Communities of South Orange County
Property in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa
Margarita, Trabuco Canyon, Robinson Ranch, Walden, Rancho Cielo, Dove
Canyon, Coto de Caza, Wagon Wheel, Las Flores, and Ladera Ranch have a
rich history dating to the mid-1700's. Capitan Gaspar de Portola, with
63 men and two priests, on July 22, 1769, established the territory
known as Rancho Mission Viejo. After the 1821 Mexican independence, an
English trader named John Foster ( Don Juan Forster ) acquired title to
Ranchos Trabuco, Mission Viejo, and Los Portreros. Later he purchased
the property known as Santa Margarita, to stretch his holdings from
Oceanside to Aliso Canyon, an area of over 200,000 acres. In 1882 the
property was purchased by Richard O'Neill, and it has remained in the
family since then.
The ranch was a working cattle spread, and O'Neill imported healthy
livestock to turn it from a non-prosperous property to a profit
producing venture. In 1923 nearly 230,000 acres was consolidated as The
Santa Margarita Company. With the outbreak of World War II, the San
Diego section was deeded to the Marines and became Camp Joseph H.
Pendleton. In 1941, after division of the properties, the canyon
properties, with 52,000 acres, became Rancho Mission Viejo.
Portions of the property have been converted to the development of
communities. The ranch still exists today, run by members of the O'Neill
family. Development is handled by the family's operational company.
Starting with the 10,000 acre planned community of Mission Viejo, the
properties have been developed to meet the home needs of Orange County
residents. They are nationally recognized for careful planning and their
architecture which blends with the surrounding national forest and
wildlife sanctuaries.
Shopping
Residents of the canyon communities have access to a wide range of shopping opportunities. Neighborhoods are located close to centers with grocery stores, pharmacies, and personal services ( cleaners, hair salons, video rentals, etc. ). There are several larger commercial centers in the area with chain retail stores and restaurants.Communities have a blend of fast food establishments, family restaurants, and formal dining establishments. Vehicle service centers and automobile dealerships are easily accessible and tend to be clustered for convenience. There are two large shopping malls ( Laguna Hills and The Shops at Mission Viejo ) which are modern, bright, and have many large chains. All national department stores are represented in the area.
Irvine Spectrum is an outdoor center with many acres of retail stores, kiosks, diverse dining opportunities, entertainment, and areas to socialize. Visitors can wander for hours browsing the many offerings.
The area is close to South Coast Plaza, an immense regional shopping center which provides an exciting shopping experience, and a tremendous selection. The Carlsbad Outlets are about 40 miles south, and have stores hosted by many name brand chains, featuring new products often below wholesale pricing.
Entertaiment
The communities are served by several movie theaters ( Mission Viejo
Kaleidoscope, Rancho Santa Margarita Cinemas, Regal Cinemas at Foothill
Ranch ), the Irvine Spectrum Entertainment Center with its Megaplex and
Imax theaters, and other theaters in surrounding communities.
Fine arts are provided by the Orange County Performing Arts Center, and
local theater groups in the communities. The OCPAC provides a Broadway
Musical Series, a Philarmonic Society, Opera, Ballet, a Pops Concert
series, Childrens Theater, two stage production companies, and many
youth programs.
The communities are close to Laguna Beach, an artist community that
hosts the Pageant of the Masters, and the Sawdust Festival each summer.
There are several excellent golf courses in the area, including two in
Mission Viejo, two in Coto de Caza, one in Dove Canyon, and one in Las
Flores.
The communities are close to the beaches of the Southern California
coast. Mission Viejo has a mile long membership lake open for swimming,
boating, fishing, and family gatherings. Rancho Santa Margarita has a
smaller lake with a walking paths and fishing. There are numerous
wildlife preserves bordering the communities, with parks, community
pools, picnic area, playground, sports fields and even campgrounds
within the area.
Schools
The South Orange County area is served by two large public districts, Capistrano USD, and Saddleback Valley USD in addition to a number of private schools. These institutions are known for their award winning programs at the state, and national, level.
The area also includes a two campus community college district, plus auxillary sites for several colleges and universities.
Need Help Fast ?
Police
(949) 770-6011
Fire
(714) 744-0400
Poison Control
(800) 876-4766
Mission Medical Center
(949) 364-1400
Saddleback Memorial
Health Center
(949) 837-4500
