Irvine is strategically located in the heart of Orange County. Irvine is a breeding ground for experimentation, research, and innovative thinking. A major influence is the University of California at Irvine (UCI). Offering undergraduate through doctoral studies, as well as a medical school, the University was recently ranked 11th among all public universities in the U.S. by the National Research Council. The Office of Technology Alliances assists in linking companies with the University's extensive resources in the biomedical and high technology fields. In the coming years, UCI will further strengthen its ties to businesses with development of the 180-acre University Research Park and completion of the Irvine Biomedical Research Center.
The City of Irvine recently turned 25 and in over two decades has earned an international reputation as one of the most successful master planned communities in the country. Irvine has grown into what many describe as a "total destination," a community boasting state-of-the-art transportation programs and systems, an enterprising business environment, stellar educational institutions and a team-like lifestyle. The outcome of this on-going effort is reflected by the City's growth and prosperity. Averaging a steady growth of about two percent per year, Irvine's population is expected to grow to 160,000 by the year 2010, an approximate 30 percent increase from today's number. Even though Irvine is a relatively new city, Archeological research establishes prehistoric man in the Irvine area at least 12,000 years ago, possibly 18,000 years ago. Scattered evidence of early campsites and rock shelters can still be seen in the undeveloped parts of Irvine. Today, Irvine is home to some of the nation's most successful businesses including Toshiba, Sony, Gateway, Oracle, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Allergan, and Lincoln Mercury.
Whether you are coming for business, to shop, dine, play or just relax, Irvine offers the BEST of everything, including the great year round weather conditions. Irvine offers hundreds of shops and places to eat, drink and relax. The BEST of these establishments are listed on this Web Site with detailed information on their products, services, menus and amenities as well as interactive mapping that will direct you to their front door.