Hi r/Bellevue,
I’d love this community’s perspective on something my family is seriously considering.
We currently live in Bellevue and genuinely love it. It has everything we could want to raise a family — strong schools, safety, access to nature, solid community, great amenities. We have three young kids (5, 2, and 1), and overall Bellevue has been a wonderful place for us.
That said, we’re exploring a move to Irvine, CA — and the move would be almost entirely about weather.
One of our kids has allergy and growth issues, and part of our thinking is whether more year-round sunshine and consistent outdoor time could be beneficial compared to the long gray winters here.
From the outside, Irvine looks incredibly safe, clean, organized, and education-focused. Some people describe it as “master-planned” or even “sterile,” but that doesn’t really bother me. What I care about most is raising well-rounded, emotionally strong, happy kids.
For those in Bellevue / Eastside that have previously lived in Irvine (or other parts of the OC), I’d really like your honest take:
- What do you think Irvine does better than Bellevue?
- What would we be giving up that isn’t obvious?
- Is the weather difference as life-changing as it sounds?
- If you were raising three young kids and already loved Bellevue… would you move JUST for sun? Am I crazy?
- For anyone who has lived in both — what surprised you?
I’m not looking to bash either city — just trying to make a thoughtful decision for our family.
Appreciate any candid feedback. 🙏
submitted by /u/Overall-Engine-2315
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