Mission Viejo, California
Mission Viejo is a city in Orange County, California, which is known for being one of the largest master-planned communities in the United States.
History
The history of Mission Viejo begins with Rancho Mission Viejo, a vast Spanish land grant that covered about 200,000 acres of what is now southern Orange County. The land was originally part of the Mission San Juan Capistrano, which was founded in 1776 by Spanish friars. However, after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the missions were secularized, and their lands were divided among various owners. One of these owners was Don Juan Forster, an English-born Mexican ranchero who purchased Rancho Mission Viejo in 1845 for $14,000. Forster used the land for cattle and sheep grazing and provided horses to the United States military during the Mexican American War. Forster's descendants continued to own and operate the ranch until 1963, when they sold it to a group of developers led by Donald Bren. The developers who bought Rancho Mission Viejo had a grand vision for transforming the hilly and rugged terrain into a modern and attractive community. They formed the Mission Viejo Company, which was headed by Richard O'Neill Jr., Jerome Moiso, and Anthony Moiso. They hired urban planner Donald Bren to design a master plan for the new city, which would be named after the original ranch. Bren's plan was inspired by the concept of "New Towns", which were planned communities that aimed to provide a balanced and integrated environment for living, working, and recreation. Bren envisioned Mission Viejo as a city that would preserve the natural beauty and character of the land, while offering a variety of housing options, amenities, and services to its residents. He also incorporated elements of Spanish architecture and landscaping to reflect the city's heritage. The Mission Viejo Company began construction of the city in 1965, starting with the development of Lake Mission Viejo, a man-made reservoir that would serve as a focal point and recreational center for the community. The company also built roads, schools, parks, shopping centers, golf courses, and other facilities to support the growing population. The first homes were sold in 1966, and by 1972, more than 10,000 people lived in Mission Viejo. As Mission Viejo continued to expand and prosper, its residents began to express their desire for more local control and autonomy over their community. In 1987, they voted to incorporate it as a city, becoming the 27th city in Orange County. The city adopted a council-manager form of government, with five elected council members and a hired city manager. Since its incorporation, Mission Viejo has maintained its reputation as one of the most desirable places to live in Orange County and in California. The city has been recognized for its high quality of life, low crime rate, excellent schools, abundant parks and trails, diverse cultural and recreational opportunities, and strong community spirit. The city has also hosted several national and international sporting events, such as the U.S. Olympic Festival in 1989 and the U.S. Senior Open Golf Championship in 1997. Today, Mission Viejo has a population of about 94,000 people and covers an area of eighteen square miles. It is mostly residential in nature and culture, but also has some offices and businesses. The city is still noted for its tree-lined neighborhoods and its adherence to its original master plan. The city's motto is "Make Living Your Mission", which reflects its commitment to providing a fulfilling and enriching experience for its residents.
Things To Do
Mission Viejo is a beautiful city in Orange County, California, which offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors and residents alike. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, shopping opportunities, or family fun, you will find something to enjoy in Mission Viejo. Here are some of the things you can do in this charming city: Visit the Mission Viejo Lake: This man-made lake is the centerpiece of the city and a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. You can rent a boat or kayak from the marina, join a sailing club, or take a cruise on the lake. The lake also hosts events and concerts throughout the year. Explore the Oso Creek Trail: This scenic trail follows the Oso Creek for about 5.5 miles and features art installations, gardens, bridges, and wildlife. You can walk, bike, or jog along the trail and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The trail also connects to several parks and playgrounds where you can relax or play. Experience the Kaleidoscope Center: This entertainment and shopping complex offers something for everyone. You can watch a movie at the cinema, dine at one of the many restaurants, shop at the boutiques, or play at the arcade. The center also hosts live music and comedy shows on weekends. Learn at the Mission Viejo Library: This award-winning library is more than just a place to borrow books. It also offers a variety of programs and services for all ages, such as story times, book clubs, workshops, lectures, and exhibits. The library also has a café, a bookstore, and a computer lab. Enjoy the Mission Viejo Country Club: This private club is open to members and guests and features a championship golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness center, and spa. You can also enjoy fine dining at the clubhouse or host an event at the banquet hall. Saddleback College: A public community college that serves over 25,000 students and offers more than 300 degree and certificate programs. Mission Viejo is also close to other attractions in Orange County, such as Disneyland Resort, Knott's Berry Farm, Laguna Beach, Irvine Spectrum Center, and South Coast Plaza.
