The City of Mission Viejo located in the Saddleback Valley of Southern Orange County, California, has an interesting and storied past. The California real estate that is today known as Mission Viejo

was once part of a 52,000-acre ranch known as Rancho Mission Viejo. Once considered “undevelopable,” in the past Mission Viejo property served primarily as land on which to graze sheep and cattle. This hilly, geographically complex land was first claimed in 1769, but it was not until 1965 that the City of Mission Viejo was approved by Orange County. The president of the Irvine Company, Donald Bren, has a vision for Mission Viejo and worked diligently to urbanize the area. Today, Mission Viejo has a population of just under 101,000, and it is one of the largest master-planned communities in the U.S. 

Mission Viejo is considered a predominately residential area, but there are a few businesses and offices within the city. The majority of Mission Viejo real estate is either single family homes or condominiums. In 2007, Mission Viejo was named the safest city in the country. Amenities in Mission Viejo include a two-year community college, a man-made lake, approximately two parks per square mile, three golf courses, the largest hospital in Southern Orange County, and a regional mall referred to as The Shops at Mission Viejo. Shopping and entertainment options abound in the city including the Saddleback Civic Light Opera and Kaleidoscope Courtyards. The first piece of California real estate to become a master-planned community, Mission Viejo has enjoyed great success.

There are many recreational opportunities available in Mission Viejo. Located in Mission Viejo real estate is a major youth athletic facility known as the Mission Viejo Youth Athletic Park. Additionally, the city has a swimming and diving team that helped to product several Olympians including Dara Torres and Greg Louganis. Another popular Mission Viejo property is the soccer facility once used as a training field by the U.S. men's national soccer team. Professional sports figures that make Mission Viejo their home include Mark Sanchez, Adam LaRoche, and Phil Hughes.

The average price of Mission Viejo homes for sale is $499,000. While this area has experienced a dip in home prices over the last few years, recently home prices have again been on the rise. Individuals can expect to pay as little as $339,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bath single-family home in Mission Viejo or they may opt for a more luxurious four-bedroom, six-bath home for upwards of $3.6 million. Condominiums range anywhere from $139,000 to almost $600,000. There are a number of excellent Mission Viejo homes for sale from which to choose.