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Plano to Irvine Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

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Moving from the vibrant cityscape of Plano, TX, to the sunny shores of Irvine, CA, marks an exciting chapter in your life, brimming with adventure and new beginnings. You're trading the Texan BBQs and sprawling suburbs of "The City of Excellence" for the innovative tech hub and pristine parks of "The Bubble." Given the distance and the life-changing nature of this move, it's crucial to entrust your journey to reliable professional movers. We at Great Guys Moving understand the nuances of such a transition, ensuring your belongings are handled with care and precision from start to finish.

5 Best Movers for Moving from Plano to Irvine

#1
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 8,688+ data points

Santa Monica, CA
Residential moving, Commercial moving, Long-distance moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 3207734 Verify

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

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#2
King Moving Company Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,200+ data points

Plano, TX
Local and long-distance moving, Moving antiques and high-value items, Household moving (houses and apartments) See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 1933649 Verify

About King Moving Company

Established way back in 1995 as a moving company that specialized in moving antiques and decorative items for different antique malls and in...Read More >>

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#3
Evolution Moving Company Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,805+ data points

Dallas, TX
Long Distance Moving, Labor Only, Residential Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/23/2022)

USDOT: 2467590 Verify

About Evolution Moving Company

Founded in 2013 in New Braunfels, Evolution Moving Company has expanded its professional moving and storage business to Dallas, Fort Worth, ...Read More >>

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#4
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,308+ data points

Lake Forest, CA
Local Move, Interstate Move, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 649215 Verify

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helpe...Read More >>

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#5
Olde World Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,552+ data points

Euless, TX
Local Residential Moves, Long Distance Moves, Piano Movers See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 1844729 Verify

About Olde World Movers

Located in Fort Worth, TX, Olde World Movers prides itself on over three decades of moving experience serving residents and businesses in th...Read More >>

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Relocating from Plano to Irvine Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Plano, TX & Irvine, CA. This guide will help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city using your existing city as a baseline, pinpointing the Plano neighborhoods and their closest matches in Irvine.

PlanoIrvine
Willow BendTurtle Rock

Family-friendly, prestigious schools

Kings RidgeWoodbridge

Well-established, water activities

GleneaglesQuail Hill

Scenic views, hiking trails

WhiffletreeNorthwood

Spacious homes, community parks

Hunters GlenWestpark

Vibrant community, cultural diversity

Preston LakesUniversity Park

Intellectual hub, open spaces

The Hills at PrestonwoodShady Canyon

Luxurious lifestyle, exclusive amenities

DeerfieldWoodbury

Family-oriented, modern conveniences

Legacy HillsPortola Springs

Quiet neighborhoods, natural landscapes

Windsor ParkGreat Park Neighborhoods

Innovative living, community events

Discovering neighborhoods like Turtle Rock in Irvine may remind you of Willow Bend's charm in Plano, with both offering prestigious schools and a family-friendly atmosphere. Nature enthusiasts who appreciated Gleneagles’ greenbelt will find Irvine's Quail Hill equally appealing, with its scenic views and abundance of hiking trails waiting to be explored. For those who thrive in vibrant, diverse communities, transitioning from Hunters Glen to Irvine's Westpark could be seamless, where cultural diversity and community engagement create a lively atmosphere. Don't miss out on local gems such as the Northwood Community Park or the innovative Great Park Neighborhoods, where events and modern amenities abound, ensuring you feel right at home in your new neighborhood.

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Things to Do in Irvine

  • Hike at Irvine Regional Park
  • Explore the Orange County Great Park
  • Visit the Irvine Spectrum Center
  • Enjoy dining at Diamond Jamboree
  • Study at Irvine Public Libraries
  • Attend a concert at FivePoint Amphitheatre
  • Relax at Newport Beach

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Plano to Irvine

Moving can be a complex decision, weighted with various factors on both ends. This comparison aims to shed light on moving from Plano, TX, to Irvine, CA , offering an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. By comparing cons with pros and vice versa, you will gather insights into what awaits in your new city, helping to make a well-informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Plano, TX iconPlano, TX
  • Higher property taxes
  • Extreme summer heat
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Fewer public beaches
  • Less tech job opportunities
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Lower property taxes
  • Milder climate
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • Access to beaches
  • More tech job opportunities
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less space
  • Competitive job market
  • More urban feel
  • Fewer natural lakes
Plano, TX iconPlano, TX
  • Lower cost of living
  • More space
  • Strong job market
  • Friendly neighborhoods
  • Access to lakes

