Would You Rather? Irvine Meme Edition: The Ultimate “Planned Community” Showdown

by Cindy Chin

Welcome to Irvine, California - the city so meticulously planned, it’s basically a giant Monopoly board where every house looks exactly the same, every street sign is suspiciously beige, and the HOA rules are stricter than your grandma’s curfew. If you’ve ever lived here or just visited, you know Irvine is a place full of quirks, laughs, and yes... a whole lot of beige.

So, to celebrate the joys and struggles of Irvine life, we’ve cooked up a hilarious “Would You Rather?” poll that perfectly captures the essence of this Orange County gem. Ready to laugh, cringe, and maybe even relate? Let’s dive in!

Would You Rather…

1. Drive around pressing your car remote for 30 minutes to find your house...

OR
Accidentally walk into your neighbor’s house and get asked, “What are you doing at my house?!” (Yes, it happens more than you think.)

Because let’s be real - with all the identical beige houses, sometimes your car remote is your best friend.

2. Attend a block party with 3 people and 17 HOA rules...

OR
Try to find a bar in Irvine that’s still open after 9 pm. (Spoiler alert: RIP Roosters Fun Bar.)

Irvine’s nightlife is so quiet, even the crickets are bored. But hey, at least your HOA block party has snacks!

3. Get pulled over by 10 police cars for riding your bike without a helmet...

OR
Be the only person confused when asked to meet at “the bar” in Irvine.

Safety first, but also... where is the bar? Asking for a friend.

4. Live in a house painted one of the “17 shades of beige”...

OR
Have your entire social life revolve around boba, karate, and dentists.

If you’re wondering what the “Irvine Starter Pack” looks like, here it is: beige walls, bubble tea, black belts, and dental appointments. #KeepingItReal

5. Be a UCI student trying to find a gas station...

OR
Be a commuter stuck in Irvine traffic wondering where all the “brothers that look like me” hang out.

Pro tip: If you find a gas station near UCI, please let the rest of us know. Also, Irvine’s social scene can sometimes feel like a Where’s Waldo book.

So, what’s it gonna be? Are you team “press the remote until your thumb falls off” or team “accidentally crash a neighbor’s dinner party”? Cast your votes in the poll below and tell us your funniest Irvine moments or memes in the comments!

Bonus Meme: The Irvine Starter Pack

17 Shades of Beige Houses
Boba Tea Cups Everywhere
Karate Gi and Black Belts
Dentist Appointment Reminders
Confused Drivers Lost in Spectrum Parking Lot

If you live in Irvine, you know this starter pack is 100% accurate. If you don’t, well... welcome to the quirkiest planned community in America!

Final Thoughts

Irvine might be a city of perfectly planned streets and cookie-cutter homes, but it’s also a place full of charm, community, and enough good-natured humor to keep us laughing through the beige. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a UCI student, or just passing through, we hope this “Would You Rather?” poll gave you a chuckle and maybe even a little nostalgia.

Don’t forget to vote, share your stories, and tag your Irvine friends - because the best part about Irvine is the people who live here (even if we all look alike).

Stay tuned for more Irvine-inspired fun, memes, and local insights!

If you want, I can help you create social media posts or meme graphics to go along with this blog. Just say the word!