Go Back  Bike Forums > Community Connections > Regional Discussions > Southern California
Reload this Page >

Which city is more bike friendly: Irvine or Newport Beach?

Notices
Southern California Southern California

Which city is more bike friendly: Irvine or Newport Beach?

Old 04-01-07, 12:40 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 17
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Which city is more bike friendly: Irvine or Newport Beach?

I'll be moving to Orange County in about two months since I have a new job in Laguna Hills. I've visited a couple of apartments and I think the choice is between Irvine or Newport Beach. Which area is more bike friendly? I do a lot of road bike riding so this is a big factor for me. My job is pretty stressful and it's nice to be able to relax on the bike after work. Thanks for any help.
p00p is offline  
Old 04-01-07, 12:46 AM
  #2  
riding once again
 
jschen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 7,359

Bikes: '06 Cervelo R3, '05 Specialized Allez

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I don't know, so I'll let others answer that queston. But I recommend you stick around this subforum and get to "know" the people here. We do lots of group rides that you can join in on once you're out here.
__________________
If you notice this notice then you will notice that this notice is not worth noticing.
jschen is offline  
Old 04-01-07, 07:26 AM
  #3  
Dagger Boy
 
Extort's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Southern California
Posts: 3,247

Bikes: 1999 GT 5.0i mountain, 2004 Basso Reef road

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
There is not as many bike lanes in Newport Beach...

otherwise, it is the same...
__________________
Women think they're so clever because they can fake an orgasm for the sake of a relationship, but men can fake a whole relationship for the sake of an orgasm.
Extort is offline  
Old 04-01-07, 07:45 AM
  #4  
Shredding Grandma!
 
Pamestique's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: So Cal
Posts: 4,803

Bikes: I don't own any bikes

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Since both city's are right next door doesn't really matter. Both have their bicycle friendly routes and usually you would ride from one through the other. Just yesterday I rode from Tustin, through Irvine to Back Bay, Newport Beach, through Costa Mesa and back to Tustin (35 miles). What you really need to consider are housing pricing. A 2 bedroom apartment in Irvine starts at around $1800 and a 2 bedroom in Newport around $2200. One reason why I live in Tustin (my 2 bedroom is $1500!).

Irvine has many great bike trails/paths. Newport Beach has PCH and the beauty of looking at the water. Irvine is probably more bike friendly with wide bike lanes, many quiet streets etc., Newport Beach can be congested in parts and generally you share the road with traffic.

PS: Since your job is in Laguna Hills why not consider Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills or Dana Point. All are bike friendly cities (although alittle on the hilly side). If you enjoy mountain biking there's Aliso Wood/Wood Canyon, Laguna Coast Wildnerness and El Moro to ride in. Great playgrounds! I personally think those 3 cities (which are close to your work) are much more bike friendly then either Irvine or Newport Beach. Housing prices are about the same (well less than Newport Beach which would be the highest).

Where's your new job? I have a good friend that works at Qlogic in LH. He has a beautiful condo in Aliso Viejo.

Last edited by Pamestique; 04-01-07 at 07:50 AM.
Pamestique is offline  
Old 04-01-07, 08:42 AM
  #5  
They Exist
 
Drew12's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Costa Mesa, Ca........ Life is good...
Posts: 1,680

Bikes: Yeti 575, Intense Tracer, Specialized Rubaix Pro

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
BCI Pam is right. I think she hit the nail on the head.
They are right next to each other, and both bike friendly.
Decent Bike trails, and Mt Bike area's very close.

Main Diff is cost. Irvine and Newport a definitely more$$.

I have a House in costa Mesa for less than an apt in Irvine.

Laguna Hills is a great town, with lower rental prices. Why commute if you
don't have to?
__________________
WHEN GOING THROUGH HELL, KEEP GOING
Winston Churchill
Drew12 is offline  
Old 04-01-07, 10:36 AM
  #6  
Body by Guinness
 
cjbruin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 3,326

Bikes: Specialized Allez Pro; Cervelo P2 SL; Tsunami (Converted to Fixed Gear)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I support your choice for Irvine or NB. Yes, you can find apartments for less in other cities but I suspect that you already looked at those areas before nailing down your choices and that you are comfortable with the amount you will be spending on rent. Now, to answer the question you asked...

Based completely on road biking, I would choose Irvine. Irvine gives you a bit closer access to more rides...For instance it's at least 7 miles closer to Santiago Canyon or a loop around El Toro Marine Base. You still have good access to Newport Coast, and the SGRT runs right through it.

