Hi. I know this thread is a little dated, but I couldn't help but respond. San Clemente does have a Wal-Mart. It's off the Pico exit, past the high school. There is also a "Sears Essentials" store...
Irvine itself is a really boring city to live in. Anyplace south of Irvine is generally nice (Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Clemente, RSM,...