Irvine, CA

Irvine, California, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, master-planned communities, and commitment to green spaces. Within this vibrant city, you’ll find an array of exceptional parks that offer residents and visitors an opportunity to bask in the beauty of Southern California’s outdoors. If you’re considering relocating and renting an apartment in Irvine or buying a home, you’ll be delighted to discover the plethora of well-loved parks. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely day with family, embark on an adventure, or simply unwind amidst nature, these parks in Irvine offer many options. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore 7 of the most popular parks in Irvine, California.

1. Orange County Great Park

Spanning over 1,300 acres, the Orange County Great Park is a massive recreational hub that features sports fields, a carousel, an iconic helium balloon ride offering panoramic views, and even a farmer’s market. The Palm Court Arts Complex within the park houses an art gallery and artist studios, making it a cultural oasis in addition to its outdoor offerings. The Great Park is a testament to Irvine’s commitment to providing ample green spaces for its residents.

Interested in moving to the area?

William R. Mason Regional Park is an idyllic haven spread across 339 acres, nestled in the heart of Irvine. The park boasts serene lakes, sprawling picnic areas, and shaded playgrounds. Visitors can rent pedal boats to explore the lake or embark on leisurely walks along its scenic trails. With well-maintained amenities and lush landscapes, Mason Park remains a favorite destination for those seeking a tranquil escape.

3. Quail Hill Loop Trail

Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts will find solace in Quail Hill Loop Trail. This 2.8-mile loop trail weaves through the Quail Hill Preserve, offering captivating vistas of Irvine’s preserved open spaces. As you traverse the trail, you’ll encounter a diverse range of native flora and fauna, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation. The serene surroundings make Quail Hill Loop Trail a hidden gem for hikers of all ages and abilities.

4. Heritage Park

Situated in the Woodbridge community, Heritage Park exudes a sense of history and charm. The park’s highlight is the Irvine Historical Museum, which provides insights into the city’s rich heritage and development. Additionally, Heritage Park offers well-manicured gardens, a large lawn area for gatherings, and peaceful walking paths. It’s an ideal spot to soak in the beauty of nature while appreciating Irvine’s cultural legacy.

5. Turtle Rock Community Park

Turtle Rock Community Park offers a delightful blend of recreational facilities and natural beauty. This park features sports fields, tennis courts, a playground, and picnic areas for families to enjoy. The park’s lush greenery and mature trees create a serene ambiance that’s perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature. Whether you’re seeking an active day out or a leisurely picnic, Turtle Rock Community Park has you covered.

6. Bommer Canyon

For those craving a more rugged outdoor adventure, Bommer Canyon is a must-visit destination. This nature preserve is situated within the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains and offers a network of hiking and biking trails that wind through picturesque landscapes. Bommer Canyon’s serene wilderness and sweeping vistas make it an excellent escape from the urban bustle, offering an immersive nature experience right in the heart of Irvine.

7. Deerfield Community Park

Deerfield Community Park is a beloved neighborhood park known for its family-friendly amenities and welcoming atmosphere. The park features sports fields, basketball courts, and a playground, providing ample opportunities for recreation and outdoor play. With its open green spaces and shaded picnic areas, Deerfield Community Park is an inviting spot for gatherings and community events.

A final note on parks in Irvine

Irvine, California, stands as a shining example of a city that values green spaces and outdoor experiences. From expansive regional parks to intimate neighborhood oases, Irvine’s parks cater to diverse interests and offer residents and visitors a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the outdoors. So, whether you’re seeking tranquility in nature or a day filled with recreational activities, be sure to explore these remarkable parks in Irvine.

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Irvine, Calif., May 11, 2023 – Researchers from the University of California, Irvine have found that exposure to traffic-related air pollution in Irvine led to memory loss and cognitive decline and triggered neurological pathways associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

“The link between air pollution and Alzheimer’s disease is concerning, as the prevalence of toxicants in ambient air is not just on the rise globally, but also hitting close to home here in Irvine,” said corresponding and senior author Masashi Kitazawa, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental and occupational health in UCI’s Program in Public Health. “Our findings are just one example of what particulate matter can do to brain function.”

The study’s results are published in the journal Toxicological Sciences.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among the elderly and is a growing public health crisis in the U.S. as well as several other countries. Despite extensive research on all aspects of Alzheimer’s disease, its exact origins remain elusive. Although genetic predispositions are known to play a prominent role in disease progression, growing bodies of evidence suggest that environmental toxicants, specifically air pollution, may cause the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Kitazawa and his team compared mouse models at two ages. Researchers exposed a group of 3- and 9-month-old mouse models to ultrafine particulate matter for 12 weeks via ambient air collected in Irvine. A second group was exposed to purified air. The differing ages were used to determine the potential impact of particulate matter exposure during highly vulnerable life stages: developing youth and the elderly.

