Neighborhood – My Mission Viejo Home

My Mission Viejo Home

by Jackie GibbinsMarch 4, 2016September 30, 2017

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.

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

by Jackie GibbinsMarch 2, 2016September 30, 2017

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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Mission Viejo Homes

by Jackie GibbinsFebruary 29, 2016September 30, 2017 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.

Califia Homes

Cortez Home

Casta del Sol Home – Carmel

Quail Run Homes

Coronado Homes

Canyon Crest Homes

El Dorado Home

Finisterra Condos on the Lake

Granada Homes

Mallorca Condos on Lake Mission Viejo

Mirasol Homes

Auburn Ridge Home

Bonita Vista Homes

Nice Galicia Home

Search for Melrose Homes for Sale in Mission Viejo

Melorse and Mirasol Homes for Sale

Andalusia Homes

New Castille Home

Palmia Homes

S&S El Dorado Homes

Cordova Home

Mission Ridge Homes

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.

Eastbrook Homes

Sunrise Ridge Homes

California Court

Shady Hollow Home

Coral Gardens

Evergreen Lakeview Homes

Montiel Homes

Deane Homes

Mission Viejo Homes | Stoneridge Gallery

Stoneridge Home

J.M. Peters Homes

Greystone Town Homes

Monterey Master Home Neighborhood Mission Viejo

Monterey Masters Home

Pacific Hills Homes

Briarwood Home

Seville Home

Barcelona Homes

Madrid Homes

Single Level Mission Ridge Home

La Paz Home

California Terrace Condos

Delta Homes

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

by Jackie GibbinsFebruary 28, 2016September 30, 2017 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.

View of Tres Vistas, Mallorca Condos and Saddleback

Saddleback and Pride of Madeira at Lake Mission Viejo

Pride of Madeira Plants Frame the View

North Arrow on pavement; City Seal in middle of arrow.

Biking Around Lake Mission Viejo

Finisterra on the Lake and Sailboats

Lake Mission Viejo

Meandering Walk Along Alicia Parkway | Lake Misison Viejo View

Beautiful Walk Along Alicia Parkway, South End of Lake

Bougainvillea Plants and Tres Vistas Custom Homes Lake Mission Viejo

Saddleback Overlooking the Lake

Boating on Lake Mission Viejo | View of Private Beach

Morning Cruise on 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.

Lake Mission Viejo and Saddleback | Pride of Madeira in Foreground

A Beautiful Still Spring Morning

Sailboats on Lake Mission Viejo Finisterra on the Lake

Sailing on Lake Mission Viejo

Bougainvillea at Lake Mission Viejo | Tres Vistas Custom Homes

View of Tres Vistas Custom Homes

Walking Around the Lake

Rose Garden Along Alicia Parkway Overlooking the Lake

Rest Area Overlooking 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.

Lake Mission Viejo

Beautiful Reflections

San Marino Custom Homes

Sailing on Beautiful Lake Mission Viejo

Mallorca Condos and Market on the Lake

Tres Vistas Homes and Mallorca Condos on Lake Mission Viejo

Tres Vistas Homes and Mallorca Condos on the Lake

Finisterra on the Lake and Sailboats Mission Viejo

Sailing on Lake Mission Viejo

Fishing on Lake Mission Viejo

Playground at Lake Mission Viejo Beach Boat Shaped Play Equipment

Playground at the Lake

Parks and Open Space

by Jackie GibbinsFebruary 26, 2016September 30, 2017 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

Aurora Park

Wonderful El Dorado Park in Mission Viejo; El Dorado Neighborhood Mission Viejo

Plenty of space to play at El Dorado Park

Wilderness Glen Park

Aegean Hills Park

Melinda Park

Granada Park

Napoli Park in South Mission Viejo next to Bathgate

Napoli Park and Bathgate Elementary

La Paws Dog Park

Minaya Park

Gilleran Park

Seville Park

Castille Park

Sycamore Park

Bart Spendlove Park

Pinecrest Park

Doria Park

Pacific Hills Park

Turf Lane Park Near Timberline Homes North Mission Viejo

Volleyball at Turf Lane Park

Christopher Park

Eastbrook Park

Cordova Park

Sgt. Matt Davis Memorial Park

Linda Vista Park

Valyermo Park

William S. Craycraft Park

Crucero Park; Saddleback in the distance.