While both Plano and Irvine offer unique living experiences, it's the small details and daily life aspects that might influence your decision the most. For instance, Irvine's community parks and diverse dining options cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, reflecting the city's rich cultural diversity. Meanwhile, Plano's expansive parks and lake areas, such as Oak Point Park and Nature Reserve, provide a tranquility and spaciousness that's hard to find in more urban environments. Whether you're drawn to the innovative tech scene and beautiful beaches of Irvine or the affordable spacious living and strong job market in Plano, each city presents compelling reasons that make them a great place to call home.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Plano to Irvine

Food is a key element that encapsulates the essence of local culture and living experience in an area. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Plano & Irvine, aimed at providing you with insight into the distinctive food scene you'll be embracing or missing out on upon your move.

PlanoIrvine

Most iconic local food item

BrisketPoke

Most popular meat dish

Texas BBQKorean BBQ

Most popular street food item

TacosBanh Mi

Most popular vegan food

BBQ JackfruitTofu Stir-Fry

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

    • Lockhart Smokehouse
    • Jorge's Tex Mex Cafe
    • Legacy Hall
    • HiroNori Craft Ramen
    • Din Tai Fung
    • Diamond Jamboree

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

79

Abundance of Food Trucks

88

Foodie Scene

79

Vegan Friendly

68

While Plano revels in its rich tradition of Texas BBQ, with iconic spots like Lockhart Smokehouse offering an authentic taste of this deeply rooted culinary culture, Irvine boasts a diverse food scene accentuated by Asian cuisines, particularly Korean and Japanese. Places like HiroNori Craft Ramen exemplify Irvine's reputation for gourmet exploration. The vegan scene in both cities caters to the health-conscious, with Plano surprising many with its BBQ Jackfruit, a testament to the city's evolving food landscape. Meanwhile, Irvine's abundance of fresh, plant-based offerings, like the Tofu Stir-Fry, keeps the city at the forefront of health trends.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Plano to Irvine

Relocating can be a daunting task, but finding your new favorite dining spots shouldn't be. This restaurant comparison between Plano, TX, and Irvine, CA, aims to make your move a little tastier. Let this guide serve as your culinary compass, helping you discover new eateries that remind you of home.

Legacy HallHive & Honey Rooftop Bar

Both offer a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of food options.

Whiskey CakeBosscat Kitchen & Libations

Both are known for their unique takes on American comfort food and extensive whiskey selection.

Jörg's Cafe ViennaCurry Haus

Both bring authentic European flavors to the table, with a particular focus on hearty, comfort dishes.

Urban CrustNorth Italia

Handcrafted pizzas and Italian dishes make both spots a hit for those seeking artisanal cuisine.

Mi CocinaTaco Rosa

Both serve up high-quality, traditional Mexican fare with a modern twist.

Naan SushiTAIKO

Japanese establishments that focus on quality sushi and a broad menu of Asian dishes.

Bob's Steak & Chop HouseRuth's Chris Steak House

Offering top-tier steaks and an upscale dining experience, ideal for special occasions.

Fogo de ChãoAGORA Churrascaria

Both provide an authentic Brazilian steakhouse experience with endless meat options.

Kenny's Smoke HouseLucca Cafe

While Lucca focuses more on Mediterranean cuisine, it shares Kenny's dedication to quality, smoked flavors.

DensetsuSushi Roku

Both are high-end sushi restaurants that balance traditional and innovative rolls.

For those moving from Plano to Irvine, there's no need to worry about missing your favorite meals. Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar introduces a similar lively dining scene akin to Legacy Hall, while Bosscat Kitchen & Libations resonates with the soulful American cuisine found at Whiskey Cake, but with a Californian flair. If it's authentic European comfort food you're after, Curry Haus, akin to Jörg's Cafe Vienna, will satisfy those cravings with its rich, flavorful dishes. And for the sushi lovers, TAIKO in Irvine echoes the quality and variety found at Naan Sushi in Plano, promising an exemplary dining experience across cuisines. Transitioning to a new city is an adventure, and exploring its food scene can make the journey all the more enjoyable.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Plano to Irvine

When considering a move, real estate is a crucial factor to weigh. This comparison between Plano, TX and Irvine, CA aims to highlight the key differences in housing, such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle. Understanding these aspects can help make an informed decision.