Researchers conducted testing related to memory tasks and cognitive function and found that both benchmarks were impaired by exposure to particulate matter. Notably, they also discovered that their older models (12 months at the time of analysis) showed brain plaque build-up and glial cell activation, which are both known to increase inflammation associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

“Air pollution is one of the very few prominent, modifiable environmental risk factors in Alzheimer’s disease,” said co-author Michael Kleinman, Ph.D., adjunct professor of environmental and occupational health in UCI’s Program in Public Health. “Public and environmental regulatory agencies need to accelerate efforts to reduce particulate matter levels in order to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other serious health conditions.”

Kitazawa added, “This evidence is alarming, and it’s imperative that we take action to adopt effective and evidence-based regulations, spread awareness on lifestyle changes and work together to improve our air quality.”

This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health under awards R21 ES028496 and RF1 NS130616 and by UCI MIND’s Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Women’s Initiative grant.

Additional authors include Jason G. Kilian, Marina Mejias-Ortega, Heng-Wei Hsu, David A. Herman, Janielle Vidal, Rebecca J. Arechavala, Samantha Renusch, Hansal Dalal, Irene Hasen, Amanda Ting, Carlos J. Rodriguez-Ortiz, Siok-Lam Lim, Xiaomeng Lin and Joan Vu, all currently or formerly with the UCI Program in Public Health’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health; professor Takashi Saito of Japan’s Nagoya City University; and team leader Takaomi C. Saido of the RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Wako, Japan.

About UCI’s Brilliant Future campaign: Publicly launched on Oct. 4, 2019, the Brilliant Future campaign aims to raise awareness and support for UCI. By engaging 75,000 alumni and garnering $2 billion in philanthropic investment, UCI seeks to reach new heights of excellence in student success, health and wellness, research and more. The planned School of Population and Public Health plays a vital role in the success of the campaign. Learn more by visiting https://brilliantfuture.uci.edu/school-of-population-and-public-health.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UCI, visit www.uci.edu.

Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus ISDN line to interview UCI faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UCI news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at communications.uci.edu/for-journalists.

From her home in Irvine’s Woodbury neighborhood, Tyler Townley has for years been closely watching development boom at the nearby community known as Great Park, a swath of valuable land that once housed the El Toro Marine Corps. Air Station.

Before she moved there in 2018, her commute took her through the area via “an empty road that no one drove on.”

Much has changed in the last few years.

“Now it’s all houses and condos and they keep building even more,” said Townley, 40, who is self-employed teaching online baking classes.

Amid California’s housing crisis, Irvine has stood out as a city that has grown while others lose population. However, growth can come with costs.

“They’re building the Great Park neighborhoods incredibly different” with “no shopping, no restaurants, just lots of condos and houses,” said Townley.

California as a whole lost about 500,000 people in a 28-month window around the pandemic, with the number of residents leaving surpassing those moving in by nearly 700,000.

Within Orange County, demographic data shows some suburbs — like the Great Park neighborhood — and exurbs have been able to thrive with growing populations while nearby urban areas like Anaheim, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana have been losing population.

The shift of population from older central county cities to south and east county cities with room to grow has been going on for years. But new data show the changes have accelerated.

A Times analysis of U.S. Postal Service data shows those ZIP Codes in Orange County where recent move-outs most outpaced move-ins. The data consist of Change of Address (COA) requests submitted by families, individuals and businesses to the postal service. The requests can be temporary or permanent, and are grouped by ZIP Code and year.

The 5 ZIP Codes in Orange County with the most net move-outs from 2019-22

California

April 5, 2023

As head of a Santa Ana-based moving company, John Rose has a good sense of moving trends in Orange County, and lately the trend among locals has been an exodus from cities like Anaheim, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana to more affordable communities.

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Anaheim city spokesperson Mike Lyster conceded that when it comes to the need for new housing, there is “no doubt we face challenges as a largely built-out city.”

Population decline and lack of housing, he said, are “issues our city will be looking at and wrestling with.”

Unlike newer, less-developed cities in Orange County, “every bit of land in our city is spoken for,” Lyster said, adding that new housing — including some 17,000 units planned by 2029 — largely must come through rezoning and redevelopment.

