The good life, have you been to Irvine? Its an unbelievable place to live and work, and a fantastic place to raise a family. Irvine is one of those rare places that brings all the facets of great living together.From spectacular beaches, world-class shopping, championship golf courses, and protected wilderness areas, to award-winning restaurants, family-friendly theme parks, prominent arts and culture destinations, Irvine has it all. Irvine is ranked in the top Ten U.S. Cities for Most Intelligent Citizens, with 40.83% of its residents having earned college degrees, and according to Ladies' Home Journal, Irvine is the 4th Best City for Women in the U.S.We are home to the world-renowned University of California, as well as an award winning public school system for kids.We are proud to be a family friendly town, with all the great things about city life nearby.Irvines residential character is made up of distinct and separate villages, designed with neighborhood parks, small shopping plazas, and distinctive architecture and entryways.The villages have one or more neighborhood elementary school within walking distance or a short drive. Irvine is a young and growing city.We have been ranked among the top 10 safest U.S. cities for a number of years.To top it off, we enjoy unrivaled weather all in a clean and safe community. Life doesnt get much better than this.

In Irvine, there is always something to see and do, and its all close by. Not only do we enjoy great cultural and entertainment spots at home, but we reap the benefits of amazing neighboring cities as well.We are no strangers to great entertainment, and we have music in abundance.Weve seen Jimmy Buffet and The Eagles at the great outdoor Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.Weve seen Morrissey and No Doubt as well as great college basketball at the Bren Events Center on the campus of UC Irvine.If youre looking for something more classical, we have that too.The Pacific Symphony Orchestra presents an array or musical offerings, including classics concerts, pops concerts, chamber music concerts, and family concerts.This young orchestra has become a force in the international music world, producing 20 commercial recordings and presenting numerous world premieres.The Philharmonic Society of Orange County is Orange County's oldest and most recognized music organization, the Society has presented the world's most acclaimed symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, soloists and international artists for nearly five decades.In addition, The South Coast Repertory has established itself as a major force in American theatre and a leader in the booming arts scene in Orange County and has gained a national reputation as a place writers choose to launch new plays.If what you seek is a different type of entertainment, whether you are looking for a place to take a date, the kids, or just have an outing with friends, try the Irvine Spectrum.With theatres, shops, restaurants, and live performances, its definitely a favorite. If shopping is your sport, we are a stones throw from great upscale shopping destinations like South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island in Newport Beach and great all around shopping at The Market Place in Tustin.If you are an art enthusiast, you wont be disappointed.We are near to the Laguna Art Museum as well as the Orange County Museum of Art.The Laguna Playhouse is a popular favorite andeach year, more than 110,000 theatre goers flock to this little gem to enjoy performances.Known for artistic excellence and critical acclaim the Laguna Playhouse is one of Southern California's most important nonprofit theatre companies.The Orange County Performing Arts Center showcases the finest performers the art world has to offer.With diverse programs ranging from Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals to world-class dance to fabulous cabaret, jazz and concert acts, youre missing out if you havent visited yet.You wont want to miss The Irvine Barclay Theatre with over 220 dance, music and theatre performances every year, as well as an occasional lecture; weve seen everything from Bill Cosby to Yo-Yo Ma.Its a great intimate venue with first-class talent from across the nation and around the world.

