Welcome to Mission Veijo
Considered one of the largest master-planned communities in the country, the varied geography and sweeping hills that made Mission Viejo difficult to develop have also made it one of the most unique and visually stunning communities in the nation. Roads weave down through valleys, homes sit high on crested hillscapes, and suburban neighborhoods rest against the tranquil waters of Lake Mission Viejo.
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The city has a convenient central location, within easy driving distance of Laguna Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, and under an hour from Los Angeles. Tucked against mountains and sprawling wilderness and just fifteen minutes away from several beaches, the city has an ideal blend of rural, recreational, and idyllic suburbia. Incorporated in 1988, Mission Viejo now houses around 96,000 residents in its many neighborhoods. The city offers price ranges and home sizes for a large scope of budgets and needs, including single-family homes in friendly cul-de-sacs, luxury condos, and spacious lakefront estates.
What to Love
Diverse landscape and recreational options, close to beaches and mountains
Plenty of local
parks and family-friendly events
Short commute to larger cities like Irvine
People & Lifestyle
Mission Viejo is known for its tree-lined streets and close-knit neighborhood vibes, and as a master-planned community, it’s perfectly built and structured towards providing activities and amenities for its residents. Its proximity to several larger cities also makes Mission Viejo an excellent commuter city, and its residents are diverse in terms of family units with children and non-family homes.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
When it comes to retail and dining, Mission Viejo has everything you could dream of and more. Though mostly residential, Mission Viejo is also the location of a premier Simon Mall,
The Shops at Mission Viejo. Here, you can shop over 100 stores, including name-brand favorites like
H&M,
Apple,
Fabletics,
LUSH, and
Pottery Barn. The mall also has plenty of restaurants and eateries, so you can take the whole day to indulge in your retail therapy.
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The culinary scene in Mission Viejo is diverse, exciting, and surprising. For instance, you probably wouldn’t expect to find an Irish gastropub in the middle of this Southern California city, but
Dublin 4 Gastropub will make you glad that you’ve found it. Focusing on farm-to-table foods and chef-curated menus, this eatery has Irish classics infused with California flair. Head to
Sol Agave for a taste of Mexico. This restaurant that began as a food truck with a dream has since blossomed into a fine dining establishment boasting elevated Mexican cuisine. Let your tastebuds travel the globe even further by dining in at
Delizie Ristorante and Bar, an Italian restaurant serving up excellence for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Things to Do
Among the many activities in Mission Viejo, one of the central hotspots for gatherings, recreation, and events is
Lake Mission Viejo. Spend a day out on the waters of this stunning reservoir by boating, yachting, fishing, swimming, or reveling in the fun of the many concerts the location hosts throughout the year. During the
4th of July, the lake lights up with a spectacular fireworks show, the culmination of a day spent celebrating with vendors, booths, food, rides, and games.
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Though the lake itself presents plenty of opportunities for enjoyment, Mission Viejo is also surrounded by several massive parks and trails.
The Oso Creek Trail is a way to explore the local ecosystem—facilitated in part by the watershed of San Juan Creek—step into a peaceful natural getaway right in your backyard. More adventurous hikers and explorers can make the short trip to
O’Neill Regional Park or the
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park. Between the two, these parks have over 12,000 acres of land perfect for hiking, camping, horseback riding, biking, and picnics.
Schools
Mission Viejo is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
Oxford Preparatory Academy, PK-5, #5 charter school in the Los Angeles area
De Portola Elementary School, K-6, highly-rated public elementary school
Mission Viejo Christian School, K-8, highly-rated private Christian school