“We can’t build it fast enough,” he said. “We know that demand is much bigger” than what the city can accommodate.

After taking up the mantle of the county’s most populous city from Santa Ana in 2010, Anaheim’s population grew gradually for a decade before stalling out in the pandemic.

For now, Anaheim remains Orange County’s biggest city. Irvine’s population has nearly tripled in the last 30 years and is now not far behind, with still more room to grow. Having passed Santa Ana in 2023, Irvine could be poised to overtake Anaheim as the most populous in the not-too-distant future.

“We don’t have that open field of development” that a city like Irvine still has, Lyster said.

The movement signals a population shift to the growing communities in the east and south areas of Orange County.

“Usually people are leaving those areas for better places to raise a family,” said Rose, general manager of Pro Movers Inc.

On the other end of the spectrum, areas with significant move-in volume can often chalk growth up to housing.

Rose said cities like “Yorba Linda, Corona and Riverside” were frequent move-in destinations recently.

Those who move are looking for “bigger homes and more affordability,” he said. The Pro Movers Inc. website features a page titled “Moving from Anaheim to Irvine.” For good reason: USPS data shows that Anaheim had the most net move-outs and Irvine had the most move-ins.

With older cities, an aging ownership base can explain some population decline.

“When people first move into a neighborhood, usually it is families with young children,” said Susan K. Brown, a sociology professor at the University of California, Irvine.

“The neighborhood fills up with families that are, say, four people on average. Over time, spouses die, kids move out, and the number of people in each household will decline.”

“The result is over time, most neighborhoods will have contracting populations even without families changing,” she said.

See data for over 1,400 ZIP Codes covering most of the state on the map below.

The 5 ZIP Codes in Orange County with the most net move-ins from 2019-22

Deborah Diep, director of the Center for Demographic Research at Cal State University, Fullerton, said that the high rate of move-ins in “Irvine and [Rancho Mission Viejo] are most likely due to new housing construction.”

When asked previously about Irvine’s population growth, Mayor Farrah Khan said she was not surprised that an Irvine ZIP Code shows the second-most net move-ins of any in California. In the area near the city’s Great Park, some 10,000 homes have been proposed, she said, and builders have completed “6,000 to 7,000 so far.”

A representative for the city of Irvine did not respond to a request for comment on any potential plans to expand the amenities at Great Park.

Now, in adjacent Woodbury, Townley said “shopping, traffic is crazy because everybody has to travel outside of the Great Park neighborhoods” for basic services.

Even with new housing being built in Irvine, prices can still be prohibitively high. After 40 years in California, Townley plans to move out soon.

Having rented in Irvine for almost five years, Townley is in escrow on a house in St. Louis, Mo.

“I would stay in Irvine for the rest of my life,” she said, if housing weren’t so expensive. “It’s a great place to live if you can afford it.”

It will be her first time living outside of California. “We’re just moving to a cheaper Irvine, in St. Louis,” she said.

Irvine, Calif., April 17, 2023 — The nano-scale electronic parts in devices like smartphones are solid, static objects that once designed and built cannot transform into anything else. But University of California, Irvine physicists have reported the discovery of nano-scale devices that can transform into many different shapes and sizes even though they exist in solid states.

It’s a finding that could fundamentally change the nature of electronic devices, as well as the way scientists research atomic-scale quantum materials. The study is published recently in Science Advances.

“What we discovered is that for a particular set of materials, you can make nano-scale electronic devices that aren’t stuck together,” said Javier Sanchez-Yamagishi, an assistant professor of physics & astronomy whose lab performed the new research. “The parts can move, and so that allows us to modify the size and shape of a device after it’s been made.”

The electronic devices are modifiable much like refrigerator door magnets – stuck on but can be reconfigured into any pattern you like.

“The significance of this research is that it demonstrates a new property that can be utilized in these materials that allows for fundamentally different types of devices architectures to be realized, including mechanically reconfigure parts of a circuit,” said Ian Sequeira, a Ph.D student in Sanchez-Yamagishi’s lab.

If it sounds like science fiction, said Sanchez-Yamagishi, that’s because until now scientists did not think such a thing was possible.

Indeed, Sanchez-Yamagishi and his team, which also includes UCI Ph.D. student Andrew Barabas, weren’t even looking for what they ultimately discovered.

“It was definitely not what we were initially setting out to do,” said Sanchez-Yamagishi. “We expected everything to be static, but what happened was we were in the middle of trying to measure it, and we accidentally bumped into the device, and we saw that it moved.”

What they saw specifically was that tiny nano-scale gold wires could slide with very low friction on top of special crystals called “van der Waals materials.”

