The master-planned city of Irvine was named the best city to live in for the eighth consecutive year in the OC Register’s Best of Orange County 2023. The city received a total of 18 “Best Of” awards in the annual readers’ poll.
“Receiving this award for eight consecutive years proves our city priorities mirror those of our community (regarding) open space, environmental stewardship, safety and innovation,” Mayor Farrah N. Khan said. “We will strive to continue to be the best city in Orange County for years to come.”
Readers voted Irvine Spectrum Center the No. 1 shopping/dining destination for the third consecutive year.
The retail center attracts 17 million visitors annually, about the same as Disneyland, with popular attractions that include the Apple Store, Javier’s Cantina & Grill, Irvine Improv and Regal Irvine Spectrum, which also made the “Best Of” list.
The city regularly earns national awards for its schools, safety and parks and open space, which covers one-third of the city.
The Orange County awards confirm the national results and go a step further – ranking local institutions, attractions and individual businesses. Readers named UC Irvine as the best college/university, Esperanza Apartment Homes as the best apartment community, and Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, at The Market Place, as the best frozen yogurt/ice cream.
