Jackie Gibbins

I live and work in Mission Viejo as a Real Estate Agent. Born in Santa Monica, CA and grew up in Westminster and Huntington Beach. Middle child of five and mother to two awesome sons, now grown. An artist, nature lover, observer, geek and people person, I love the area, love what I do and enjoy sharing any info and insights so others can find their dream as well.
My Mission Viejo Home La Paz Road Jacaranda

My Mission Viejo Home

by Jackie Gibbins

Beautiful Mission Viejo is where almost 100,000 folks now call home, including myself. It is a well-planned community featuring a myriad of great amenities for its residents including a lake, three golf courses, numerous parks and sports fields, great shopping, excellent schools and so much more. It has also been rated one of the safest cities in the nation. However, I choose to call it home for its ideal location, surrounded by nature and open space, rolling hills, gorgeous skies and super people. It just plain feels good to live here.

Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center Mission Viejo and Oso Viejo Park
Community Center and Oso Viejo Park

For my neighbors who call Mission Viejo home, I am sharing Mission Viejo home ideas and information, plenty of photos of homes, parks, amenities and more. Just about anything I find interesting and/or beautiful so I can share that good feeling. Almost all of the photos are those I took myself; like the one shown here.

I have included plenty of links for those who wish to search for homes. For those who wish to see past sales in their neighborhood, I have created several custom searches of recent sales and active listings in various neighborhoods and tracts so you can get an idea of market activity and home value. As you look at these homes for sale, you may see how folks in the neighborhood have updated the same model as yours. You can see if they removed a wall, added a room, remodeled the kitchen and check out their pool and spa and garden for inspiration outside.

Single Level La Paz Home in Mission Viejo

If you are like me, you may have moved here simply because you found a home you liked or maybe because it had decent freeway access or something else. However, once you move in and start looking for a place to shop or dine or a place for your kids to play, you will happily realize that not only will you find what you are looking for, but that a whole cornucopia of quality amenities are at your doorstep, literally. It may take you a long time to explore all the local shops or take advantage of all the facilities and parks, and maybe not ever check them all off your list. But have fun trying!

The city of Mission Viejo has so much to offer; just about wherever you are in the city, you can find a charming park, a place to get a cup of coffee or a soda, a friendly face, an inviting home and the sight of Saddleback as it reminds you that you are home; you are in Mission Viejo.

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Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo

Oso Creek Trail

by Jackie Gibbins

Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo follows a portion of Oso Creek that runs along and parallel to Marguerite Parkway and under La Paz Road and turns and goes up Jeronimo Road to Pavion Park. Oso Creek in Mission Viejo begins at the Upper Oso Reservoir and flows through parks, the golf courses, crosses under streets and finally under the freeway, emptying into Trabuco Creek. The Oso Creek Trail is a wonderful retreat into nature right at your doorstep. There are several access points to the trail. I think the city and residents did a great job of creating a wonderful venue where you can enjoy the natural beauty of Saddleback Valley and Mission Viejo without having to drive forever to get there.

I am really in love with this trail and open space, and I took a lot of photos. So many that I had to create a post especially for Oso Creek Trail. Enjoy!

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Here is an excerpt about the trail from the Orange County Register:

“What is the Oso Creek Trail today used to be open space with brushes until less than two decades ago. As part of the San Juan Creek watershed, Oso Creek runs from north of the Santa Ana Mountains, joins the Trabuco Creek and flows to the Pacific Ocean. Oso Creek used to be dry throughout most of the year, but after the development of Mission Viejo, the creek has water flowing all year long because of urban runoff.

A pump station captures the water flowing through Oso Creek and sends it back to a treatment facility. The treated water will be used for watering city-owned landscaped areas.

People had been walking around the creek and were creating de facto trails. The city then began construction in 1997 to create a trail system. While the city paved the trails, volunteers installed plants and railings as well as public art, such as history walls, murals and oak grove.”

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There is a lot to see and enjoy along Oso Creek Trail. The Celebration Garden with its artisan mosaics, a garden maze, birds and other wildlife, oak grove, wildflowers, Peace Obelisk and more. The beautiful thing is that many residents, young and old, helped create the trail and these landmarks.

