Aliso Viejo, California
Aliso Viejo is a city in southern Orange County, California, which has a rich and diverse history. Aliso Viejo derives its name from Spanish for "old alder" or "old sycamore", referring to the trees that grow along Aliso Creek. The creek was an important source of water and food for the Acjachemen, the Indigenous people who lived in the area for thousands of years. Today, Aliso Viejo is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a high quality of life to its residents. The city has a young and educated population with a high-income level and a low poverty rate. The city also has a rich cultural heritage and a dynamic business environment.
History
The Acjachemen were an Indigenous people of California who lived in the coastal areas of what are now Orange and San Diego counties. Their ancestral lands extended from Aliso Creek to Las Pulgas Canyon. They had a complex social structure, a rich spiritual tradition, and a diverse economy based on hunting, fishing, and crafting. They were also known as Juaneños by the Spanish colonizers who established Mission San Juan Capistrano near one of their villages, Acjacheme, in 1776. The mission had a devastating impact on the Acjachemen culture, population, and land rights. The Acjachemen were displaced by the arrival of Spanish settlers in the 18th century, who established missions and ranchos in the region. One of these ranchos was Rancho Niguel, which was granted to Juan Avila by the Mexican government in 1842. The rancho covered 22,000 acres of land, including what is now Aliso Viejo. Avila was a wealthy cattle rancher who built a large adobe house on his property. In the 1890s, the Moulton family bought Rancho Niguel from Avila's heirs and renamed it Moulton Ranch. The Moulton's were successful sheep ranchers who expanded their land holdings and diversified their business ventures. They also built a mansion, a schoolhouse, a post office, and a general store on their ranch. The Moulton's were influential in the development of south Orange County and contributed to the establishment of roads, railways, water systems and civic organizations. In 1976, the Mission Viejo Company purchased the remaining 6,600 acres of Moulton Ranch to create a new planned community – Aliso Viejo. The company designed a master plan for 20,000 homes for a projected population of 50,000. The plan also included parks, schools, recreation facilities, business centers and open space. The first homes were sold in 1982 and the first residents moved in later that year. Aliso Viejo became one of the fastest growing communities in Orange County and attracted many corporations and professionals to its location. In 2001, Aliso Viejo became Orange County's 34th city after a community vote that showed overwhelming support for incorporation. The city adopted a council-manager form of government and elected its first mayor and council members. The city also established its own police and fire services, public works department and library system. Aliso Viejo continues to be a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a high quality of life for its residents and visitors.
Things To Do
Aliso Viejo offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors and residents alike. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly fun, Aliso Viejo has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in Aliso Viejo: Explore the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park: This park covers more than 4,000 acres of natural landscape, with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can enjoy scenic views of the canyons, hills, and wildlife, as well as learn about the history and ecology of the area at the visitor center. Visit the Soka Performing Arts Center: This center is part of the Soka University of America, a liberal arts college that promotes peace and human rights. The center hosts various events throughout the year, such as concerts, lectures, films, and festivals, featuring local and international artists and speakers. Play golf at the Aliso Viejo Country Club: This club offers an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, that challenges players of all skill levels. The club also has a fitness center, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a restaurant, where you can relax and enjoy the views of the golf course and the mountains. Shop and dine at the Aliso Viejo Town Center: This is the main commercial hub of the city, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options. You can catch a movie at the Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20 & IMAX, grab a bite at one of the many eateries, or browse through the boutiques and specialty stores. Nightlife and entertainment: Bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants that cater to different preferences and moods. You can also check out the Aliso Viejo Ice Palace, which is a state-of-the-art ice-skating facility that offers public skating sessions, lessons, hockey leagues, and special events. Have fun at the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center: This center is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and features a large pool, a splash pad, a toddler pool, and a spa. You can swim laps, take lessons, join a water aerobics class, or just relax on the sun deck. The center also has a snack bar and a picnic area for your convenience.
