UNIVERSAL APPLIANCE AND KITCHEN CENTER AND IRVINE, CA
Irvine, situated in southern Orange County, California,stands as a model of master-planned urban design. Initiated by the Irvine Company in the 1960s, the city was officially incorporated on December 28, 1971. Covering an area of 66 square miles (170 km²), Irvine boasted a population of 307,670 as per the 2020 census, making it the 63rd most populous city in the United States.
The city is a prominent business hub, especially noted for its significant presence of corporations in the technology and semiconductor industries. Irvine is also an educational center, hosting esteemed institutions such as the University of California, Irvine (UCI), Concordia University, Irvine Valley College, and branches of the University of Southern California (USC), California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), University of La Verne, and Pepperdine University.
Irvine is bordered by Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and a small border with Orange. The city’s geography is primarily a vast, flat valley flanked by Loma Ridge to the north and San Joaquin Hills to the south, with northern and southern regions featuring hills, plateaus, and canyons. The San Diego Creek, along with its major tributary Peters Canyon Wash, is the main watercourse, draining into Upper Newport Bay.
The city’s tourism efforts are spearheaded by the Destination Irvine program, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, which promotes Irvine as a vacation spot and a venue for meetings, events, and business ventures. Irvine’s reputation as a fertile ground for start-ups, combined with its robust and rapidly expanding economy, has positioned Orange County among the top ten fastest growing job markets in the country.
Irvine is also renowned for its extensive park system, which includes community parks with public amenities and neighborhood parks offering open spaces and recreational facilities across its various villages. A notable feature of Northwood Community Park is the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial, the first of its kind in the U.S., built to honor the military casualties from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts before those conflicts had ended. Dedicated on November 14, 2010, it initially listed over 5,700 names, with space for up to 8,000, and is updated annually, marking a unique approach in the commemoration of war heroes.
Adding to its vibrant community and business-friendly environment, Irvine offers a high quality of life with its clean, safe neighborhoods, diverse cultural and recreational opportunities, and a commitment to preserving its natural spaces. The city’s strategic planning and development have led to a balanced mix of residential, commercial, and green spaces, making it one of the most desirable places to live and work in Southern California. Irvine continues to attract individuals and families looking for a dynamic and fulfilling living experience, contributing to its growth and diversity.