I lived in Newport for a short while during my younger days and I've lived in Irvine for 16 years now. If you have other questions, feel free to ask.

P.S. My wife told me to tell you that (if you're single), you'll get more chicks in Irvine or NB than those other places
__________________
Fredo, you're my older brother and I love you...but don't ever take sides, with anyone, against the family again...ever.

Last edited by cjbruin; 04-01-07 at 10:47 AM.
cjbruin is offline  
Old 04-01-07, 10:45 AM
  #7  
Despite all my rage, I am
 
rooftest's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 2,613

Bikes: LeMond Zurich, Colnago C-50

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Newport's got PCH going for it. As was said before, those two cities are right next to each other, so you can't go wrong with either one. If you're single and younger, Newport may be the way to go.
rooftest is offline  
Old 04-01-07, 10:50 AM
  #8  
It is fantastic.
 
voltman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The OC
Posts: 7,977

Bikes: 05 Specialized Allez Elite; 06 Fuji Team Pro

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by cjbruin
...
P.S. My wife told me to tell you that (if you're single), you'll get more chicks in Irvine or NB than those other places
I call BS!
voltman is offline  
Old 04-01-07, 10:57 AM
  #9  
Body by Guinness
 
cjbruin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 3,326

Bikes: Specialized Allez Pro; Cervelo P2 SL; Tsunami (Converted to Fixed Gear)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by voltman
I call BS!
Based on the virtual cornucopia of women you get in Santa Ana?
__________________
Fredo, you're my older brother and I love you...but don't ever take sides, with anyone, against the family again...ever.
cjbruin is offline  
Old 04-01-07, 11:11 AM
  #10  
It is fantastic.
 
voltman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The OC
Posts: 7,977

Bikes: 05 Specialized Allez Elite; 06 Fuji Team Pro

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by cjbruin
Based on the virtual cornucopia of women you get in Santa Ana?
Well, they don't have street walkers in Irvine or NB.
voltman is offline  
Old 04-01-07, 11:21 AM
  #11  
Body by Guinness
 
cjbruin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 3,326

Bikes: Specialized Allez Pro; Cervelo P2 SL; Tsunami (Converted to Fixed Gear)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by voltman
Well, they don't have street walkers in Irvine or NB.
Well sure...but there's plenty of Asian Massage Parlours. Don't you read the Sports section?
__________________
Fredo, you're my older brother and I love you...but don't ever take sides, with anyone, against the family again...ever.
cjbruin is offline  
Old 04-01-07, 04:41 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
LCI_Brian's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: in the hills of Orange, CA
Posts: 1,355
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I live in Orange (near the Tustin city limits) and work in Aliso Viejo.

The others are right, the difference in riding between Irvine and Newport is small, so make your decision based on other factors.

One thing to note is that it is hotter in Irvine during the summer, how much hotter depends on how far inland you live.

Personally I wouldn't live south of Irvine, not because the communities there are bad or anything, but because being further south would make me more far removed from my family and other activities.
LCI_Brian is offline  
Old 04-01-07, 11:28 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 548
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I live in Irvine and it's great for riding, Bike Lanes everywhere and they even have buttons on every Traffic light facing the road so you can halt the Traffic like Pedestrians.....
But as someone pointed out, Irvine and Newport bch are adjacent, it's hard to figure out where the Border is....
Anyway, welcome to the area, I'm sure you'll become a regular here, the SoCal Members on this Board are really friendly and great to ride with....
If you have any more questions just ask, but I'm sure you'll love riding in either NB or Irvine....
Jaguar27 is offline  
Old 04-02-07, 11:06 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
HRC-Rascal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Irvine
Posts: 123

Bikes: Colnago 50th, Kestrel 2.0, Pogliaghi

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I'd have to agree with all that was stated above. The only thing I have to add is that being a younger single guy, NB was a better place to live then Irvine. In my opinion, Irvine is all about being clean and proper, where some parts of NB have local hangouts and places to eat/drink - a little more playful life.

Irvine is more of a family environment (heck, the don't even allow liquor stores), which I must say is why I have been here for the past 9 years, my daughter.

Either way, you can't go wrong really...
HRC-Rascal is offline  
Old 04-02-07, 12:07 PM
  #15  
Shredding Grandma!
 
Pamestique's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: So Cal
Posts: 4,803

Bikes: I don't own any bikes

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
HRC - there is a 7-11 in Irvine (yes really) it's near Deerfield; does that qualify as "liquor store"? Also A Beverage and More and Trader Joe's - kindof yuppie liquor stores.