Schools
Aliso Viejo has a highly educated population, with 96.2% of residents having a high school diploma or higher and 56.2% having a bachelor's degree or higher. The most common fields of study are Business (16%), Engineering (11%), and Health Professions (10%). The most common educational institutions attended by residents are Soka University of America (1%), University of California-Irvine (6%), and Saddleback College (3%). Elementary Schools The elementary school of Aliso Viejo is called Oak Grove Elementary School. It is part of the Capistrano Unified School District, which serves more than 50,000 students in sixty-three schools. Oak Grove Elementary School has about seven hundred students in grades K-5, and it offers a variety of programs and activities to enrich their learning experience. Some of the programs and activities that Oak Grove Elementary School offers are: A dual immersion program in Spanish and English: For students in grades K-5. This program aims to develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural competence in students who want to learn a second language. A gifted and talented education (GATE) program: For students who demonstrate high academic potential and need more challenge and enrichment in their curriculum. A science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) program: Integrates these subjects across the curriculum and provides hands-on learning opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents. A music program: Includes choir, band, orchestra, and guitar for students in grades 3-5. Students can learn how to play an instrument, read music, and perform in concerts. A physical education program: Promotes health and fitness through various activities and sports. Students also participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness Test and the Fitness gram Test to assess their fitness levels. A character education program: Teaches students the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Students learn how to make good choices, resolve conflicts, and contribute to their community. Oak Grove Elementary School has a strong parent involvement and support system. The school has a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that organizes fundraisers, events, and volunteers for the school. The school also has a School Site Council (SSC) that consists of parents, teachers, staff, and the principal. The SSC is responsible for developing and monitoring the school's improvement plan and budget. Oak Grove Elementary School is a wonderful place for your child to learn and grow. It has a dedicated staff, a diverse student body, and a supportive community. If you want to know more about the elementary school of Aliso Viejo, you can visit the school's website or contact the school office. Intermediate Schools Aliso Viejo Middle School (AVMS): serves more than 1,000 students in grades six through eight. Its facilities include an art room and science and computer laboratories. AVMS has a strong academic reputation, with a 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org and an A grade from Niche.com. The school offers a variety of courses, including honors and advanced placement classes, as well as electives such as band, orchestra, choir, drama, art, and Spanish. AVMS also has a gifted and talented education (GATE) program for students who need more challenge and enrichment. AVMS has a vibrant student life, with many clubs and sports teams to join. Some of the clubs include chess, robotics, yearbook, student council, and National Junior Honor Society. The sports teams include basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, track and field, and flag football. AVMS also hosts dances, spirit weeks, assemblies, and field trips throughout the year. According to student reviews on Niche.com, AVMS is a friendly and supportive environment where teachers are caring and helpful. Students also appreciate the diversity and inclusivity of the school community. Some of the drawbacks mentioned by students are the lack of funding for some programs, the crowdedness of the campus, and the strictness of some rules. Don Juan Avila Middle School (DJAMS): is another public 6-8 school located in Aliso Viejo. It has about nine hundred students and a 9/10 rating from GreatSchools.org and an A grade from Niche.com. DJAMS offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for high school and beyond. The school has honors and advanced placement courses in math, science, language arts, and social studies. It also has electives such as music, art, drama, journalism, leadership, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. DJAMS has a GATE program as well as an International Baccalaureate (IB) program that fosters global awareness and critical thinking. DJAMS has a variety of extracurricular activities for students to participate in. Some of the clubs are math club, science club, chess club, debate club, drama club, anime club, and book club. The sports teams include basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, track and field, golf, tennis, and lacrosse. DJAMS also organizes dances, spirit days, High Schools Aliso Niguel High School (ANHS): Only high school located within the city limits of Aliso Viejo. It opened in 1993 and has a current enrollment of about 3,000 students. ANHS is part of the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) and has been recognized as a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School. ANHS offers a variety of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Career Technical Education (CTE). ANHS also has a strong athletic program, with several teams winning league and state championships. ANHS boasts a modern campus with facilities such as a performing arts center, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and a football stadium. Laguna Hills High School (LHHS): Located in the neighboring city of Laguna Hills, about four miles from Aliso Viejo. It opened in 1978 and has a current enrollment of about 1,600 students. LHHS is also part of the CUSD and has been recognized as a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School. LHHS offers a variety of academic programs, including AP, IB, CTE, and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). LHHS also has a strong athletic program, with several teams winning league and state championships. LHHS has a traditional campus with facilities such as a performing arts center, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and a football field. Dana Hills High School (DHHS): Located in the coastal city of Dana Point, about seven miles from Aliso Viejo. It opened in 1973 and has a current enrollment of about 2,600 students. DHHS is also part of the CUSD and has been recognized as a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School. DHHS offers a variety of academic programs, including AP, IB, CTE, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). DHHS also has a strong athletic program, with several teams winning league and state championships. DHHS has an ocean-view campus with facilities such as a performing arts center, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and a track. College Soka University: Private liberal arts college that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study, such as environmental studies, international studies, social and behavioral sciences, and creative arts. Soka University was founded in 2001 by Daisaku Ikeda, a Buddhist leader and peace activist, who envisioned a school that would foster global citizens who can contribute to the betterment of humanity. Soka University is based on the principles of Soka education, which emphasize humanistic values, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Soka University has a beautiful campus that spans 103 acres and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The campus features modern facilities, such as a performing arts center, a library, a recreation center, and a student center. Soka University also has a botanical garden, a peaceful lake, and a wildlife corridor that provide natural beauty and tranquility. Soka University is home to about 450 undergraduate students and fifty graduate students from more than forty countries. The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, which ensures personalized attention and mentoring. Soka University offers a unique curriculum that combines academic rigor with experiential learning. All undergraduate students are required to study abroad for one semester in their junior year, and all graduate students are required to conduct fieldwork or research abroad for their thesis or dissertation. Soka University also offers generous financial aid and scholarships to make education accessible and affordable for all students. Soka University is not only a college school, but also a community of learners who share a common vision of creating value in the world. Soka University aims to cultivate global leaders who can promote peace, human rights, and sustainability. Soka University invites you to join its mission and discover your potential at this remarkable institution.
