Irvine Named Best City in Orange County

by ICNV Staff

The City of Irvine has once again been recognized as the “Best City to Live In” by readers of The Orange County Register, earning the honor for an impressive 11th consecutive year.

Home to more than 317,000 residents, Irvine continues to stand out as a diverse, vibrant, and livable community — one thoughtfully master-planned for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Based on FBI crime data, Irvine is the “Safest Big City in America” for the 21st consecutive year!

Over just the past year, Irvine has:

Been ranked as having the No. 1 park system in California
Hosted the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team at the Great Park during the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Welcomed more than 45,000 attendees to the inaugural Daisy Chain Fields music festival at the Great Park
Begun construction on the Gateway Preserve, which will create a new 700-acre trail network in North Irvine
Launched the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Expanded Irvine’s trail network with the opening of the Jeffrey Open Space Trail Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridge
Announced a new professional baseball franchise coming to the Great Park in 2027
Begun construction on restaurants, museums, botanical gardens, and the Veterans Memorial Park at the Great Park

These accomplishments reflect the City’s continued focus on creating an exceptional quality of life for everyone who calls Irvine home.

“Irvine continues to lead, protect, and innovate while ensuring that everyone who calls our community home has the opportunity to thrive,” Mayor Larry Agran said. “Receiving this recognition for 11 consecutive years is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the people, values, and opportunities that make Irvine such a special place to call home.”