I just wouldn't live in Irvine "because" - I always have this thing about all the yuppie wienies living there (sorry you Irvine folks if I offend) which is why I live in Tustin. I'm right off Jamboree, start of the Loop and near a number of great mountain bike parks and several bike trails that take me down to NB. And talk about reasonable rents (comparably). If I could vote for a cool city I would vote for Tustin but to the OP still don't understand why you wouldn't want to live near work? Why drive when you can ride or walk? And Aliso and Laguna Viejo are cool places to live. Why aren't you interested in finding something there?

Last edited by Pamestique; 04-03-07 at 07:15 AM.
Pamestique is offline  
Old 04-02-07, 12:08 PM
  #16  
Body by Guinness
 
cjbruin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 3,326

Bikes: Specialized Allez Pro; Cervelo P2 SL; Tsunami (Converted to Fixed Gear)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by HRC-Rascal
Irvine is more of a family environment (heck, the don't even allow liquor stores).
Why do you think that? What about "The Still" over by UCI and Bev Mo? Not to mention that all supermarkets and Costco sell alcohol.
__________________
Fredo, you're my older brother and I love you...but don't ever take sides, with anyone, against the family again...ever.
cjbruin is offline  
Old 04-02-07, 10:53 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 548
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by BCIpam
HRC - there is a 7-11 in Irvine (yes really) it's near Deerfield; does that qualify as "liquor store"? Also A beverage and more Trader Joe's - kindof yuppie liquor stores.

I just wouldn't live in Irvine "because" - I always have this thing about all the yuppie wienies living there (sorry you Irvine folks if I offend) which is why I live in Tustin. I'm right off Jamboree, start of the Loop and near a number of great mountain bike parks and several bike trails that take me down to NB. And talk about reasonable rents (comparably). If I could vote for a cool city I would vote for Tustin but to the OP still don't understand why you wouldn't want to live near work? Why drive when you can ride or walk? And Aliso and Laguna Viejo are cool places to live. Why aren't you interested in finding something there?
I've been called much worse... I don't think you could ever say anything that would offend anyone Pam, you're such a nice Person...

Tustin is an awesome community, a great location.

We've lived in Irvine since January, we moved from Laguna Niguel...and talk about quiet here, we've never spoken to any of our neighbors once, why? Because we never SEE them...our next door neighbors moved out within a couple of weeks of us moving in, the other side of us we have never had neighbors...

When we decided to move we came to an agreement, my Wife chose the Townhouse and I got to choose the location...I've worked in Irvine for 16 years and was sooooo sick of driving too and from work, now I have a 1.8 mile Bike commute....I normally work 6 Days a week so I reckon I'm saving 6-7 hours a week sitting in the Car, at least!! So I agree about your question to the OP (where did he go anyway)...live as close to w**k as possible, Traffic is never going to get any better....
Jaguar27 is offline  
Old 04-03-07, 07:23 AM
  #18  
Shredding Grandma!
 
Pamestique's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: So Cal
Posts: 4,803

Bikes: I don't own any bikes

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Jag... I kid about Irvine. I did live there 1 year (almost exactly). I was up in North Woods. It is a beautifully planned out community that is very bike friendly and yes, so awesome you can live and work in the same place. To me such a plus. In fact that is the attraction of Orange County. For many years I worked in mid-Wilshire LA. You can't live near work (well you don't want too) and I had a 2 hours drive each way no matter where I lived. Never again. Now I'm Orange County based and loving it. I live in Tustin, work in Orange, have a 10 minute drive to work and an easy bike ride. Heck I can almost walk.

As for neighbors... a friend and I sat around talking about this one day. When I was a child (I grew up in LA) we knew all our neighbors. They all knew you (so if I did something wrong the neighbor, even way down the street would call mom - darn it!). We all had block parties etc.

As an adult, I hardly know my neighbors. I seldom see them. Basically everyone works and is out early and in late and doesn't like to go out and socialized. OK I'm also not the friendliest person out there saying "hi" either but I'm busy and always have things occupying my time. I guess tmes have changed and alot of us stay in our own little secure worlds. Not certain if I can say that is a good thing or not.
Pamestique is offline  
Old 04-03-07, 09:48 AM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
HRC-Rascal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Irvine
Posts: 123

Bikes: Colnago 50th, Kestrel 2.0, Pogliaghi

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Heh heh, yeah, I frequent Bev-mo...

