Worst things about Mission Viejo nobody talks about
I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $2,713 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Ruth P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Carson
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Jayden Jones
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Italian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Aurora B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 31, moved here 9 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Riverside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
23 upvotes
Colton Jones
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
8 upvotes
Clara Gutierrez
following this thread
5 upvotes
Ian J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 3 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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