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La Paz Mission Viejo Homes Single Level

Mission Viejo Homes

by Jackie Gibbins Leave a comment

The Mission Viejo Company planned the city so it would pay tribute to its rural Spanish heritage. The street names, neighborhoods, building facades, street lights and more all reflect this classic theme. This changed slightly in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s with developments like Pacific Hills and Califia that have a more Tuscan look and feel. There are also several homes and neighborhoods with a “traditional” look as well.

I believe almost all of the first homes in Mission Viejo were built by the Mission Viejo Company. The Deane Homes, of course, were built by the Deane Brothers. Some of the last housing tracts built by the Mission Viejo Company were Briarwood and Sunrise Ridge in the mid-to-late-1980’s. Make sure to check out the Vintage Mission Viejo page for 1960’s advertising of the first homes built by the Mission Viejo Company.

There are so many neighborhoods, over 100, that there is no way I could picture each one! However, I will keep taking photos and updating this gallery. There are some Home Search links below.

Nice Galicia Home
Finisterra Condos on the Lake
Bonita Vista Homes
Andalusia Homes
Cortez Home
Casta del Sol Home – Carmel
New Castille Home
El Dorado Home
Quail Run Homes
S&S El Dorado Homes
Mirasol Homes
Auburn Ridge Home
Palmia Homes
Granada Homes
Califia Homes
Mallorca Condos on Lake Mission Viejo
Mission Ridge Homes
Melorse and Mirasol Homes for Sale
Canyon Crest Homes
Coronado Homes
Cordova Home

I enjoyed visiting the neighborhoods and taking photos of the many different homes in Mission Viejo! There may be thousands of Madrid Homes, Cordova Homes, etc., but each is so different! Folks have changed the facade of the home by adding rock or brick or other architectural details, and the front landscaping is so unique! I hope you get some ideas from what your neighbors have accomplished. Make sure to check out the GARDEN post for garden and landscaping ideas.

Shady Hollow Home
Deane Homes
Briarwood Home
Delta Homes
California Terrace Condos
Montiel Homes
Madrid Homes
Stoneridge Home
Coral Gardens
California Court
La Paz Home
Pacific Hills Homes
Single Level Mission Ridge Home
Eastbrook Homes
J.M. Peters Homes
Evergreen Lakeview Homes
Greystone Town Homes
Monterey Masters Home
Sunrise Ridge Homes
Barcelona Homes
Seville Home

If you want to search for homes, go to the Home Search page. If you would like to see recent sales in some of the Mission Viejo neighborhoods, go to the various Neighborhood Pages: Mission Viejo North, Mission Viejo Central and Mission Viejo South. You can also go to my main Orange County Real Estate site to expand your search and find tons of custom links showcasing new listings throughout all of Orange County.

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Lake Mission Viejo and Saddleback Mountain

Lake Mission Viejo

by Jackie Gibbins Leave a comment

Lake Mission Viejo is more than a huge man-made lake; it is the beautiful reflective face of this wonderful city. It is active and fun, multi-faceted and affluent. Most residents are members of the Lake Association. However, many homes were constructed prior to the lake being completed in 1978. Homeowners were given the option to buy into the Lake Membership (it is the property address that is associated with the membership). By now, most have done so, however, there are still several residences that do not belong to the Lake Association.

Lake Mission Viejo
Saddleback Overlooking the Lake
North Arrow on pavement; City Seal in middle of arrow.
Beautiful Walk Along Alicia Parkway, South End of Lake
View of Tres Vistas, Mallorca Condos and Saddleback
Pride of Madeira Plants Frame the View
Finisterra on the Lake and Sailboats
Morning Cruise on Lake Mission Viejo
Biking Around Lake Mission Viejo

Members of the Lake Association can enjoy boating, fishing and swimming from the lagoons. Residents can rent the facilities for special events, and they can also rent boats for a day on the lake. There are summer concerts. On the Fourth of July, they have a spectacular fireworks display.

As you drive past the lake, you will almost always see folks walking and jogging around its perimeter. The round trip is over three miles and is on a very gentle incline, so it is not difficult to do. The City lists it as an “easy” trail walk. Ample parking along Olympiad Road at the north end of the lake.