Demographics
Aliso Viejo has a population of 51,943 as of 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The city was incorporated in 2001 and is one of the youngest cities in the county. Aliso Viejo is known for its attractive neighborhoods, award-winning schools, and diverse business community. Age and Sex The median age in Aliso Viejo is 37.4 years, slightly higher than the California median of 36.8 years. The city has a young population, with 25.8% of residents under 18 years old and 8.7% over 65 years old. The largest age group is 35 to 54 years old, accounting for 32.5% of the population. Race and Ethnicity Income and Education The racial and ethnic composition of Aliso Viejo is diverse and reflects the multicultural nature of California. Most residents are White (65%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (20%), Asian (15.5%), Black or African American (2.7%), Two or More Races (9.5%), and other races (0.4%). The most common ancestries are English (9.7%), German (9.1%), Irish (8.4%), Italian (6.6%), and Iranian (4.3%). Income and Education According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Aliso Viejo was $107,068 in 2019, which is higher than the national median of $62,843 and the state median of $75,235. The poverty rate in Aliso Viejo was 4.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 10.5% and the state rate of 11.8%. In terms of education, Aliso Viejo has a high percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 57.6% of Aliso Viejo residents aged twenty-five and over had a bachelor's degree or higher in 2019, compared to 32.1% nationally and 34.1% statewide. These statistics suggest that Aliso Viejo is a prosperous and well-educated city that offers many opportunities for its residents. However, income and education are not the only factors that affect the quality of life in a city. Other aspects such as health, safety, environment, culture, and recreation also play a role in making a city livable and attractive. Language The most common language spoken in Aliso Viejo is English, spoken by 66.9% of residents. The second most common language is Spanish, spoken by 11.4% of residents. Other languages spoken include Persian (2.8%), Chinese (2.3%), Languages of India (1.9%), and others (13.7%). About 33.1% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Employment and Industry Aliso Viejo has a high standard of living and a low unemployment rate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Aliso Viejo was $118,540 in 2019, which is 114% higher than the national average. The income per capita was $50,939, which is 71% higher than the national average. The poverty level was 5.2%, which is 66% lower than the national average. The city has a diverse economy that includes sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, finance, and entertainment. Some of the major employers in Aliso Viejo are MicroVention, United Parcel Service, Pacific Life, Quest Software, Marriott, Fluor, Soka University of America, and Buy.com. The city also hosts several start-ups and small businesses that contribute to the innovation and growth of the region. Aliso Viejo is a desirable place to work and live, as it offers a variety of amenities, such as parks, trails, golf courses, shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural events. The city also has a low crime rate and a high-quality education system. The city is well-connected to other parts of Orange County and Los Angeles by public transportation and highways. Housing and Transportation Aliso Viejo offers a variety of housing options and transportation modes for its residents and visitors. Whether you are looking for a single-family home, a condominium, an apartment, or a senior living community, you can find it in Aliso Viejo. The median home value in Aliso Viejo is $672,500, and the median rent is $2,350, according to Zillow. The city also has affordable housing programs for low-income households. Aliso Viejo is well-connected to the rest of the county and the region by several major highways, such as I-5, SR-73, and SR-133. You can also use public transportation, such as OCTA buses and Metrolink trains, to get around. The city has bike lanes and trails for cyclists and pedestrians, and it is close to John Wayne Airport for air travel. Aliso Viejo is a convenient and comfortable place to live and work. Sources U.S. Census Bureau Neighborhood Scout Point2 Data USA Area Vibes