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Mission Viejo is a suburban city located in the southern portion of Orange County along the Interstate 5 Freeway. It is one of the newest cities in America being incorporated in 1988. The city covers an area of approximately 17.4 miles as per the Census Bureau and as of the year 2000 the population was estimated at 97,997.
Mission Viejo is a master planned community and one of the most successful in the nation. It is well known as a picturesque community with tree-lined boulevards and beautiful parks, there is a park for every 2 square miles of the city. The community is mainly residential with the city´s master plan balancing modern business and commercial centers with residential and recreational opportunities which gives the residents a quality of life that rises above most and has been rated exceptional by some.
Mission Viejo has gained such recognition that it has attracted families from all over the country making it a top relocation destination for those moving to southern California. Ideally located between the cities of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego along the east side of the I-5 Freeway, it provides easy access to these three major job markets along with the enormous variety of activities and events that go along with these cities. The families that have relocated to this area have been pleasantly surprised at the home values and the quality of life that can be had in comparison to the surrounding communities and the beach areas such as Newport and Laguna Niguel.
The close proximity of the I-5 Freeway gives the residents convenient access to all major connecting freeways in Southern California. Mission Viejo is also serviced by the Metro Link transportation system providing commuter rail service to Los Angeles, Buena Park, Fullerton, Anaheim, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, Irvine and Laguna Niguel to the north and San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Oceanside to the south. The John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana is only minutes away and the Los Angeles International Airport is less than an hour from Mission Viejo. Train and bus connections are also easily accessible.
The pristine beaches of Newport, Laguna, and San Clemente are all within a short distance. With the all-year beach weather in sunny southern California this is a great advantage. The area has several outstanding golf courses. There are also several trails and wilderness, historical and regional parks within a few minutes drive of the city. Ski resorts, mountain and desert recreation can be reached in about an hour more or less with ski resorts being the farthest from Mission Viejo. You can snow ski in the morning, water ski in the afternoon and followup with fine dining and dancing or attend a theater in the evening; you can do it all when you live in this fabulous community. Mission Viejo also has its very own 125 acre (man-made) lake, Mission Viejo Lake has excellent fishing and two beaches and every resident of the City of Mission Viejo receives an annual free pass.
Any of these factors would make Mission Viejo a good location and a combination of some would make it a great location but to have all of these factors combined in one city make Mission Viejo a superlative location.
The City of Mission Viejo operates as a contract city, contracting with government entities and private firms to provide its municipal services. Mission Viejo contracts with the Orange County Sheriff's Department for Police Services. The Chief of Police is the Department Head for Public Safety and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of law enforcement. With its consistently low crime levels the City of Mission Viejo is one of the safest cities in Orange County, the state of California and the entire nation. The Orange County Fire Authority provides fire prevention/suppression and emergency services to Mission Viejo.
Education in the city is provided by two school districts the Saddleback Valley Unified School District and the Capistrano Unified School District, There are several elementary schools, a number of intermediate schools and seven high schools under the leadership of these two awarding winning districts. Mission Viejo is also home to the highly accredited Saddleback College. The city has a superb library, the Mission Viejo Library, with internet access. Using your internet browser you may access library databases and a variety of programs including a tutoring resource with live homework help.
The economy in Mission Viejo is robust and diversified. The master plan for this community was designed to attract business and industry leaders which it has done very well. Mission Viejo is known to be a business friendly city. The City does not have a business tax, impact fees or business license fees, and revitalization funds for businesses are available. Low crime and easy accessibility to freeways and ports from all the surrounding areas also make it extremely attractive to business. Business and residents appreciate the accessibility of city officials, the quick turnaround of permit requests, and the high standards of quality and service.
Many of the businesses in Mission Viejo are retail and service oriented. The city has several outstanding shopping centers with hundreds of shops and places to eat, drink and relax. Shopping is always a pleasure at the Shops At Mission Viejo mall, conveniently located right of the i-5 Freeway at the Crown Valley and Avery exists.
Mission Viejo offers a superior lifestyle to its community. The greenbelts and parks accent the rolling hills dotted with homes and as well as the business centers giving the area charm and beauty. The low crime gives one a sense of peace of mind. The community's traditional family values make it a great place to raise a family. The schools are some of the best in Southern California and the entire state for that matter. Recreational and cultural opportunities abound with easy access to the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego´s cultural activities and recreation of every kind. The job opportunities in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties has attracted a well-educated work force to the city. All of these factors together make Mission Viejo a community that goes beyond excellence and one of the most desirable communities in the state and the nation.
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