Walking Around the Lake
Rose Garden Along Alicia Parkway Overlooking the Lake
Rest Area Overlooking Lake Mission Viejo
View of Tres Vistas Custom Homes
A Beautiful Still Spring Morning
Sailing on Lake Mission Viejo

I refer you to the Lake Mission Viejo site and the City of Mission Viejo site for rules, regulations, technical information, events, etc. There ARE some areas of Mission Viejo, like the Aegean Hills and Aegean Heights neighborhoods, that were later incorporated into the city that can not belong to the Lake Association.

If you have any photos you would like me to post here, please forward.

Sailing on Beautiful Lake Mission Viejo
Playground at the Lake
Mallorca Condos and Market on the Lake
Tres Vistas Homes and Mallorca Condos on the Lake
Beautiful Reflections
Sailing on Lake Mission Viejo
Fishing on Lake Mission Viejo
San Marino Custom Homes
Lake Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo Kitchen Updated

Home Ideas

by Jackie Gibbins

I love My Mission Viejo Home. Like most homeowners, I try to maintain its condition so it retains its value. As we live our lives, our needs change, so we need to modify and update our homes to keep up with us and maintain a level of comfort. Before I make any big changes, I like to fully research the project and try to find inspiration. I may not find exactly what I need or what I can afford, but half the fun is discovering a whole new way of doing something and then getting it done.

I like to visit model homes to see latest trends, but I use the Houzz app to pinpoint and organize my ideas. I find it an indispensable resource for just about any home project. You can also check it out online if you don’t want to use the app. You can also find contractors and vendors there. For instance, the Mission Viejo contractor I hired is on Houzz and has posted a portfolio of his work. See it here.

I can’t really recommend a good contractor for every need, however, an excellent resource for qualified contractors is the Houzz site. Local contractors are rated, have a portfolio you can view on line and you can read their reviews. Check it out HERE.

Kitchen

Tuscan Feel in This Mission Viejo Kitchen; I Like the Painted Cabinetry
Lots of bling in this kitchen.
Beautiful Wood Floors and Cabinetry
Remodeled Kitchen
Lots of inspiration in this kitchen remodel
Completely Updated Kitchen in Casta del Sol Home

Bathroom

Shampoo box with glass tile mosaic; travertine tile surround.
Gorgeosu remodel of small bathroom.
Great idea for storage in a small bathroom of your Mission Viejo Home
Have a corner tub? Extensive use of tile and dark wood looks rich.
This bathroom looks amazing; sleek, modern, warm.
Functional bathroom remodel featuring ample storage.

Living Room

Bright earth colors, wood floors and neutral walls. nice!
Updated smaller kitchen and family room is bright and sunny and clean.
Lots of ideas here; recessed lighting, shelving, art niche, new front door; gorgeous!
Keep the entry of your Mission Viejo Home clutter-free.
Fireplace is Great Focal Point
Updated Carmel Home in Casta del Sol; Office in Front Room

Bedroom

Fabulous and functional room for the children.
Attic or loft bedroom idea.
If you need storage and/or lighting in the bedroom, this is a wonderul idea.
Plenty of space to sleep, study and play in this kid’s or teen room.
Great idea for child’s or teen’s room.
Mission Viejo Bedroom with a View; Deck

Resources

For purchasing new appliances for your home, look into the prices and varieties they have online at Home Depot, Lowe’s and Sears. Find something on line and then go check it out in the showroom. I have worked with all of these vendors, and was satisfied with their service.

If you are thinking of tile, go check out our local tile store, Arizona Tile on El Paseo. I chose their tile for my home and am incredibly happy. It cost a little more than what I wanted to spend, but I was ecstatic with the end result.

Again, I can’t recommend a contractor or handyman, but PLEASE go to Houzz to browse reputable local contractors and even landscape contractors. Check it out HERE. It’s free. I have also been successful when using Angie’s List.

Ladyfinger paint Benjamin MooreFor paint, I either go to Dunn Edwards or Benjamin Moore. There is a Dunn Edwards on Lake Forest Drive, and the Vista Paint in Mission Viejo carries Benjamin Moore paints. I really love the colors of Benjamin Moore. I recently chose their color “Ladyfinger” for my kitchen and family room.

