Those moving to Irvine, California will love the wide spectrum of things to do and see.
Economy:
Irvine is a city renowned for its dynamic business environment. It is located in the center of Southern California's Technology Coast and has a reputation of being one of the nation's safest communities, which when coupled with a highly educated and accessible workforce means that Irvine has a tremendous future to enjoy. The excellent climate is a big bonus and has led to evolution of a wealth of life-style amenities and facilities for resident and visitor alike. Irvine also serves as home to many big name technology development companies including medical device firms, bio-medical operations, computer hardware and software concerns and automotive design businesses. There is no doubt about the city of Irvine's ability to continue to attract and keep important employers and new enterprises, as the City continues to offer services designed to benefit firms considering relocation to this dynamic location.
History:
There is strong archeological evidence that prehistoric man lived in the Irvine area around 12,000 years ago. By the time the modern era commenced the Gabrielino Indians had established dozens of villages in the region. More modern history began when the Spanish entered the area circa 1770. When the Mexicans gained independence from Spain in 1831 the area became their charge and large grants of land resulted, one of them eventually becoming the Irvine Ranch. 1846 saw California being annexed to the United States in terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe, following Mexico's defeat in the Mexican-American War. One James Irvine was a prosperous sheep farmer in the area and in time his son James Irvine Jr. came into possession of his father's land and several other ranches in the area. Agriculture had intensified and was to remain the main provider until the establishment of two Marine Corps Air Facilities on land sold to the government by the Irvine Company. James Irvine Jr., died in 1947 aged 80 and the Irvine Company was left to his son, Myford, who began selling small sections of the ranch for urban development. With Myford Irvine's death in 1959 the University of California asked the Irvine Company for 1,000 acres for a new facility. The State of California agreed to purchase an additional 500 acres from the Irvine Company and so the new campus came into being. By 1971 the residents voted to incorporate, and a much larger City than originally planned was drafted. By 1999 the City of Irvine's population had already topped 134,000 on 46.7-square-miles of land.
Tourism:
The city of Irvine, California has a Global Festival on offer with themes of Greek, Irish and Flamenco in evidence. Then, for those warm summer evenings there are fine open-air concerts to choose from, or maybe you would prefer the Flights and Sounds of Summer Dance Party. The Orange County Great Park, a new amenity described by the city executive as a 14-acre Metropolitan Theme Park is well worth a visit. Built on a decommissioned military base means there is plenty of room to host world-class events. Already this new park, although still in its infancy has made an important contribution towards tourism and the local economy. If the thought of a large vibrant crowd appeals to you then you must drop in on the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, a 16,000-capacity facility, and home to the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. If you prefer something a little more thought provoking then the Pao Fa Temple should impress you - it is one of the largest Buddhist Temple and Monasteries in the United States.