While Plano, with its ranch and modern style homes, provides spacious yards and community pools attractive for families seeking a suburban feel, Irvine counters with its higher walkability and bikeability scores, reflecting its urban planning and availability of eco-friendly homes. The stark contrast in median home prices and monthly rents speaks volumes about the cost of living in each city. Irvine boasts a vibrant urban lifestyle, often highlighted by its closeness to parks and Spanish architectural influences, making it an appealing choice for those valuing environmental friendliness and outdoor activities. Comparatively, Plano offers a more affordable entry point into the housing market, suited for those looking for a blend of modern living within a community-centric area.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Irvine, CA

1. Woodbridge: Known for its two large artificial lakes, numerous parks, and pet-friendly walking paths, Woodbridge offers you and your furry friends ample outdoor spaces for play and relaxation.

2. Northwood: This neighborhood prides itself on spacious dog parks and trails, like the ones you'll find at Northwood Community Park, making it an ideal environment for pet owners seeking outdoor adventure with their pets.

3. Quail Hill: Quail Hill provides easy access to nature preserves and hiking trails suitable for all levels, including the Quail Hill Loop Trail, making it perfect for active pets and their owners who love to explore the outdoors together.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Plano to Irvine

Moving from one location to another requires an understanding of how the weather between Plano, TX, and Irvine, CA, will affect you. Knowing the differences helps in preparing for new living conditions, ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible.

Summer icon
94°F / 74°F

Plano, TX

83°F / 64°F

Irvine, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 37°F

Plano, TX

68°F / 48°F

Irvine, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40.5"

Plano, TX

13.5"

Irvine, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
1.5"

Plano, TX

0"

Irvine, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While Irvine enjoys a milder climate throughout the year with more days of sunshine and less humidity, Plano experiences a wider range of temperatures and more severe weather events, such as tornadoes. The significant difference in annual rainfall highlights Plano's more humid environment versus Irvine's drier conditions. Additionally, the potential natural disasters vary greatly, with Plano being prone to severe storms and tornadoes, whereas Irvine's major concerns are earthquakes and wildfires. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for your new environment, whether that's investing in different clothing or home necessities.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Plano to Irvine

Moving between cities can impose a dramatic shift in your financial landscape. This comparison aims to equip you with a clear understanding of the cost of living, financial obligations, and economic opportunities from Plano, TX to Irvine, CA . Understanding these variations is crucial for planning a successful transition.

Transitioning from Plano, TX to Irvine, CA, you'll notice a significant increase in the cost of living, with Irvine's index sitting at 195 compared to Plano's 120. This is important as despite the higher average household income in Irvine, this jump in living costs can impact your financial well-being. Moreover, the switch from Texas to California introduces state income tax, which can be as high as 9.3% in California, a stark contrast to Texas' 0% rate. However, the average property tax rate is lower in Irvine, potentially offsetting some of the higher expenses. These financial shifts underscore the importance of planning and budgeting in your move.

Political & Religious Comparison between Plano, TX and Irvine, CA

Moving from Plano, TX to Irvine, CA introduces new environments, and understanding the political and religious makeup of Plano & Irvine can provide a quick snapshot of your potential new neighbors. This comparison will offer insights into the local politics, religious climate, and general political stance of the residents in both cities.

PlanoIrvine

Political Make-up

Lean ConservativeLean Liberal

Local Politics

Mixed city leadershipProgressive city leadership

Religion

Christian MajorityDiverse (Christian, Non-religious, Other Faiths)

While both Plano and Irvine offer vibrant communities, they have distinct cultural landscapes. Plano typically leans conservative, reflected in its political makeup and mixed city leadership, with a predominant Christian majority shaping its religious affiliations. Irvine, on the other hand, presents a contrast with its lean towards liberal perspectives, progressive leadership, and a more diverse religious composition. This diversity in Irvine might be more appealing if you're looking for a community where multiple faiths and non-religious perspectives coexist more prominently. Understanding these nuances will help you acclimate more smoothly to your new home.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Plano to Irvine

Moving from Plano, TX to Irvine, CA offers a unique opportunity to compare the traffic and transportation options between Plano & Irvine. This comparison is intended to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic experience will be like in both cities.

PlanoIrvine
2723

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

76

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

46

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

NoChallenging

Can you get by without car?

When moving from Plano to Irvine, you'll find that your commute time could potentially be slightly shorter. The average commute time in Irvine is about 4 minutes less than in Plano, indicating a somewhat smoother flow of traffic despite both cities dealing with their share of congestion. Furthermore, Irvine offers better public transit options with a score of 6 out of 10, making it relatively more feasible to get around without a car, though it still presents challenges. In contrast, Plano's public transit scores lower, emphasizing a greater dependence on personal vehicles for daily commuting. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for lifestyle changes and make informed decisions about your daily travel in your new city.

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