Schools
Elementary Schools If you are looking for a good elementary school for your child in Mission Viejo, California, you might be overwhelmed by the many options available. Mission Viejo is a city with a high-quality education system and a diverse community. There are twenty-four public and private elementary schools in Mission Viejo, serving over 9,000 students. How do you choose the best one for your child's needs and interests? Academic Performance Oxford Preparatory Academy - South Orange County: A public charter school that serves grades K-8. This school has a rating of five out of five stars and a rank of ten out of 5,789 schools in California. It also has a high student-to-teacher ratio of 29.8 and a low percentage of students eligible for free or reduced lunch (11%), which indicates a favorable learning environment. Bathgate Elementary and Philip J. Reilly Elementary/Special Education: Are two public schools that have been named California Distinguished Schools in 2021 and 2008, respectively. This award honors schools that have demonstrated exemplary achievements in student outcomes, curriculum, instruction, school climate, and parent engagement. Another prestigious award is the National Blue Ribbon School, which recognizes schools that have made considerable progress in closing achievement gaps or attaining elevated levels of student achievement. In 2021, de Portola Elementary was one of the thirty schools in California that received this award. School Culture Another factor to consider when choosing an elementary school is the school culture, which refers to the values, beliefs, norms, and practices that shape the learning environment and the relationships among students, teachers, staff, and parents. A positive school culture can foster a sense of belonging, respect, collaboration, and motivation among students and staff. You can learn about the school culture by visiting the school website, reading the mission statement and vision statement, browsing the newsletters and social media posts, and talking to the principal and teachers. Castille Elementary and Del Cerro Elementary: Are both part of the Capistrano Unified School District. These schools have a clear mission statement that emphasizes academic excellence, social responsibility, and personal growth for all students. They also have a variety of programs and activities that promote student engagement and leadership, such as student council, peer buddies, service-learning projects, clubs, assemblies, field trips, and family nights. These schools also have an elevated level of parent involvement and support through their active PTA (Parent Teacher Association) and SSC (School Site Council) groups. Extracurricular Activities Another factor to consider when choosing an elementary school is the availability and quality of extracurricular activities that enrich students' learning experiences beyond the classroom. Extracurricular activities can help students develop their interests and talents. Middle Schools Oxford Preparatory Academy: A public charter school that serves students from kindergarten to eighth grade. Oxford Preparatory Academy has a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for college and career readiness. The school also offers a dual immersion program in Spanish and Mandarin, as well as extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and music. Oxford Preparatory Academy has a 4.7 out of five rating on Niche.com, with parents and students praising the school's teachers, culture, and academic excellence. Carl Hankey Middle School: A public school that is part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. Carl Hankey Middle School has a strong focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, with programs such as robotics, coding, and engineering design. The school also has a partnership with the YMCA of Orange County, which provides after-school enrichment and leadership opportunities for students. Carl Hankey Middle School has a four out of five rating on GreatSchools.org, with parents and students commending the school's supportive staff, diverse community, and challenging curriculum. TVT Community Day School: A Jewish day school that serves students from preschool to twelfth grade. TVT Community Day School has a comprehensive approach to education that balances academic rigor, social-emotional learning, and Jewish values. The school also has a state-of-the-art campus that features a library, science and computer labs, a gymnasium, and outdoor sports fields. TVT Community Day School has an A+ overall rating on Niche.com, with parents and students raving about the school's welcoming atmosphere, caring teachers, and well-rounded programs. High Schools Mission Viejo High School is a public high school that serves about 2,400 students in grades 9-12. It is part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District and has been recognized as a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School. Mission Viejo High School offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Career and Technical Education (CTE), Regional Occupational Program (ROP) and Agriculture Science courses. The school also has a strong arts program that includes choir, drama, instrumental music, drawing/paint and TV and film studies. The school's athletic teams are known as the Diablos and compete in the Sea View League of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). The school's motto is "Where Excellence is a Tradition". Trabuco Hills High School is another public high school that serves about 2,800 students in grades 9-12. It is also part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District and has been recognized as a California Distinguished School. Trabuco Hills High School offers a variety of academic programs that include AP, IB, Health and Sciences Career Academy, ROP, and Learning Center courses. The school also has a vibrant arts program that includes choir, drawing/paint, and color guard. The school's athletic teams are known as the Mustangs and compete in the South Coast League of the CIF. The school's mission statement is "By creating a dynamic and diverse educational environment, the Trabuco Hills High School community will provide its students with learning experiences that provide the Academic Base, Self-Discipline and Social Skills necessary to become life-long learners and productive citizens in our ever-changing world". Capistrano Valley High School is a public high school that serves about 2,200 students in grades 9-12. It is part of the Capistrano Unified School District and has been recognized as a California Gold Ribbon School and a National Blue Ribbon School. Capistrano Valley High School offers a rigorous curriculum that includes AP, IB, CTE and ROP courses. The school also has an outstanding arts program that includes choir, drama, instrumental music, and photography. The school's athletic teams are known as the Cougars and compete in the Sea View League of the CIF. The school's vision statement is "Capistrano Valley High School: A place where every student matters". To learn more about each school, you can visit their websites or contact their offices for more information. You can also use online tools such as Bing Maps or GreatSchools.org to compare schools based on location, ratings, reviews, and other criteria. Choosing a high school is a crucial decision that can affect your future, so make sure you do your research and find the best fit for you. Private Schools Stoneybrooke Christian School: Serves students from preschool to eighth grade. Stoneybrooke Christian School has a strong academic program that integrates biblical principles and values into every subject. