Development from the outside in: Can Irvine become a central city?
Irvine, California, is experiencing rapid population growth and urban development from the outside in, attracting foreign investment while facing resident divides over housing density and preservation of its character.
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Irvine, California, is experiencing a unique urban development trend, evolving from the outside in, unlike traditional cities that grow from a central area outward. As the largest county in the U.S. without a central city, Orange County is witnessing significant growth in Irvine, which has seen its population double in recent years. The city is actively developing previously empty central areas, with plans for new housing and commercial spaces. Irvine is characterized by its high-quality amenities, business parks, and a large university, making it an attractive location for residents and investors alike. The city has also become a hub for foreign buyers, particularly from China, who are drawn by its good schools and low crime rates. Despite concerns about traffic and environmental impacts from increased density, the city council is pushing for more housing to accommodate growth. Irvine's development model, which includes a mix of residential and commercial spaces, aims to create a sustainable urban environment. However, there is a divide among residents regarding the future vision of the city, with some advocating for preservation of its current character while others push for increased housing availability. As Irvine continues to grow, it may soon surpass Anaheim in population, potentially becoming the central city of Orange County.
- Irvine is developing from the outside in, a departure from traditional urban growth patterns.
- The city has seen significant population growth and is becoming a hub for foreign investment.
- Plans for increased housing density are underway, despite concerns about traffic and environmental impacts.
- Irvine is characterized by high-quality amenities and a strong business presence.
- There is a divide among residents regarding the future development and character of the city.
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5 commentsAll new development is very car oriented. The shopping plaza areas are all either strip mall style or mall style. As the author noted there is no downtown and that was by design. It’s an un-walkable place and does not have any sort of city character feel. It feels sterile, HOAd into bland brownness and grass. It’s like living in a 2000’s office park.
I do not get the impression there is an effort to make it more city like with any downtown area or less sterile feeling.
To get away from all of that population I moved to a very remote subdivision in rural New Mexico. I was the first inhabitant and had almost the whole place to myself for the first decade. It was glorious. Now it's full up and I have neighbors on three sides.
I feel like the old cowboys must have when they saw all of that barbed wire going up. No matter how far I run modernity is patiently coming after me.
Nothing wrong with that really, can be appealing for adults in their 40s (like me today) but as a teenager I was bored out of my socks. I would probably not move to a place like that, I'd want my kid to have more stimulation. But happy to read that Irvine is doing well, I still have a lot of friends there.
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