Spring Time Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo

Oso Creek Trail and Jeronimo Open Space

Florence Joyner Olympiad Park

Marguerite O’Neill Park

Oso Viejo Community 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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Mission Viejo Schools

by Jackie GibbinsFebruary 25, 2016April 26, 2016

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.

Del Lago Elementary

Carl Hankey Elementary School

Philip J Reilly Elementary School

Linda Vista Elementary School

Viejo Elementary School

Los Alisos Middle School

Glen Yermo Elementary Schoo

Castille Elementary

De Portola Elementary School

Capistrano Valley High School

Mission Viejo High School

La Tierra Early Childhood Center – Formerly La Tierra Elementary School

Montevideo Elementary School

La Paz Middle School

Cordillera Elementary School

Montevideo Elementary School

Bathgate Elementary

Fred Newhart Middle School

Del Cerro 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.

Sports and Recreation

by Jackie GibbinsFebruary 24, 2016September 30, 2017 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

William S Craycraft Park Ballfield in Mission Viejo

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.

Nadadores Swim and Aquatics in Mission Viejo

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

Mission Viejo Marguerite Recreation Center Tennis

Tennis at the Marguerite Recreation Center

Sierra Recreation Center

Felipe Tennis Center

Mission Viejo Family YMCA

Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center Mission Viejo

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.

Fields at Melinda Park

Pacific Hills Park

Napoli Park in South Mission Viejo

Great Playing Field

Mission Viejo Skate Park

Mission Viejo Family YMCA

Great field for playing games at Crucero Park.

James Gilleran Park – Lighted Ball Fields

Pinecrest Park

Volleyball at Castille Park

Marguerite Recreation Center

Volleyball at Turf Lane Park

Trabuco Hills High School Soccer Mission Viejo

Trabuco Hills HS Girls Soccer

Bocce Ball at Oso Viejo Park

Rancho Mission Viejo Little League Champs

Little League Softball

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 Pets

by Jackie GibbinsFebruary 22, 2016April 2, 2016

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

Pet Adoption

My 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.

Dogs Walking at Florence Joyner Park in Mission Viejo

Walking at Flo Jo Park

Entry to La Paws Dog Park

La Paws Dog Park

Off Leash at the Dog Park

La Paws Dog Park

Mission Viejo Cat Dharma the Cat in Her Box

Happy Cat

PetCo in Mission Viejo

Dogs at the La Paws Dog Park in Mission Viejo

At the Dog Park

Kahoots Pet Store

Parakeets at PETCO

Happy Dog!

La Paws Dog Park

Pet Lizard – Sand Bar Pet Shop

Garden

by Jackie GibbinsFebruary 19, 2016April 6, 2016 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.

I 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 Depot ; 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.

Waterwise Landscaping in Madrid Home Yard Mission Viejo

Water-wise front yard of Madrid Home

Water-wise Courtyard in Mission Viejo Home

Water-wise landscaping in rear yard

Golden Celebration Roses in Mission Viejo Garden

Luminous Golden Celebration Roses

Pink Trumpet Tree in Small Front Yard Mission Viejo Home

My Pink Trumpet Tree

Courtyard Landscape Design Mission Viejo Home

Newly renovated entry landscaping

Garden in small space sideyard of Mission Viejo Home Eastbrook Neighborhood

Small Sideyard Garden

Flowering Aloe at La Paws Dog Park

Jade Plants in Colorful Pots on Steps of Mission Viejo Home

My Rainbow Jade Plants

Entry walk lined with colorful geraniums

Colorful and low maintenance front yard landscaping.