Taking advantage of these slippery interfaces, they made electronic devices made of single-atom thick sheets of a substance called graphene attached to gold wires that can be transformed into a variety of different configurations on the fly.

Because it conducts electricity so well, gold is a common part of electronic components.

But exactly how the discovery could impact industries that use such devices is unclear.

“The initial story is more about the basic science of it, although it is an idea which could one day have an effect on industry,” said Sanchez-Yamagishi. “This germinates the idea of it.”

Meanwhile, the team expects their work could usher in a new era of quantum science research.

“It could fundamentally change how people do research in this field,” Sanchez-Yamagishi said.

“Researchers dream of having flexibility and control in their experiments, but there are a lot of restrictions when dealing with nanoscale materials,” he added. “Our results show that what was once thought to be fixed and static can be made flexible and dynamic.”

Other UCI co-authors include Yuhui Yang, a senior undergraduate at UCI, and postdoctoral scholar Aaron Barajas-Aguilar.

About UCI’s Brilliant Future campaign: Publicly launched on Oct. 4, 2019, the Brilliant Future campaign aims to raise awareness and support for UCI. By engaging 75,000 alumni and garnering $2 billion in philanthropic investment, UCI seeks to reach new heights of excellence in student success, health and wellness, research and more. The School of Physical Sciences plays a vital role in the success of the campaign. Learn more by visiting https://brilliantfuture.uci.edu/uci-school-of-physical-sciences/.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation, and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 224-degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UCI, visit www.uci.edu.

Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus ISDN line to interview UCI faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UCI news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at communications.uci.edu/for-journalists.

Nestled in the heart of Southern California, Irvine stands as a testament to the blend of urban vibrancy and natural splendor. This enchanting city, often referred to as a hidden gem, holds within its boundaries a world of wonders waiting to be explored. If you're seeking a destination that seamlessly combines the excitement of city life with the tranquility of nature, look no further than Irvine.

Urban Delights Meet Natural Beauty

In Irvine, every corner unveils a new adventure. The city's meticulously designed urban landscape seamlessly integrates with its lush parks and serene trails. With a harmonious balance between bustling city streets and peaceful green spaces, Irvine offers the best of both worlds. Whether you're strolling through the vibrant streets or embarking on a nature-filled hike, every step you take in Irvine is a step toward an unforgettable experience.

Residential Moving Services: Transitioning with Ease

For those considering a move to Irvine, the process can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. This is where residential moving services come into play. They ensure your transition is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. When relocating to a city as captivating as Irvine, having reliable moving assistance can make all the difference.

One name that stands out in the realm of moving services in Irvine is the Man With a Truck Moving Company. With a reputation built on trust and excellence, this company has established itself as a cornerstone of relocation solutions in the area. What sets them apart is not just their commitment to professionalism, but their dedication to making each move a personal and meaningful experience.

Why Man With a Truck Moving Company Shines

It's not just about moving your belongings from one place to another; it's about the journey itself. Man With a Truck understands this sentiment and approaches each move with a deep understanding of the emotions tied to it. Their team goes beyond the typical expectations of a moving company, ensuring that every aspect of your relocation is handled with care and precision.

Their attention to detail and personalized approach are truly remarkable. From the moment you make contact, you're met with warmth and a genuine desire to alleviate the stresses of moving. The team works tirelessly to tailor their services to your unique needs, making you feel heard and understood throughout the process.

Moreover, Man With a Truck Moving Company boasts a team of experts who are not only skilled in the art of moving but also deeply knowledgeable about Irvine itself. They understand the city's layout, its neighborhoods, and the nuances that make Irvine the remarkable destination it is. This insight allows them to provide you with more than just a moving service; they offer guidance as you embark on your journey to embrace Irvine as your new home.

In the heart of Southern California, Irvine beckons with promises of urban vitality, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences. As you consider making Irvine your new home, remember the importance of a seamless transition. With residential moving services like those offered by Man With a Truck Moving Company, your journey to Irvine can be marked by excitement, anticipation, and the knowledge that you're embarking on a new chapter with the support of professionals who truly care.

So, enrich your senses in Irvine, let its charm embrace you, and trust in the expertise of a moving company that understands the significance of this moment. Your next unforgettable escape awaits in the city where wonders abound and heartfelt moments flourish—welcome to Irvine, CA!

Man With a Truck Moving Company

9107 Payton, Irvine, CA 92620, United States

(714) 602-3870

https://manwithatruckmoving.com/mwatmoverslocations/orange-moving-company/