Ranked in Top Ten U.S. Cities
for Most Intelligent Citizens
The city of Irvine was
formerly known as Irvine Ranch under a Spanish land grant. This planned
community is named after a family that came into prominence for their highly
desired ranches and meadows which the Irvine family developed as growth
overtook Orange County during the 20th century. Today, the city which runs
along both sides of the San Diego 405 Freeway, includes a world class
university with a performing arts center, Irvine Meadows Amphitheater and Wild
Rivers Waterpark. With Orange County's John Wayne/ Santa Ana Airport directly
across the street from the city limit and cities of Newport Beach and Tustin
nearby, many Irvine residents enjoy living near their jobs, either at the
University of California Irvine, or at offices surrounding the
airport.
The newest draw to the city is the enlarged Irvine Spectrum
entertainment area pictured. California's 27th largest city has no beaches
though its next door neighbor, Newport Beach, offers islands, harbors, a
peninsula and scenic beaches with two piers. Minus a beach, Irvine offers many
activities in a large recreational center, an amusement park with skateboarding
and miniature golf, plus several golf courses.
Located next door to Irvine are South Coast Plaza, the
Performing Arts Center, the Newport Beach wetlands and an ecological reserve,
Fashion Island which is an Irvine Company-managed property and the Santa Ana 5
Freeway which runs directly into the heart of Los Angeles and into San Diego, as
well.
