A City of Villages

Irvine

The city that bears the namesake of the man who once owned a huge swath what is now Orange County – James Irvine – is now home to over of 250,000 residents. Over the course of the past fifty years, the orchards of citrus & avocado, the fields of lima beans & cotton and the former Marine Corps Air Station have been carefully transformed into master-planned residential communities.

An article in the Daily Pilot in 1969 cites an upcoming presentation by Irvine Company executives to the Council of the Building Industry Association – “Their reports will trace the background of the property, the largest planned development of its kind in the nation. Due to its size, single ownership and strategic location, this vast complex is viewed by many as the prototype of future urban developments.”

That prescient statement – “viewed by many as the prototype of future urban developments” – still holds true today – Irvine continues to be hailed as the model for master planning.

From a full page ad in the Daily Pilot 1974 – “The Irvine Company and the developers listed on this page are partners in a major effort – the creation of a city of villages. Your house and your village are designed to improve and mature with age.”

Irvine’s official motto is “City of Innovation”, but maybe like that vintage 70’s ad says, it should be “A City of Villages”, which is really what the place is about – a cohesive series of interconnected residential communities with housing, dining, shopping, schools, parks, pools, and seemingly-endless amenities woven together with sensible transportation corridors, myriad bike lanes and pathways, all designed with the resident in mind.

Irvine | Real Estate

Discover the epitome of luxury and lifestyle in Irvine, where residential real estate reflects a tapestry of elegance and innovation. Irvine’s homes cater to a spectrum of buyers, from those seeking entry-level condos to palatial estates.

Irvine’s architectural landscape is as diverse as it is beautiful, featuring a huge swath of aesthetic choices. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek lines of Contemporary & Modern homes or the timeless flavors of Spanish Revival, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Tuscan, Italianate, and Farmhouse Revival, there’s an architectural style to match every taste.

The city’s unique “Villages” concept sets Irvine apart, offering master-planned communities like Northwood, Woodbridge, Shady Canyon, Turtle Rock and Portola Springs (and so many more), each with its own charm and character. These Villages are not just neighborhoods – they’re vibrant, self-contained communities where life’s conveniences are at your doorstep.

Amenities in Irvine are unparalleled, providing a lifestyle that’s hard to match. From resort-style pools and lush parks to award-winning schools and sprawling shopping centers like the Irvine Spectrum, there’s something for everyone. The presence of prestigious institutions and corporate headquarters adds to the city’s allure, making it a hub for both education and career opportunities.

Irvine | History

The history of the city of Irvine is a rich one and is worth exploring; satisfying histories on Irvine can be found in “The Irvine Ranch of Orange County”, by Robert Glass Cleland; Joan Irvine Smith’s “A California Woman’s Story”; “The Irvine Ranch: A Time for People: A 50-Year Overview of the Development of the Irvine Ranch in Orange County, California” by Martin Brower; “Irvine” by Ellen Baker Bell; and “Irvine Ranch” produced by Donald Bren with sumptuous photographs by noted photographer, Stephen Francis.

In the 18th century, the Spanish established missions in California, and the area that would become Irvine was originally part of the Mission San Juan Capistrano’s landholdings. Following the secularization of the California missions in the early 19th century, large tracts of land were distributed as land grants to private individuals under Mexican rule.

The land that would later become the City of Irvine was part of several vast Mexican land grants, including Rancho San Joaquin, granted in 1837 to José Andrés Sepúlveda. This grant encompassed much of what would later become the central and northern parts of Irvine. Another nearby grant, Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, extended to the south and included land that would later become part of the modern-day city.

A game of tennis, Irvine, CA, circa 1909. Photo courtesy of First American Historical Collection.

American Era and Early Development

Following California’s statehood in 1850, the area that is now Irvine remained largely rural and sparsely populated, with agriculture as the primary use of the land. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that significant settlement began to take shape. In 1864, James Irvine, a successful businessman from the East Coast, purchased large portions of the Rancho San Joaquin land, and by the 1870s, he had expanded his holdings to include much of the surrounding area.

The Irvine Company and Agricultural Development

In the early 20th century, James Irvine and the Irvine Company focused heavily on agricultural development. The area was transformed into a productive farm region, with crops such as citrus, walnuts, and beans being grown. The company’s influence expanded with the development of irrigation systems and other infrastructure that made the land more viable for farming.

Post-War Growth and the Birth of the City

After World War II, the region experienced rapid suburbanization, and the Irvine Ranch became a key site for this growth. In the 1950s, the Irvine Company, under the leadership of James Irvine’s descendants, shifted from farming to real estate development. Irvine was chosen as the location for one of the most ambitious planned communities in the United States.

In 1960, the University of California, Irvine (UCI), was established on the western side of the Irvine Ranch, helping to anchor the city’s future as a hub for education, innovation, and research. The university’s presence had a profound influence on the city’s development, attracting a highly educated population and fueling the city’s growth.

Irvine was officially incorporated as a city in 1971 and development accelerated. The Irvine Company laid out a master plan that included residential neighborhoods, office parks, retail centers, and green spaces, all organized around a network of well-planned streets and public amenities.

Irvine Today

Today, Irvine is known for being one of the most desirable and well-planned cities in Southern California. It is home to a diverse population, and it has become a center for technology, education, and business. The presence of UCI continues to be a major factor in the city’s identity, and Irvine has been recognized for its high quality of life, including excellent schools, abundant parks, and low crime rates.

Despite its rapid growth and development, Irvine has managed to preserve many elements of its agricultural past, with open spaces and preserved landscapes scattered throughout the city. Landmarks such as Irvine Regional Park and Bommer Canyon offer a glimpse of the area’s natural beauty, and the city continues to balance growth with environmental stewardship.

Irvine | Villages & Neighborhoods

Irvine | Lifestyle, Landscapes & Living

Jesse is always out in the local communities, taking photos of the people, places, and landscapes, trying to capture the spirit of the place. Fun fact – with the exception of the historic photos, almost every photo on this website was taken by Jesse. Whether you are a long-time Irvine resident or are only now just considering moving here, we hope you will enjoy these photographs and further acquaint yourself with some of the Irvine homes found in the different neighborhoods of Irvine; enjoy!