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Colorful Fun at Pavion Park in Mission Viejo

Parks and Open Space

by Jackie Gibbins Leave a comment

The city of Mission Viejo loves its parks and open space. It also loves recreation and sports! There are many parks, fields and trails for Mission Viejo residents to enjoy year round. There is a newer dog park, La Paws Dog Park; a park named after our Olympian, Florence Joyner Olympiad Park and parks named for people who advocated to create more parks and open space in Saddleback Valley. The city also boasts three golf courses: the Mission Viejo Country Club, the Casta Del Sol Golf Course and the newer Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course. Most parks feature some kind of ball field, a picnic area and/or some kind of seating, a playground and play equipment for children. As you can see, all appear to be thoughtfully designed and well-maintained. For lots more photos of our beautiful parks, make sure to visit each Mission Viejo area (north, central and south) and its park pages like THIS PAGE.

Some of Our Mission Viejo Parks

Napoli Park and Bathgate Elementary
Pacific Hills Park
Marguerite O’Neill Park
Pinecrest Park
Linda Vista Park
Crucero Park; Saddleback in the distance.
Doria Park
Eastbrook Park
Gilleran Park
Aegean Hills Park
Sycamore Park
Oso Viejo Community Park
Valyermo Park
Plenty of space to play at El Dorado Park
Minaya Park
Wilderness Glen Park
Aurora Park
Granada Park
Volleyball at Turf Lane Park
Oso Creek Trail and Jeronimo Open Space
Castille Park
Christopher Park
Bart Spendlove Park
Melinda Park
Cordova Park
William S. Craycraft Park
Florence Joyner Olympiad Park
Seville Park
La Paws Dog Park
Sgt. Matt Davis Memorial Park

And don’t forget to visit the Park Pages for each neighborhood to see tons more photos! Like this PAGE.

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Castille Elementary School Mission Viejo

Mission Viejo Schools

by Jackie Gibbins

Mission Viejo is served by two school districts, and both are excellent. Saddleback Valley Unified School District generally serves the homes in the westerly portion of the city. It also serves Lake Forest. To find out more, visit their site here. You can see the Mission Viejo Schools and find links to each school’s site. There is a school locator page, but here is the link for your convenience.

Want to check out how each school rates? Go to Great Schools site here: Mission Viejo Area Schools.

Homes in the more easterly section of Mission Viejo are served by the Capistrano Unified School District. You can view district maps, get a list of schools and more at their web site here. They, too, have a handy school locator, and here is the link. You can also find rating and reviews for these schools at Great Schools via the link above.

SaddlebacK College Entry
Getting a degree from Saddleback College

Mission Viejo residents are lucky to live so close to Saddleback College in South Mission Viejo where they can easily further their education. My sons went there, and one transferred to and graduated from UCLA. Some of my adult friends took courses, too. In my experience, it is a wonderful community college. To view their web site, get course info and schedules, go their web site HERE.

La Tierra Early Childhood Center – Formerly La Tierra Elementary School
De Portola Elementary School
Del Lago Elementary
Montevideo Elementary School
Mission Viejo High School
Capistrano Valley High School
La Paz Middle School
Philip J Reilly Elementary School
Castille Elementary
Los Alisos Middle School
Glen Yermo Elementary Schoo
Cordillera Elementary School
Fred Newhart Middle School
Carl Hankey Elementary School
Del Cerro Elementary School
Linda Vista Elementary School
Bathgate Elementary
Montevideo Elementary School
Viejo Elementary School

Mission Viejo also has several private and faith-based school options. I don’t have any first hand knowledge about these schools and am not recommending any, but am listing some here for your information:  Mission Viejo Christian School, Marguerite Christian School, Carden Academy, Pillars Academy, Village Montessori Center, Esperanza Special Education School and Fusion Academy to name a few.

Rancho Mission Viejo Little League Champs

Sports and Recreation

by Jackie Gibbins Leave a comment

There are many, many parks and fields where residents of Mission Viejo can enjoy a host of sports and games. There are several parks throughout the city that have lighted softball fields such as Curtis Park, Gilleran Park, William S. Craycraft Park and the Youth Athletic Park off Olympiad. Many others have unlit softball fields such as Aurora Park, Castille Park, Christopher Park, Vista del Lago Park and Cordova Park.