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, such as athletics, music, art, drama, and clubs. Stoneybrooke Christian School has a low student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average class size of eighteen students. Mission Viejo Christian School: Serves students from preschool to eighth grade. Mission Viejo Christian School has a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for high school and beyond. The school emphasizes character development and spiritual growth through daily chapel services, community service projects, and biblical instruction. Mission Viejo Christian School has a diverse student body that represents diverse cultures, backgrounds, and faiths. Fusion Academy Mission Viejo: An alternative school that offers personalized learning for students in grades 6-12. Fusion Academy Mission Viejo provides one-to-one instruction for each student, tailored to their individual needs, interests, and goals. The school also offers a flexible schedule that allows students to learn at their own pace and balance their academic and personal lives. Fusion Academy Mission Viejo has a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and confidence. There are many more private schools in the area that offer different programs, philosophies, and specialties. You can find more information about these schools on their websites or by visiting them in person. Colleges and Universities Saddleback College: This is a public community college that offers more than three hundred associate degrees, certificates, and occupational skills awards in various fields of study. Saddleback College also has transfer agreements with many four-year institutions, including the University of California and the California State University systems. Saddleback College has a diverse student body of over 20,000 students and a faculty of over six hundred instructors. The campus features modern facilities, such as a library, a performing arts center, a health sciences complex, and a student services center. Brandman University: This is a private university that specializes in online and hybrid education for adult learners. Brandman University offers more than eighty undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as business, education, health care, psychology, and social work. Brandman University has a flexible and convenient delivery model that allows students to complete their courses at their own pace and schedule. Brandman University has a network of over twenty-five campuses across California and Washington, including one in Mission Viejo. Each school has its own admission requirements, tuition fees, financial aid options, and academic offerings. You can visit their websites or contact their admissions offices for more information. You can also use online tools such as College Navigator or College Scorecard to compare different schools based on various criteria.
Demographics
Population Mission Viejo is a city in the Saddleback Valley in Orange County, California, it is one of the largest master-planned communities ever built in the United States and is known for its scenic landscape and high quality of life, with a population of 93,653 as of 2020 census. The city also has a large foreign-born population, with 22.2% of residents born outside of the United States as of 2021. The most common countries of origin are Mexico, Iran, Korea, Philippines, and China. Age and Sex The median age of Mission Viejo residents is 46.9 years, which is about 25 percent higher than the median age of both the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area (38.1 years) and California (37.6 years). The city has a slightly higher proportion of female residents (50 percent) than male residents (49.9 percent). Persons under 18 years: 0.2% Persons between 18 and 64 years: 58% Persons 65 years and over: 1% The city has a large share of senior citizens compared to the metro area (14.5 percent) and the state (15.1 percent). The sex distribution of Mission Viejo is as follows: Population On July 1, 2022, by Census Bureau: 91,776 Femail persons: 50% Male persons: 50% Race and Ethnicity White: 69.9% Hispanic or Latino: 18.9% Asian: 14.1% Two or more races: 9.8% Black or African American: 1.1% American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% Compared to the metro area and the state, Mission Viejo has a lower diversity index, which measures the probability that two individuals chosen at random from a given area belong to different races or ethnic groups. The diversity index of Mission Viejo is 0.54, while the diversity index of the metro area is 0.67 and the diversity index of the state is 0.7. Education The city has a high rate of educational attainment, with 94.8% of residents having a high school diploma or higher, and 50.9% having a bachelor's degree or higher as of 2021. The most common occupations are in management, business, science, and arts; sales and office; and education, health care, and social services. Income and Poverty The median household income of Mission Viejo is $124,971, which is about 1.5 times higher than the median household income of both the metro area ($82,503) and the state ($84,907). The per capita income of Mission Viejo is $60,644, which is about 1.4 times higher than the per capita income of both the metro area ($40,569) and the state ($42,396). The income distribution of Mission Viejo shows that 18 percent of households have an income below $50,000, 20 percent have an income between $50,000 and $100,000, 38 percent have an income between $100,000 and $200,000, and 24 percent have an income above $200,000. The poverty rate of Mission Viejo is 5 percent, which is about two-fifths of the poverty rate of both the metro area (13.1 percent) and the state (12.3 percent). The poverty rate for children under 18 years old is 4 percent, while the poverty rate for seniors 65 years or older is 6 percent. Mission Viejo is a diverse and affluent city, with a median household income of $116,681 as of 2021. According to the 2020 census. The city has a strong economy, with a low unemployment rate of 3.4% as of November 2022. The major industries are health care and social assistance; retail trade; professional, scientific, and technical services; and accommodation and food services. The city also has several shopping centers, such as The Shops at Mission Viejo and Kaleidoscope Center. Transportation The mean travel time to work for Mission Viejo workers aged 16 years and over is 28 minutes, which is slightly lower than the mean travel time to work for both the metro area workers (30.5 minutes) and the state workers (29.6 minutes). Diving alone: 74% Working at home: 16% Carpooling: 7% Public transit: 1% Walking: 1% Bicycling: 0% Other means: 1% Source U.S. Census Bureau, July 1, 2022