Irvine reveled in a great 2024, garnering accolades for high-ranking schools, rising home values, abundant parks and championship teams. Here are just a few of the highlights in Irvine over the past 12 months.
PARKS
Irvine’s park system was ranked best in California and fourth in the U.S., with over 300 parks and one-third of the city dedicated to open space.
REAL ESTATE
Home values soared 20.8% over the past year, reflecting Irvine’s extraordinary quality of life and thriving economy.
PARTNERSHIPS
The city, in partnership with Irvine Company, announced a 700-acre Gateway Preserve with 10 miles of new trails, connecting the Jeffrey Open Space Trail with Limestone Canyon, Black Star Canyon and the Cleveland National Forest.
SPORTS
Irvine athletes achieved greatness, from Beckman High’s baseball championship to several top athletes at the Paris Olympics, where former UCI men’s volleyball players Kevin Tillie and David Smith won gold and bronze medals, respectively.
CITY NEWS
The launch of Irvine Connect shuttles and Great Park Live concerts ushered in new chapters for mobility and entertainment.
HIGH-TECH INVESTMENTS
Irvine strengthened its role as OC’s innovation hub with major investments from Volkswagen and Lockheed Martin.
DINING
New restaurants like The Dive Oyster Bar and Georgia’s brought bold flavors to Irvine Spectrum Center, while Cozy Pine at Quail Hill Shopping Center offered “campground food for sophisticated palates.”