Two people walk on a bridge at Bommer Canyon. The bridge is surrounded by green trees and grassy hills are in the background.

The City of Irvine has been voted “Best City to Live In” by The Orange County Register readers for the 11th straight year.

With more than 317,000 residents, Irvine continues to exemplify a diverse, livable City, master-planned for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. This year, the City has celebrated several major milestones, including:

  • Hosting the U.S. Men’s National Team at the Great Park — the team’s Base Camp Training Site during the 2026 FIFA World Cup
  • Welcoming more than 45,000 attendees to the inaugural Daisy Chain Fields music festival at the Great Park
  • Beginning construction on the transformative Gateway Project, which will bring new housing opportunities and 700 acres of natural open space to North Irvine
  • Launching the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
  • Expanding the City’s trail network with the opening of the Jeffrey Open Space Trail Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridge
  • Announcing a new professional baseball franchise coming to the Great Park in 2027
     

Along with the City’s ongoing commitment to safety and connecting residents with social services, health resources, and affordable housing, these achievements highlight the City’s efforts to provide an exceptional quality of life.

“Irvine is a City that continues to lead, protect, and innovate while ensuring that everyone who calls our community home has the opportunity to thrive,” Mayor Larry Agran said. “Receiving this recognition for 11 consecutive years is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the people, values, and opportunities that make Irvine such a special place to call home.”

Irvine is among those featured in the Register’s 33rd annual Best of Orange County publication, an insider’s guide to residents’ favorite places to go and things to do.

Thousands of votes were cast by Register readers in more than 80 categories this year, and many businesses selected as winners or finalists can be found in Irvine. They are recognized in a variety of categories, including Best Four-Year College/University, Best Shopping/Dining Destination, and Best Farmers Market. For a complete list of winners, visit ocregister.com.

Other cities on the list included Anaheim and Huntington Beach.