Irvine Housing Market Hits Record Prices

Irvine, California, has emerged as the hottest housing market in the U.S., with a median home price soaring over 20% in the past year to $1.56 million, driven by a booming job market and a growing population. Despite adding 35,000 new homes since 2010, demand continues to far exceed supply, making it the third least affordable city in the U.S. Meanwhile, Atlanta has been recognized as the second-best city to live in the U.S. and the best on the East Coast, according to Travel + Leisure, thanks to its thriving culture, growing film industry, and major corporations. The Economist Intelligence Unit also ranked Atlanta as the No. 2 most livable city in the U.S. for 2024, highlighting its impressive score of 92.3 on the global livability index. However, Atlanta is experiencing an increase in extreme heat, with 14 days above 95 degrees recorded this year, significantly more than in previous years. This juxtaposition of growth and climate challenges is shaping the future landscape of both cities.