Gilleran Park
Mission Viejo Youth Athletic Field
Playing Field at Oso Viejo Park
Curtis Park – Several Ball Fields
Field at William S. Craycraft Park
Beebe Park – Ball Fields and Skate Park

Most of the parks just mentioned also feature a soccer or football field as do Preciados Park, Pavion Park, Pacific Hills Park and Eastbrook Park. Many of these also have a playground and picnic tables. Basketball courts can be found at some of the parks just named and at Barbadanes Park, Marguerite M. O’Neill Park and Valyermo Park. To find out more about the city parks and sports facilities they have, visit the City of Mission Viejo Interactive Map. Lake Mission Viejo offers fishing and boating.

Mission Viejo Nadadores
Nadadores Swim and Aquatics
Florence Joyner Olympiad Park

In 1984, Mission Viejo hosted some of the Summer Olympic Cycling events. They were held partly along what was once called O’Neill Road, now renamed “Olympiad”. The Mission Viejo Nadadores Swimmers and Divers have been a source of pride for Mission Viejo since they formed in 1968, having several members compete in many Olympic events over the years. Another long-time Mission Viejo resident and Olympian was Florence Griffith Joyner. A beautiful park on Olympiad and Alicia bears her name to honor our Mission Viejo athletes.

The Mission Viejo Family YMCA off Marguerite is a wonderful complete facility. Members of the whole family can find a program that works for them. Check them out here.

Montanoso Recreation Center
Tennis at the Marguerite Recreation Center
Sierra Recreation Center
Felipe Tennis Center
Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Norman P. Murray Community Center

The city has several other Community Recreation Facilities: the Felipe Tennis Center, the Montanoso Recreation and Fitness Center, Norman P. Murray Community Center and Senior Center and the Sierra Recreation and Fitness Center to name a few. Again, check out the City’s Interactive Map to locate a specific facility and to find out more. Also visit the Recreation Centers Page.

For your convenience, I have provided several links below the photos to various activities in Mission Viejo.

Mission Viejo Skate Park
Little League Softball
Trabuco Hills HS Girls Soccer
Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Napoli Park in South Mission Viejo
Pinecrest Park
James Gilleran Park – Lighted Ball Fields
Bocce Ball at Oso Viejo Park
Volleyball at Castille Park
Great field for playing games at Crucero Park.
Pacific Hills Park
Volleyball at Turf Lane Park
Great Playing Field
Fields at Melinda Park
Marguerite Recreation Center

A fun night for the whole family would be a night of bowling at Saddleback Lanes off Marguerite Parkway just south of La Paz Road.

Fishing at Lake Mission Viejo

South Mission Viejo Little League

Viejo Little League

Little League District 68

Marguerite Tennis Pavilion

AYSO Region 84

Activities and sports at Lake Mission Viejo

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Mission Viejo Country Club and Golf Course Mission Impossible

Golf in Mission Viejo

by Jackie Gibbins Leave a comment

Mission Viejo folks love the outdoors and they love their sports. It makes sense that the city is home to three golf courses. All are beautiful and scenic and bring enjoyment to golfers and non-golfers alike.

Mission Viejo Golf Course

The Mission Viejo Country Club and Golf Course, located in Mission Viejo South, can’t be missed as you drive up Oso Parkway off the San Diego 5 Freeway. The Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed course is, in the Country Club’s words, “the centerpiece of the Club.” Constructed in 1967, it is one of the premier private courses in Southern California. The Country Club members also have access to and enjoy amenities such as private tennis courts, aquatics, fitness center, dining room and a private art gallery.

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Casta del Sol Golf Course

Casta del Sol Course is an 18-hole public course constructed in 1970 by Ted Robinson. I have had many friends enjoy their play time on this course! You can find out more by visiting the course’s site here. They have a Pro Shop, Bar & Grill and Snack Bar, Practice Facility and rentals.

Wonderful skies over Casta del Sol Golf Course
Overlooking Casta del Sol Golf Course
View of Casta del Sol Golf Course
Casta del Sol Golf Course
Casta del Sol Golf Course

Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

The newest course in Mission Viejo is the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. It is a public access course designed by PGA Tour professional Tom Lehman and well-respected local golf course architect, Casey O’Callaghan. Accessed off Avery Parkway in South Mission Viejo, it has an unforgettable setting adjacent to the Arroyo Trabuco. They offer instruction, wedding and banquet facilities and feature a Pro Shop and Bar & Grill.

Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course in Misison Viejo
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course
Dogs at La Paws Dog Park Mission Viejo

Mission Viejo Pets

by Jackie Gibbins

Most people have some kind of pet. If you live in Mission Viejo, you have access to great parks to exercise your pet, veterinary services and pet supply stores. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, currently about 36% of households own a dog, and just over 30% of households own a cat. That does not count birds and fish, turtles, snakes, lizards and other critters folks keep as pets.

There are several care centers for your animal friends in Mission Viejo. Here are a few of them for your information and for researching on your own; please click on their links: Animal and Bird Clinic of Mission Viejo, Animal Medical Center of Mission Viejo, Muirlands Animal and Avian Hospital, Alisos Animal Hospital and Olympiad Animal Hospital.

I have been to many of the pet supply stores in Mission Viejo, including Kahoots Pet Store, Pets Plus, PetCo, Pet Supply Warehouse and the Sand Bar Pet Shop.

Mission Viejo Animal Services
Mission Viejo Animal Services
Mission Viejo Animal Services

Pet Adoption

My Cat DharmaMy own pet cat, Dharma, was a rescue kitty. I adopted her when she was four back in 2005. She had been placed TWICE before and returned TWICE to the rescue society. Fortunately for her and for me, it was meant to be, and I adopted her. She was the sweetest pet ever and much loved. She passed in 2016. ADOPT A PET! Mission Viejo has a wonderful Animal Service Center near the Home Depot in South Mission Viejo. They have a fabulous informational site; check it out HERE.

La Paws Dog Park

Mission Viejo has a new dog park where you can take your pet off leash to play with other dog buddies. There are three separate enclosures for use and ample parking. For more information and rules, visit the City of Mission Viejo site HERE.

Happy Cat
Pet Lizard – Sand Bar Pet Shop
La Paws Dog Park
At the Dog Park
Entry to La Paws Dog Park
Happy Dog!
Kahoots Pet Store
Off Leash at the Dog Park
La Paws Dog Park
La Paws Dog Park
PetCo in Mission Viejo
Parakeets at PETCO
Walking at Flo Jo Park

 

Mission Viejo home rose garden Orange roses

Garden

by Jackie Gibbins Leave a comment

Whether you live in a spacious custom residence on the lake or in a condo at Casa Loma, having a garden to cultivate and nurture can add to the beauty of your Mission Viejo Home and your quality of life.

Mary Magdalene RoseI love to garden. The Rose garden pictured is mine as are some of the other plant close-ups. It seems I am always planting or moving something or trying a different plant; just plain having fun in the dirt. There are several local nurseries I like to visit to indulge my passion.

Here is a list of local garden resources and my own comments about them:

  • Green Thumb; an extensive variety of plants, indoor and out, outdoor decor, some garden gift items, some misc home-related merchandise like mailboxes, signs, sprinklers, hoses.  Lots of soil, amendment, rock and mulch options labeled very well. Pots and fountains. Decent prices  and good merchandise.
  • Plant DepotPlant Depot in San Juan Capistrano Nursery; this is probably my favorite place to go since this place is huge, well laid out with an excellent area for home and garden gifts and do-dads. Excellent varieties, exceptional display and choice of succulents. Knowledgeable and friendly people. Priced a little higher but obviously I think it is worth it.
  • Armstrong Garden Center; there are two I go to. One on Crown Valley in Laguna Niguel and the other in San Juan on Del Obispo. Laguna Niguel is smaller and choice is not as extensive, but has the basics. I like the one in San Juan because of variety, the staff and the garden-related supplies and gifts offered.
  • Rogers Gardens; if you want something special, go to Rogers Gardens. If you love gardening, go to Rogers gardens. You need to go if you love gardening just to experience their displays and varieties. The Holidays are always special there. Pricey but you will find some wonderful plants and merchandise here. Staff is exceptional.
  • Home Depot; they have a rotating variety of plants as well as some staples for So Cal gardens they always offer. good prices. Most of the plants I have purchased there have done well.

Hopefully you will be inspired by some of the work other Mission Viejo residents have completed.