Irvine is a place that offers everything in equal doses, great ways to learn, to work and of course to play.If youre a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys the fresh air, youre in luck.Irvine's nature preserves, wilderness parks and trails equal 20 square miles and represents the largest publicly owned open space system of any city of comparable size in California.We have over 30 neighborhood parks and 14 community parks spread throughout the city.Whether youd like to get in on a pick up game of basketball or take the kids for an outing after school, the parks in Irvine are an invaluable asset to our community.The Irvine Regional Park just made Parenting Magazines "Best of OC" list, and for good reason.There's plenty to see and do at the state's oldest regional recreation area like Country Trails Horse Rentals, the Irvine Park Railroad, paddle boats, bike and party pavilion rentals, and the Peacock Hill Equestrian Center.Irvine is also bicycle friendly, making it easier to get around on two wheels, with over 32 miles of off-road bicycle trails and 126 miles of on-road bicycle lanes.The UCI Arboretum is a 12-acre botanical garden great for a beautiful weekend walk with the family.Adjacent to the 200-acre San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh Reserve, the arboretum features plant varieties from all over the world, including China and South Africa.Orange County is home to some of the most impressive and challenging golf courses in the world.From ocean to canyon views, Orange County's golf courses and clubs offer great views and challenges to golfers of all levels.For golf lovers, Irvine is a wise choice.The Oak Creek Golf Club is a good place to start, set against the majestic backdrop of the Saddleback Mountains, Oak Creek has a beautiful setting making it a course that will inspire you every time you play.Oak Creeks sister course is the Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach.Located along the picturesque Newport coast, the Fazio-designed Ocean North and Ocean South courses feature stunning views of the Pacific as well as some of the most challenging and inspiring holes in Southern California and, of course, the same high standard of service that is offered at Oak Creek.Perched high above the Pacific Ocean on the Newport Coast, stands one of the country's preeminent golf destinations.The Strawberry Farms Golf Course combines the rural beauty and tranquility of the surrounding area with the challenge of true championship golf.As one of the premier golf courses in Southern California, Strawberry Farms is the preferred course among corporate groups and golf enthusiasts alike.Set amid canyons and wetlands, this 18-hole course offers picturesque vistas, large rolling greens surrounded by wildlife and natural vegetation and scenic hills studded with granite boulders and natural waterfalls. Developed by Doug DeCinces, former California Angel third baseman, Strawberry Farms Golf Club is sure to provide golfers with the finest golf experience in Orange County.And, if you havent heard, Irvine is close to the beach, and thats good news for watersports fans, swimming, surfing, skiing, sailing, sunning, you can choose your own adventure.The Wild Rivers Waterpark is another great family spot in Irvine, for water activities. Boomers Park is an adventure in itself. Wtih laser tag, go cart racing and miniature golf.

Irvine is the place to do business. Dont take my word for it; there is a long line of companys from start-up entrepreneurs to corporate giants that are more than happy to call Irvine home and are equally good fits for Irvine's synergistic business environment.Irvine is in the heart of the Technology Coast.We are home and headquarters to major companies like Standard Pacific, Taco Bell Corp., Ford Motor Company, Premiere Automotive Group, Allergan Inc., Mazda Motor of America Inc., Toyota Material Handling, USA Inc., Citicorp, St. John, Kia Motors America Inc., Toshiba, Oracle, Johnson & Johnson, Daimler Chrysler Corporation, Broadcom Corporation, Meade Instruments Corporation, ConAgra Foods Retail Products Co., Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath, Option One Mortgage Corporation and that is just to name a few of the amazing options in Irvine.We are doing something right in Irvine, incomes are high, unemployment and poverty are low, and we enjoy incredible buying power.Orange County ranks 4^th nationally in median household income and 10^th among U.S. Cybercities in High Tech Employment.One of the best things about Irvine is the diverse range of opportunities to succeed.There truly is no shortage.Irvines prosperity is no surprise, in fact it makes perfect sense.Like I said, Irvine is a great place to do business.

Education in Irvine is something I cant say enough about.The Irvine Unified School District is the pride of our community, ranking among the finest educational systems in the nation.Irvine schools offer innovative educational programs, open-style classrooms, team-teaching, year-round terms and excellent community involvement.Our students rank among the highest in the county on standardized tests, in its number of National Merit Scholar semifinalists and in the number of winners at art and science fairs.Irvine students consistently lead Orange County in SAT test scores, and more than 90 percent of their high school graduates attend college. Making sure that our kids have the best that is available is a top priority and there is continuous support for the modernization of computer labs, vocal and instrumental music honors programs and summer school programs.Our community is safe and clean, coupled with fantastic educational opportunities making Irvine a great place for kids.

Sound too good to be true, youre right. The real estate values in Southern California are on an upward trend.People are making investments in their futures.From outdoor recreation and parks, safe neighborhoods and great schools to shopping destinations, thriving business centers and great places to work Irvine is an unbelievable place to live. The weather is great,come out and take a walk in the sunshine.