Incorporated as a city in 1971, Irvine spans 66 square miles, centrally located in Orange County and convenient to several major freeways, the John Wayne Airport, and several large shopping centers. Bordering Newport Beach, parts of Irvine are as close as 15 minutes to the ocean. With a population of almost 300,000, Irvine is a rapidly growing metropolis, yet still contains many planned single story HOA communities, two beautiful man-made lakes, several parks, hiking and bike trails, a highly acclaimed school system, and is overall considered a great place to raise a family. For those enjoying more of the metropolis feel, there are a number of upscale high rise apartment complexes springing up, many with their own shopping and dining centers contained within.