Container Garden in Mission Viejo Courtyard

Formal container garden and Iceberg roses

Beautiful Pool and Garden

Shade garden in front courtyard

Sunburst succulents for the garden in Mission Viejo

Sunburst Aeonium are amazing succulents for the garden.

Water-wise Garden at Aegean Hills Home

Wood Deck in Back Yard of Mission Viejo Home

Great Deck in Back Yard

Pool Home in Pacific Hills Mission Viejo

Vacation All Year at Home

Tuscan Pool and Garden in Mission Viejo Yard Property

Tuscan Inspired Pool and Garden

Colorful front slope and beautiful hardscape.

Over 55 Homes

by Jackie GibbinsFebruary 18, 2016September 22, 2017 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 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 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.

Single Level Homes

Remodeled Bathroom in Casta del Sol Home

Palmia Community Entry Monument

Large Upscale Palmia Home in Mission Viejo Over 55

Spacious Palmia Home

Palmia Homes

Palmia Over 55 Community in Mission Viejo Upscale Gated Community

Palmia Homes

Welcome to this Palmia Home in Mission Viejo

Come Home to this Residence in Palmia

Palmia Homes

Casta del Sol Neighborhood in Mission Viejo Over 55

Well Maintained Neighborhood

Golf Course at Palmia Homes Mission Viejo Over 55 Real Estate

Golf at Palmia Community

Casta del Sol Carmel Homes | Mission Viejo

Casta del Sol Neighborhood

Palmia Homes

Beautifully updated kitchen in Casta del Sol Home in Mission Viejo

Completely Updated Kitchen in Casta del Sol Home

Updated Mission Viejo Home in Casta del Sol Beautiful Living Room

Updated Carmel Home in Casta del Sol; Office in Front Room

Casta del Sol Home – Carmel

Casta del Sol Golf Course

Life is easy at Casta del Sol in Mission Viejo

Casta del Sol Home Welcomes You!

Casta del Sol Recreation Center

Casta del Sol Neighborhood in Misison Viejo Over 55 Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Beautiful Greenbelt View in Casta del Sol

Updated Kitchen in Casta del Sol Home

Recreation Center and Gardens at Casta del Sol Mission Viejo

Casta del Sol Rec Center

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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Beautiful Mission Viejo

by Jackie GibbinsFebruary 17, 2016September 30, 2017

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

Mission Viejo Golf Course

High Park Monument Sign Entry to Business Park Mission Viejo

High Park Entry Monument

La Paz Plaza

Oak Trees in Aurora Park

View Toward Arroyo Trabuco

Misssion Viejo Library

Beautiful Mission Viejo; did this young woman inspire this phrase? 1969

Memorial at Norman P. Murray Center

View from Curtis Park

Mission Viejo Business Landscaping

Wonderful Custom Entry on Cordova Home

Mission Viejo Golf Course and Country Club

Mission Viejo Country Club

Casta del Sol Rec Center

Bird of Paradise at Mission Viejo Library

Bird of Paradise at the Library

Marguerite O’Neill Park

Mission Viejo Tennis Pavilion

Lake Mission Viejo and Saddleback on perfect Day

Lovely View of Lake Mission Viejo

Tres Vistas Homes and Mallorca Condos on the Lake

Quail Run Neighborhood Mission Viejo | Mustard Flowers

Mustard Flowers on Quail Run Hill

Single Level Mission Ridge Home

A Neighbor’s Rose Garden

Sycamore Trees

Oso Creek Trail and Jeronimo Open Space

Flowering Aloe at La Paws Dog Park

Florence Joyner Olympiad Park

Madrid Del Lago Neighborhood Mission Viejo

Landscaping at Corner in Madrid del Lago Neighborhood

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Mission Viejo Neighbors

by Jackie GibbinsFebruary 17, 2016April 15, 2016

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 and Park Mission Viejo North

