The city of Irvine was incorporated in 1971. Although the current population is approximately 145,000, plans call the city to build out at around 200,000. The city contracts for fire and medical services with the county, but has three of its own independent districts: library, educational and utility services.

The Irvine Unified School District educates a diverse student population numbering over 23,000 in 22 elementary schools, five middle schools, four comprehensive high schools and one continuation high school. IUSD has nationally recognized schools; student performance well-above state and national comparisons; and comprehensive programs in academics, the arts, and athletics. Higher education opportunities are also readily available through out The University of California, Irvine. In addition, Irvine Valley College is centrally located and provides a very well respected two-year community college program. Satellite campuses for Pepperdine University and National University are also located within the city.

Irvine offers plenty to see and do. When it comes to shopping, the Irvine Spectrum Center offers something for everyone. The center features numerous specialty shops, casual fine dining and entertainment. Visitors can stroll through its European-flavored boulevards, enjoy concerts, dancing, movies, dining, comedy and nightclubs. The nearby Irvine Amphitheater features live concerts during the summer months. Wild Rivers water park provides cool fun in the summer.

Gabrielino Indians were the original inhabitants of what is now Orange County. In 1769, Gaspar de Portola, a Spanish explorer, entered the San Joaquin Valley, abruptly ending the tranquil life of the Gabrielinos. In 1831, after gaining independence from Spain, the Mexican government secularized the missions, assumed control of land holdings and began distributing ranchos to Mexican citizens who applied for grants. Three large Spanish/Mexican grants made up the land that later became the Irvine Ranch: Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, Rancho San Joaquin and Rancho Lomas de Santiago. In 1868, outside investor Abel Stearns was successful in his suit to dissolve the rancho and divide the property among the claimants, four of whom were prosperous sheep ranchers: Benjamin and Thomas Flint, Llewellyn Bixby and James Irvine.

The Irvine, Flint, and Bixby ranches were devoted to sheep grazing, although in the 1870s tenant farming was permitted. In 1878, James Irvine acquired his partners' interests for $150,000. His 110,000 acres stretched 23 miles from the Pacific Ocean to the Santa Ana River. On December 28, 1971, the residents of these communities voted to incorporate a substantially larger city than that envisioned by the original plan in order to control the future of the area and protect its tax base.