Rancho Mission Viejo

View from The Hilltop Club of rolling hills

Rancho Mission Viejo is a master community that opened in 2013 with neighborhoods Sendero and 55+ Gavilan.  This phase is now sold out.  They are currently on the next phase called Esencia with 3 phases within.

At its completion it is anticipated to have 24,000 homes built in phases. 

They are now on the Phase called Esencia which comprises the neighborhoods of:

• The Canyon House
• The Hilltop
• The Northwalk

They also recently opened a "continuing life" community called Reata Glen.

New Phases Coming

Their next new phase coming in Spring 2022 will be called Village of Rienda and will feature the following neighborhoods (not for 55+).  However, in late 2022 or early 2023 there will again be opportunities for exclusively 55+ homes.

Current Phase:  Village of Rienda (not 55+):

• Portico by Lennar - (start low $400's) - Stacked flats
• Oasis by Lennar townhomes
• Paisley by TriPointe duplex
• Wildrose by TriPointe single homes
• Serenity by Lennar single homes
• Harvest by Meritage 2-story townhomes
• Evolve by Pulte 2-story singles (mid-$900's)

If you can wait, check out RMV new 55+ neighborhoods coming in 2022-2023.

Preservation

Thank goodness there is a preservation plan.  In my heart of hearts I love California.  But, to me, it is these rolling hills in their natural state that is the best of it.   Please verify all information about preservation and get more details on this and the history of the ranch at The Visitor Center. 

Esencia

The Esencia phase is now sold out but check with the community for verification. There are neighborhoods for 55+ designated Gavilan 55+ and all-age communities.  It is being built in phases also. Amenities are available to all the communities.

Generally open 10-5 every day but call the community if you want to be sure there is someone there.

Phase One:  The Canyon House Neighborhoods at Esencia in Rancho Mission Viejo

Since we are mainly interested in the Gavilan neighborhoods for 55+, we will not list all of the neighborhoods in the Canyon House neighborhoods.

The Canyon House neighborhood for 55+ is called Vireo by William Lyon Homes and it is now sold out.  It sold in the $500's.  There may be resales.  Check with local Realtors.

Vireo for 55+

Esensia Farm located in The Canyon House neighborhood

This Del Webb community is now sold out. Check with local Realtors for resales.  Originally priced in the $500's (verify).

Located in this neighborhood are Esencia Farm (for gardening) and Canyon Coffee, parks and BBQ Barn.  (All communities share all amenities.)

Phase Two:  The 55+ Hilltop Neighborhoods at Esencia 

Event at The Hilltop Club with live music and food

The views get better!  I was lucky the day I visited because they were having an event at The Hilltop Club. The events are for residents and sometimes open to the public if a marketing venue.  The views there were wonderful.  There was live music, food trucks, treats and socializing with your friends.   

The pool, one of many, near The Hilltop Club - many other activities here also

When looking to purchase try to visit Rancho Mission Viejo neighborhoods and model homes when there is an event for the public.  You will better understand the nature of everything.  The Hilltop Club had views, the California air (located not far from the ocean), activities (pool, games, recreation, firepits and more).  They call this Ranch Life.

The Neighborhoods of "The Hilltop"

Arista

Arista

Builder:          Del Webb

Price Started From:     $600's

Size:                Medium to Spacious One and Two-Story

Address:          25 Garcilla Dr.

Now sold out.

Iris

Iris

Builder:          Lennar

Price Started From:     $600's

Size:                Spacious to Large

Address:          44 Puesto Rd.

Is now sold out.

Avocet

Avocet

Builder:          CalAtlantic (A Lennar company)

Price From:     $700's

Size:               Medium to Spacious

Address:         61 Cerrero Court

Phone/Hours:  949-218-6331/10-5 (check status)

Cortesa

Cortesa

Builder:          Shea

Price From:     $700's

Size:                Spacious to Large

Address:          61 Cerrero Court

Phone:            949-218-6753 (check status)

Alondra

Alondra

Builder:          Shea Homes

Price From:     $900's

Size:                Large to Very Large

Address:          61 Cerrero Court

Phone:            949-218-6297 (check status)

The Northwalk Neighborhoods at Esencia RMV

These 2 neighborhoods for 55+ are both by Del Webb.  Since they are the closest to the Visitors Center (and easy to find from there) they may be the first ones you choose to see.)  They are located next to each other.  Please check the status of the communities.

Vida

Vida Residence Plan 1X

Vida

Builder:          Del Webb

Price Started From:     $600's

Size:               Small to Spacious

Address:         127 Luneta Lane

Is now sold out.

Alma

Alma Residence 3

Alma

Builder:          Del Webb

Price From:     $700's

Size:                Spacious to Large

Address:          121 Luneta Lane

Phone/Hours:  949-218-6331/10-5 

Other tips on going

Leave plenty of time.  This is a sprawling community.  If you are going for the first time, you may get lost.  You can get frustrated driving around the streets and hills not knowing where to go.  Where to go?  I suggest that you start with the Visitors Center, 92 Esencia Dr.  But once you get there, they will show you how to navigate and find things.  They are very helpful, and after visiting once you probably wont have to go again.

The Visitors Center

The Visitors Center inside the community is at 92 Esencia Drive (the main drag for Esencia) which can be found on the GPS.  Thank goodness because many of the streets are not on GPS.  But the Visitor Center is.  If it is not on your GPS, please call them at 949-768-1882.  Most of the time they are good about answering the phone.  But if they dont just call back because sometimes they get busy up there.

I have to put in a good word about the Visitor Center's reps.  They are very friendly and helpful.  They are there with water and bathrooms.  If you have come from a great distance, this is welcome.  They are not real estate representatives so they dont rush you.  You can take your time and ask them questions.  My hostess was just great!

Navigating the Community:

Address: 92 Esencia is the best place to start (The Visitor Center).  It is in the Northwalk Neighborhood on Esencia Drive. This is important because Esencia Dr. is the main road running through the community.  Once you learn to navigate it, you will be more comfortable finding things.  And the Visitors Center will help you with learning how to do this.  This is why I suggest you start at the Visitors Center.  You will probably never have to go back there.  They will outfit you with maps, a carryall and brochures.

Where to go first:

Each neighborhood has its own office and that is where you go for questions about the community there.  The Visitors Center does not answer questions about the individual communities.

We have reviewed a small part of what life is like at The Ranch.  We encourage you to go visit and find out for yourself.  There is so much more to see and enjoy.

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We are not affiliated with Rancho Mission Viejo.  This is an independent review.  Please verify all information.