Irvine is the Third Best City in America to Raise a Family

by ICNV Staff

The financial services company WalletHub has released its 2026 list of Best Places to Raise a Family, and Irvine is ranked third best in America. (Actually, we believe our city is the very best place to raise a family!)

The report compared more than 180 U.S. cities using 45 key metrics across five factors: family fun, health and safety, education and child care, affordability, and socioeconomic factors.

Irvine’s abundance of family-friendly activities, world-class medical facilities, quality education and child care programs, high-paying jobs, outstanding parks and trails, and thriving community programs were among the many factors contributing to the City’s third-place ranking.

“Irvine’s success stems from our enduring commitment to the vision of the City’s original architects, whose foresight shaped the remarkable master-planned community we enjoy today,” said Mayor Larry Agran. He added, “For more than five decades, Irvine’s beautiful village neighborhoods, exceptional schools, safe streets, and abundant parks and open spaces have made our City a destination for families. Having raised my own family here, I know firsthand why Irvine is consistently recognized as one of America’s best places to live and raise a family.”

According to recently released FBI crime data, Irvine has also been named “America’s Safest Big City” for the 21st consecutive year! And Irvine’s park system is now ranked No. 1 in California and No. 2 in the United States.