Irvine more expensive than LA?
Yes, Irvine is more expensive than Los Angeles. Housing and utilities are much more costly in Irvine than in Los Angeles, so affordability can be poor if you don’t have a well-paying job.