Mission Viejo

Mission Viejo is South Orange Countys largest city being recognized as one of Americas most successful master planned communities. Mission Viejo was recognized as the third safest city nationwide, based on crime statistics from cities of similar size. When the town was incorporated in 1988 it promoted the city as offering an exceptional quality of life which residents can attest to. In 2006 the City Council commissioned a community survey and found 97% of the residents were pleased with the quality of life in Mission Viejo.

Mission Viejo is a well- balanced community including wilderness areas like Oso Creek Trail and numerous city parks to modern business parks and upscale malls. Evolving from a simple idea in 1965, the city has become an award winning showcase of physical, social, recreational and commercial concepts that are part of the residential community. In 1986 the city was the first World Class Community and in 1992 it was showcased as one of the most successful American new towns ever realized.

The city was developed as part of the 52,000 acre Rancho Mission Viejo ranch. Title of the land dates back to the mid-1700s when a Spanish explorer led a party from Mexico to lay claim to the land for Spain. In 1965 the master plan for Mission Viejo was approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. When the first home was sold there were families standing in line to pay $21,000 for homes being developed on the former cattle range. In 1965 the first residents moved into new neighborhoods near La Paz Rd. and Chrisanta Drive.

The city has its own manmade lake built in the 70s that hosts boating, fishing, swimming, summer concert series, outdoor movies, the holiday boat parade and numerous activities for all ages. It is a membership only lake with most Mission Viejo residents being members. Every home in the city is within a mile or less to a park. Mission Viejo has one of the highest number of parks per capital ratio in California at 5 acres per 1,000 population. There are 44 parks with the highest per capita park acreage among South Orange County cities. There are more than 300 acres designated as green space with youth parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields and off road trails. There is a skate park with 9,000 square feet of concrete ramps and jumps. Two tennis centers, two recreational centers withpools and workout rooms, The Norman P. Murray senior community center( which is in expansion mode) offer a myriad of activities for the residents of this wonderful city.

If golf is your thing there are two public golf courses- Arroyo- Trabuco and Casta Del Sol and a private facility Mission Viejo Country Club. Mission Viejo is a shoppers dream with the renovated and expanded Shops at Mission Viejo with over 100 stores including Nordstrom, Saks and Macys. There are numerous strip centers offering every conceivable shopping, dining and movie experience.

There are annual special events that take place in Mission Viejo- The Walk Against Drugs, this event is a partnered event with the city and the sheriffs deparment and the local schools. It draws 4,000 people to Mission Viejo High School for the start of the walk to Oso Viejo Park for the community faire, Tierra Nativa- which was a 10 year project on Earth Day that completed a renovation of the Oso Creek Trail, in 2007 a new project will be Artes de la Vida- at Aurora park, Bunny Days, July 4thStreet Faire and Fireworks, Fun with Chalk and Santas Workshop. In 2006 The City of Misison Viejo adopted the Headquarters Battalion, First Marine Division, Camp Pendelton. The community has generously supported the Marines, Sailors and families throughout the year with toy donations, gift cards, toiletries and invitations to dinner. Mission Viejo Animal Services Center provides sheltering for lost and injured animals from Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel. Many of the lost pets are reunited with their owners. The remaining cats, dogs and rabbits are put up for adoption- funds are raised by Dedicated Animal Welfare Group to provide medical care and treatment for the animals.

Three school districts serve Mission Viejo: Capistrano Valley Unified, Saddleback Valley Unified and Saddleback College. There are 4 high schools, a community college and lots of elementary and middle schools. There are also 12+ private schools serving the community. The library opened in 1997 and is a full service library with access to information, cultural heritage and lifelong learning. Over 66% of residents have a library card. Library services also include a virtual branch that can be accessed at www.cmvl.org. Free computer access and free computer classes are also available at the library. The Friends of the Mission Viejo Library is a non-profit organization that raises funds to support the library by operating a bookstore in the library.

Orange county sheriff provides public safety services- Mission Viejo is the largest city that contracts with the Sheriffs department. There are 65 full time employees and a group of dedicated Senior Community Activity Team volunteers that provide service to the community. There are deputies provided for all four high schools and three middle schools. The Fire Authority operates three fire stations in Mission Viejo with 54 well-trained personnel serving the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The city continues to expand its streets and roads. Construction began on the widening of Crown Valley Parkway to add one lane in each direction from Puerta Real to the eastern city limit. The project is being entirely funded from outside sources. For additional updates on this project visit: www.crownvalleyparkway.com Currently the project is in it´s final stages and looks great. It really helps with access to the south side of the city.