Water-wise front yard of Madrid Home
Entry walk lined with colorful geraniums
Water-wise Garden at Aegean Hills Home
Sunburst Aeonium are amazing succulents for the garden.
Beautiful Pool and Garden
My Pink Trumpet Tree
Tuscan Inspired Pool and Garden
Colorful front slope and beautiful hardscape.
Water-wise landscaping in rear yard
Shade garden in front courtyard
My Rainbow Jade Plants
Luminous Golden Celebration Roses
Flowering Aloe at La Paws Dog Park
Newly renovated entry landscaping
Formal container garden and Iceberg roses
Vacation All Year at Home
Small Sideyard Garden
Great Deck in Back Yard
Colorful and low maintenance front yard landscaping.
Casta del Sol Homes Recreation Center and Garden

Over 55 Homes

by Jackie Gibbins Leave a comment

A great thing about living in Mission Viejo is that you have so many housing options. You can raise your family here, be an active single or couple, and you can retire here, too! Mission Viejo is home to two age-restricted communities for folks over 55 and a few other communities like the Heritage Villas Senior Apartments, Heritage Pointe, and if extra care is needed, there is Sunrise of Mission Viejo and Vintage Mission Viejo.

Casta del Sol

Casta del Sol Homes | Mission ViejoCasta del Sol is a guard gated community in Mission Viejo Central off Marguerite Parkway and between Jeronimo and Alicia. There are four entrances. There are several different types of homes from 1000sf two bedroom attached homes to spacious detached residences of over 2000sf. Several have views. The residences are members of the Casta del Sol Golf Course, they can enjoy the two recreation centers, complete with pools, spas and tennis courts, clubs, games and events. For more information about the community, go to the Association web site here.

To search for any active Casta del Sol homes for sale, CLICK HERE.

Palmia

Palmia Homes Over 55 Neighborhood Mission ViejoPalmia is a newer community built by J.M. Peters in the late 1980’s and the early 1990’s and is located in Mission Viejo North. It is a gated and guarded community and features several property types to choose from. It has a resort-like feel while Casta del Sol has a rural feel. It, too, features a golf course, a community center, pools, spas, tennis, clubs and a lot more. Visit their Association website for more information here.

To search for any homes for sale throughout the Palmia community, CLICK HERE.

Casta del Sol Neighborhood
Updated Carmel Home in Casta del Sol; Office in Front Room
Casta del Sol Recreation Center
Beautiful Greenbelt View in Casta del Sol
Golf at Palmia Community
Casta del Sol Home – Carmel
Palmia Homes
Casta del Sol Golf Course
Casta del Sol Rec Center
Spacious Palmia Home
Palmia Homes
Completely Updated Kitchen in Casta del Sol Home
Remodeled Bathroom in Casta del Sol Home
Well Maintained Neighborhood
Palmia Homes
Palmia Homes
Single Level Homes
Palmia Community Entry Monument
Updated Kitchen in Casta del Sol Home
Casta del Sol Home Welcomes You!
Come Home to this Residence in Palmia

Of course, you can go to the Home Search Page to expand your search or go to my Orange County Real Estate site for more searches right at your fingertips and more real estate info.

The video below is a walk-thru of a remodeled and updated home in Casta del Sol. Enjoy!

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Florence Joyner Olympiad Park Mission Viejo

Beautiful Mission Viejo

by Jackie Gibbins

I love living in Mission Viejo, mostly because of the location in Saddleback Valley where we are surrounded by so much natural beauty. The City Founders and residents built upon that and created wonderful streetscapes, parks and open space to enhance and complement the natural beauty.

These native wonders include Oso Creek and the trail residents have created to walk alongside it; omnipresent Saddleback along with the Santa Ana Mountain Range; the gently rolling foothills all around us that are covered with mustard flowers in the spring that create habitat for our native wildlife and the birds and animals themselves that love living here, too. The lake and the incredible parks and open space tend to top the list of man made wonders of the city. I have also found that the folks who live here are very good at creating gorgeous homes and gardens.

The people of Mission Viejo are super, too. I get to meet and talk to a lot of folks who live here, and I usually get a smile or a wave and a friendly face, even when just passing on the street or in the park.

