Rancho Mission Viejo

Rancho Mission Viejo is many things, it is a ranch/farm, a habitat reserve, and a planned community. It spans 23,000 acres of land in beautiful Orange County, California. Much of the area is still under construction, such as schools, shopping centers, and new neighborhoods are being built all the time. So, obviously, it is a thriving and growing community, in fact, the construction plans are slated to continue through 2030. One of the gems of this community is the beautiful 11,000-acre nature reserve. It is a warm and welcoming community, diverse and wonderful.

The community features five excellent clubhouses with differing amenities. The Hilltop Club features a fitness center, a bar & lounge, BBQ space, ping pong, and bocce ball areas resort-style pool and a classic arcade with wonderful old school video games for the enjoyment of residents. The Ranch House features areas for parties and events in the Great Room, a wonderful outdoor patio, BBQ area, a fitness center a saltwater pool with lap lanes, and for the kids a wading pool and splash pad area. Canyon House features Canyon Coffee, a gorgeous courtyard overlooks the breathtaking Oak Canyon, numerous open-air rooms and indoor spaces for meetings parties, and more, an on-site catered kitchen and the perfect setting for a lovely wedding. The Garage is a visitor’s center extraordinaire, find information on the community and places of interest,  it has wonderful spaces for meetings, activities, and events, as well as an indoor bar and kitchenette, an outdoor firepit, and playhouses and jungle gyms for the children. Lastly, there is The Outpost, which features a spa, pool, bocce ball courts, and a bar with mixology classes. In addition to all these perks, the community hosts daily, weekly and monthly events and activities. For example, seasonal celebrations, holiday events, and cultural events, and more that encourage community connections.

The history of Rancho Mission Viejo began with a partnership between James Flood and Richard O’Neil Sr. who were both Irish immigrants making their way quite successfully in America. Flood, a carriage maker, and saloon keeper earned a fortune when he and his associates came to control the rich Comstock Lode silver. On the other hand, O’Neil was not wealthy, but he was a very respected and hard-working cattleman. O’Neil established a meat market in San Francisco and that is how he came to know Flood as his meat man for Flood’s saloon. The men became friends and the partnership grew from there.

The pair first acquired three ranches including Rancho Mission Viejo 1882. Flood supplied the funds and O’Neil provided sweat equity and ranching knowledge and soon the pair were quite successful. After 25 years O’Neil had well earned his half of the lands and business. The lands stayed in the families for generations until the Navy purchased lands from the Flood family in 1942. By the 1960s urban landscapes were encroaching and the O’Neil family and their partners shifted their efforts toward building a community with all the perks. There are gorgeous homes for sale and other intriguing real estate options to find your new home in this thriving community, call local real estate agent and expert Larry Bammer at 1-949-547-2255 today!