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The City of Irvine has been voted “Best City to Live in” for the ninth consecutive year by The Orange County Register readers.
Home to more than 310,000 residents, Irvine continues to exemplify a livable City, master-planned for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Irvine boasts one of the lowest per capita violent crime rates for its size, based on FBI data. More than one-third of City land is preserved as parks, trails, and natural wildlands, and Irvine’s park system is continually ranked among the best in the nation.
“As the 13th largest city in California and one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, Irvine’s success in offering an unmatched quality of life lies within our top-tier educational institutions, thriving business community, balance between development and the natural environment, and low crime rates,” Mayor Farrah N. Khan said. “I am incredibly proud that we have been recognized as the “Best City to Live in” for nine consecutive years. We remain dedicated to ensuring that Irvine continues to be a place where residents and businesses can thrive.”
Irvine continues to strengthen its recreational spaces with Great Park Live and The Layover — the Great Park’s new hub for live entertainment, food, and beverages; the continued development of more than 300 acres of new amenities underway at the Great Park; and the opening of a universal playground at Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park later this year.
The City is also expanding its sustainability efforts, including implementing eco-friendly transportation solutions with its free shuttle service, Irvine CONNECT; the addition of a Class IV protected bikeway; and the construction of the Jeffrey Open Space Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, which will add a vital link within the City’s the extensive trail network.
Irvine is among those featured in the Register’s 31st annual Best of Orange County publication, an insider’s guide to residents’ favorite places to go and things to do. Thousands of votes were cast by Register readers in more than 80 categories this year, and more than 40 businesses selected as winners or finalists can be found in Irvine. They are recognized in a variety of categories, including Best Four-Year College/University, Best Shopping/Dining Destination, and Best Bakery. For a complete list of winners, visit ocregister.com.
Other cities on the list included Huntington Beach and Anaheim.