Beautiful Mission Viejo
Memorial at Norman P. Murray Center
Mustard Flowers on Quail Run Hill
Beautiful Mission Viejo; did this young woman inspire this phrase? 1969
View Toward Arroyo Trabuco
Lovely View of Lake Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo Golf Course
Flowering Aloe at La Paws Dog Park
Oak Trees in Aurora Park
Mission Viejo Tennis Pavilion
Marguerite O’Neill Park
Bird of Paradise at the Library
Landscaping at Corner in Madrid del Lago Neighborhood
A Neighbor’s Rose Garden
Oso Creek Trail and Jeronimo Open Space
Mission Viejo Business Landscaping
View from Curtis Park
High Park Entry Monument
Mission Viejo Country Club
Wonderful Custom Entry on Cordova Home
Sycamore Trees
Single Level Mission Ridge Home
Casta del Sol Rec Center
Tres Vistas Homes and Mallorca Condos on the Lake
Misssion Viejo Library
Florence Joyner Olympiad Park
La Paz Plaza

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Students at Carl Hankey Elementary School

Mission Viejo Neighbors

by Jackie Gibbins

Though Mission Viejo has many diverse neighborhoods, we are held together by the thoughtful planning that took place in the early 1960’s. The backbone streets, signage, lighting, etc. all have a cohesive look. The lifestyle of residents was also taken into consideration, and a system of parks, rec centers, trails and open space was envisioned. The planners and developers wanted to build a community and not just sell some houses.

Finisterra on the Green Alta
Madrid Homes Neighborhood
Timberline Homes Mission Viejo North
Corodova Park Next to Carl Hankey School
La Paz Homes
Napoli Park and Bathgate Elementary

I have reviewed some old advertising, and even the architecture of some of the models were designed to encourage socializing from your front balcony or front porch or patio. And with new families moving in, the city needed schools. Properly selecting a site for a school is a challenge, but it seems the city got it right in most cases. Access to and from via car or bus is relatively easy, and pedestrian access between homes at most school sites is particularly helpful for the students.

Linda Vista Park
Madrid Homes Near Christopher Park
Aurora Park
Aegean Heights Club House
Neighborhood Businesses at corner of Jeronimo and Marguerite
La Paz Plaza

The many parks and rec centers were also designed to develop a strong community. Easy access and beautiful settings that encourage you to stay and gather with friends and family were utilized. It also seems that care and thought was given to size and placement of business and commercial sites throughout the city. Smaller sites such as Royal Donuts and Burgers at smaller intersections, and a nice mid-size center like the one just up the street at Trabuco and Marguerite make so much sense and complement the neighborhood. And make it so easy to live here!

As a real estate agent, I get to meet all kinds of folks. I enjoy speaking to and helping long-time Mission Viejo residents. They usually have great stories to tell, and it is gratifying to assist them in selling their home. Then there are folks who may be new to Misssion Viejo; I like telling my buyer clients about Misssion Viejo and all it has to offer.

Bocce Ball at Oso Viejo Park
A Quiet Walk in the Park
Happy Dog and owner at Flo Jo Park
Playing in the Park
Rescued Dogs and Their Owner
Playing Chess at the Murray Center
Felipe Tennis Center
Boy Shows Me His Find at a Park
A Couple Walking in the Park

The parks and rec centers of Mission Viejo are ideal places to meet up, participate in organized activities, play a game or find a quiet spot to study or read a book. Community Centers and the Library have events and programs of interest to all.

The city does a great job at maintaining and upgrading the common areas and the landscaping, too. The parks seem to always look beautiful and well-kept. It helps us feel connected, maintains property values and lets us know we are at home in Mission Viejo.

Eastbrook Homes
Stoneridge Neighborhood Monument Sign
El Dorado Homes Neighborhood
Pinecrest Neighborhood
Califia Homes
Evergreen Lakeview Homes
Ashton Condos
California Terrace Condos
Neighbors Walking Around Lake Mission Viejo
Baja Finisterra Homes
Deane Homes Near Marguerite O’Neill Park
Bagels and Brew
Evergreen Ridge Neighborhood
Couple at Flo Jo Park
J.M. Peters Homes Neighborhood
Rainbow Ridge
Casta del Sol Neighborhood
Basketball at Barbadanes Park
Family at Oso Viejo Park
Welcome Home
Aegean Heights Homes
Waterford Homes Near Minaya Park
Kids at Flo Jo Park