Neighborhood Spotlight: Mission Viejo, CA

October 7, 2021

Known as one of the largest master-planned communities in the country constructed as a single project, Mission Viejo is a commuter city in Orange County with lovely tree-lined streets. Nestled in the Saddleback Valley, Mission Viejo is named after Rancho Mission Viejo, the Spanish land grant where the city is now located.

Mission Viejo at a glance

Mission Viejo has a population of approximately 100,000 and was voted the safest city in the United States in 2007 by Morgan Quitno Press. The city is bordered by Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Nigel, Laguna Hills, Trabuco Canyon, and Lake Forest. One of the jewels of the city is Lake Mission Viejo, a man-made lake that stretches one mile from Alicia Parkway to Olympiad Road. It is located approximately 73 miles northwest of San Diego and 49 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

Mission Viejo real estate and neighborhoods

Mission Viejo is a largely residential city and features single-family homes constructed in a Spanish Mission style with barrel-tile roofs and stucco walls. The median home price in Mission Viejo is approximately $690,000. It was the first successful master-planned community in the United States and is comprised of several smaller neighborhoods. These include:

Mission Viejo history

Mission Viejo is located in a region that was one of the last to be developed due to its geographical complexity. It had been primarily used as a place for sheep and cattle to graze since it was deemed unsuitable for farmers. In the 1960s, Donald Bren completed a master plan for a community in the hills, with roads and homes that contoured to the lay of the land. The city was mostly completed by 1980 and was so popular that most housing tracts sold out before construction began.

Mission Viejo amenities

For those who enjoy the outdoors there are many parks located in Mission Viejo. In fact, there are approximately two parks per square mile in the community. There are also 20 miles of trails through the beautiful green spaces of the city. These include Wilderness Glen, Oso Creek Trail, and Arroyo Trabuco Trail. Of course, Lake Mission Viejo in the cetner of the community offers many opportunities from recreation cindluing boating and fishing.

Mission Viejo is also known as a fantastic local shopping destination. Head to The Shops at Mission Viejo to browse 150 shops and restaurants including Nordstrom, Macy’s Lululemon, and Restoration Hardware. Or spend a relaxing afternoon at Kaleidoscope Mission Viejo where you’ll find Burke Williams Spa, Edwards Cineman, and a wonderful selection of eateries including Tacos Cancun and Hummus Bowl.

Mission Viejo schools

Students in Mission Viejo are served by two school districts — Capistrano Unified School District and Saddleback Valley Unified School District. Many of the schools in Mission Viejo are highly-rated and several have earned an A+ rating on Niche. The city is also home to Saddleback College, a large community college located in the south part of the city. Schools in nearby cities include Chapman University and University of California Irvine.

Explore Mission Viejo today

Are you ready to find out what makes this master-planned community in Southern California so popular? Then view available properties in Mission Viejo and schedule your private showing today!