Get to know Mission Viejo, CA

The affluent Orange County city of Mission Viejo lies in the Saddleback Valley.  It is one of the largest master planned communities in the United States.  The land was used mainly as grazing lands for cattle and sheep because it was too hilly to farm.  It was one of the last areas of Orange County to be developed because most felt it was undevelopable.  Even in 1960 it was dismissed by land developers.  It was not until Donald Bren drafted a plan to place houses on the hills to contour to the geography did development occur.  By 1980 the city had taken shape.  In 1988 the City of Mission Viejo was incorporated.  The city’s largest employers include Mission Hospital and Saddleback College.  Famous residents have included Kina Grannis and Greg Louganis.

Quick Facts

Population: 95,979

Median Household Income: $100,366

Median Property Value: $584,000