Timberline Homes Mission Viejo North

Cordova Park Near Carl Hankey Middle School Mission Viejo

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

Royal Donuts and Burgers in Mission Viejo

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

Dog and Owner at Florence Joyner Park in Mission Viejo

Happy Dog and owner at Flo Jo Park

Kids Playing at Florence Joyner Park in Mission Viejo

Playing in the Park

Rescued Dogs and Their Owner

Playing Chess at Norman P. Murray Center Mission Viejo

Playing Chess at the Murray Center

Felipe Tennis Center

A Boy and a Bug at Flo Jo Park Mission Viejo

Boy Shows Me His Find at a Park

Young Couple at Florence Joyner Olympiad Park Mission Viejo

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

Dogs and Kids Walking Around Lake Mission Viejo

Neighbors Walking Around Lake Mission Viejo

El Dorado Homes Neighborhood

Casta del Sol Neighborhood

Rainbow Ridge

Stoneridge Gallery Mission Viejo Homes | Stoneridge Neighborhood and Properties for Sale

Stoneridge Neighborhood Monument Sign

Basketball at Barbadanes Park

Evergreen Ridge Neighborhood

Pinecrest Homes Neighborhood in Mission Viejo North

Pinecrest Neighborhood

Family Fun at Oso Viejo Park Mission Viejo

Family at Oso Viejo Park

California Terrace Homes in Mission Viejo

California Terrace Condos

Mission Viejo Digital Sign at La Paz and Marguerite

Welcome Home

Kids Play at Florence Joyner Olympiad Park Mission Viejo

Kids at Flo Jo Park

Bagels and Brew

Ashton Condos

Aegean Heights Homes

Waterford Homes Near Minaya Park

Califia Homes

J.M. Peters Homes Neighborhood

Couple at Florence Joyner Olympiad Park Mission Viejo

Couple at Flo Jo Park

Baja Finisterra Homes

Evergreen Lakeview Homes

Marguerite M. O'Neill Park in Central Mission Viejo Near the Deane Homes

Deane Homes Near Marguerite O’Neill Park

About Town

by Jackie GibbinsFebruary 16, 2016April 11, 2016

Mission Viejo is a decent size city in Orange County with a population of around 100,000. Fortunately, it is well-planned so that retail and commercial centers are strategically located with easy freeway access and near major cross streets for good visibility. Some shops come and go, but others have been around a long time like Moore’s Sewing Center on Marguerite. I have been going to Denault’s True Value Hardware since it opened at the corner of Oso and Marguerite. My son worked there for years. Custom Comfort has been around for decades, too, and has grown into a great success. However, I purchased my new mattress at Orange County Mattress on Alicia; sorry Custom Comfort!

Mission Viejo Florist

LA Fitness on Alicia at the 5 Freeway

Via Fabricante Businesses in Mission Viejo

One of several businesses along Via Fabricante

I enjoy visiting all the Starbucks, my favorite is the one off Oso and the 5 Freeway. I and my family have been purchasing new tires at the America’s Tire Store on Marguerite for years. Paradise Donuts and Deli at La Paz and Muirlands is a hidden gem for yummy donuts and good service. For more yummy stuff, French’s in the Gateway Center is fabulous. I just painted my home and bought the paint at Vista Paint at the corner of Muirlands and Alicia. In that same Vista Paint Plaza, there used to be a bridal store in the 1980’s. I purchased a veil there. I hired Stud Construction to perform a kitchen remodel. Their office is on Madero in Mission Viejo.

Bagels and Brew

Commerce Center on Madero in Mission Viejo Stud Construction

Businesses along Madero in Mission Viejo – Stud Construction

This business center on la Paz was one of the first in Mission Viejo

I have been going to Bagels and Brew off Alicia and Olympiad since they opened. The owner is wonderful, and I am happy her business is thriving. Misson Viejo Florist has always provided me with good service as has Mission Viejo Rentals off Jeronimo and Los Alisos. My son Likes ChocObean and Rubino’s Pizza off Marguerite and Oso Parkway. Royal Donuts and Burgers off Jeronimo and Marguerite has been around forever, and I do like their donuts!