Before you all think that I'm some kind of booze hound, I only point out the lack of liquor stores because I use it in a reference to folks who ask how I like living in Irvine. My general, generic response is that it is clean, proper and well designed - that is about it. In my opinion, the city's priority is to ensure everything is postcard perfect and to hide the dirt under the rug. Rather stale for me.

Back to the liquor store thing. I always figured that the typical corner liquor store doesn't fit the squeaky clean image the city wants to portray. I had read/heard that Bev-Mo had quite the hard time trying to get a store in the city because they were afraid of how it would reflect the neighborhood image.

Once the kid is out of high school, I hope to move to San Clemente or possibly Orange... I doubt I could afford a house in NB.
HRC-Rascal is offline  
Old 04-03-07, 10:44 AM
  #20  
Shredding Grandma!
 
Pamestique's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: So Cal
Posts: 4,803

Bikes: I don't own any bikes

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by HRC-Rascal
In my opinion, the city's priority is to ensure everything is postcard perfect and to hide the dirt under the rug. Rather stale for me.
Hence... the reason I live in Tustin (and the fact it's cheaper than Irvine).

Actually I feel Tustin is like the perfect place to live. Sort of "small town", not stuffy like Irvine, prices relatively speaking more affordable (unless you seek North Tustin or Tustin Ranch), about as centrally located as you can get, freeway close. Good stores, lots of nice restaurants (Tommy Sushi - yeah!). Very bike friendly.
Pamestique is offline  
Old 04-03-07, 03:09 PM
  #21  
Body by Guinness
 
cjbruin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 3,326

Bikes: Specialized Allez Pro; Cervelo P2 SL; Tsunami (Converted to Fixed Gear)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Pthbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbt. Irvine is only about a million times better than Tustin. Less crowded, about 10 degrees cooler on hot days, closer to the beach, the list goes on. I don't think there are any more stuffy people here than any average South County city. In fact, it seems like I have a lot more interaction with my neighbors than you do.

Irvine is a great place to live.
__________________
Fredo, you're my older brother and I love you...but don't ever take sides, with anyone, against the family again...ever.
cjbruin is offline  
Old 04-03-07, 04:27 PM
  #22  
Shredding Grandma!
 
Pamestique's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: So Cal
Posts: 4,803

Bikes: I don't own any bikes

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
OK you just compared Irvine people to South OC people... and your point was**********

I can undestand an Irvine person not liking Tustin. Here in Tustin the homes are mostly custom built different looking not all cookie cutter large houses and small lots. Homes here actually have =gasp= yards!!! I know you lucky Irvine folks don't like to do yard work. Good thing, cause not worth pulling out the lawn mower for a postage stamp piece of property. Oh yeah, our house can be different colors - not white, off white, brown-white, white. You can actually see homes of blue, green, brown etc in Tustin. Mmm let see, yeah, housing is affordable. I pay less for gas and groceries. I don't get hassled by the police for riding my bike. And my friends and family don't get lost trying to find my house in small weird cloverleaf shaped neighborhoods.

But yes, I don't an "Irvine" address so I admit, I am but a poor peone!

you know I jest cause I care!
Pamestique is offline  
Old 04-03-07, 04:29 PM
  #23  
It is fantastic.
 
voltman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The OC
Posts: 7,977

Bikes: 05 Specialized Allez Elite; 06 Fuji Team Pro

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I am strange. I live in one city, but I actually go to other cities, too. It is, in fact, odd.
voltman is offline  
Old 04-03-07, 04:34 PM
  #24  
Shredding Grandma!
 
Pamestique's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: So Cal
Posts: 4,803

Bikes: I don't own any bikes

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Volt sortof of my thoughts exactly - why pay for Irvine or NB prices for housing when I can just ride there and enjoy it for free!

And CJ - ever been round Culver and Walnut around 5pm? Scary congested! Actually alot of the parking lots in Irvine are just scary to drive around in. When I lived in Irvine I had to drive way over to the Sand Canyon Albertsons to grocery shop cause my car kept getting dinged up in the Ralphs lot at Culevr/Walnut.
Again just being silly...
Pamestique is offline  
Old 04-03-07, 04:41 PM
  #25  
It is fantastic.
 
voltman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The OC
Posts: 7,977

Bikes: 05 Specialized Allez Elite; 06 Fuji Team Pro

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by BCIpam
..ever been round Culver and Walnut around 5pm?...
Possibly today, in fact. The girls in the yoga class are overrated, however.
voltman is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.