Creating great things takes time. The city of Mission Viejo in south Orange County is proof of this.
The city takes its name from Rancho Mission Viejo, the 23,000-acre Mexican land grant from which its territory originates. Prior to urbanization, the hilly region that the city now occupies was formerly grazing land that was considered too difficult to develop.
It was only in 1963 that the Mission Viejo we know today began to take shape. Marguerite O’Neill – then head of the O’Neill family, which owned Rancho Mission Viejo – founded the Mission Viejo Company to develop a new residential community for the expanding Orange County population.
Partnering with urban planner Donald Bren, the Mission Viejo Company turned the area’s complex hillside landscape into a scenic neighborhood that promised the ideal California suburban retreat. Through the 1970s and 1980s, the city enjoyed such high housing demand that lots were sold out even before construction began.
Mission Viejo gained official city status in March 1988.
While one of the last sections of Orange County to develop, Mission Viejo is also one of the largest master-planned communities built under a single project. This 18-square-mile city is home to more than 96,000 residents today.
Mission Viejo, CA Real Estate
Some of the best Orange County real estates can be found in Mission Viejo, CA. The city boasts a distinct and sophisticated charm, thanks to the prominent influence of Spanish Mission Revival architecture. Adobe-like stucco sidings and barrel-tile roofs are common sights in this city’s beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods.
Houses for sale in Mission Viejo, CArange from luxurious, million-dollar estates in pristine hillside subdivisions to gorgeous waterfront homes on picturesque Lake Mission Viejo.
First-time home buyers and those looking for starter homes will also find plenty of options to establish a foothold in this dream-worthy location.
Living in Mission Viejo, CA
The Mission Viejo lifestyle is a blend of laidback village living and suburban sophistication.
Mission Viejo neighborhoods rank among the safest in the country. There’s a strong sense of pride and active community involvement among its residents.
Mission Viejo is home to number of California Distinguished Schools and National Blue Ribbon Schools. There is also a 41,000-square-foot public library.
Parents can send their college-age children to the local Saddleback College, as well as notable universities in neighboring cities such as the University of California in Irvine, Chapman University in Orange, and California State University in Fullerton.
The largest and most advanced hospital in southern Orange County, Mission Hospital, is also located in the city.
While primarily a residential suburb, Mission Viejo has an accommodating business environment. Local entrepreneurs and professionals benefit from five freeway exits that connect the city to nearby cities like Anaheim, CA and Irvine, CA, two of the county’s largest urban centers. Mission Viejo is also just 15 miles away from Tustin, CA, Orange County’s breeding ground for start-ups.
When it comes to recreation, Mission Viejo residents have plenty of gorgeous open spaces to enjoy the California sun. More than 40 parks dot the city, along with three local golf courses. Lake Mission Viejo is a man-made marvel that offers plenty of recreational activities.
Interested in a Mission Viejo home? If you want to buy a house in Orange County, California, Mat Just is the Realtor to trust. Call 949-354-0450 or email mathew(dotted)just(at)elliman(dotted)com.
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