Alright, I relocated for work and With a population of 92,415, Mission Viejo is a smaller city. You can expect to pay around $2,713 for rent here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Does this match your experience? TIA! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up.
27 upvotes
3 Replies
Harper Collins
as a local I can confirm
22 upvotes
Isaac Moore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 4 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Carter Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 8 years. Moved from Dallas for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not very walkable outside downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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