Exploring Aliso Viejo
What makes Aliso Viejo a prime destination in Orange County? From master planned communities to enviable safety and abundant outdoor fun, uncover the essence of life in this sunny California city. Whether looking to relocate or simply explore, learn what sets Aliso Viejo apart in our comprehensive guide.
Key takeaways
Aliso Viejo combines residential neighborhoods with a comprehensive suite of amenities, outdoor recreation, and highly rated schools, making it an attractive and diverse community in Orange County, California.
The city is recognized for its impressive safety record with a crime rate significantly lower than the state and national averages, contributing to its status as one of the safest and most desirable places to live in America.
The cost of living in Aliso Viejo is on the higher side, but this is offset by the area’s safety, education system, and community infrastructure, representing a worthy investment in quality of life.
Discovering California Aliso Viejo
Aliso Viejo, a gem located in Orange County, California, is a city that charms at every turn. Located in the San Joaquin Hills, the city is surrounded by natural beauty and shares its borders with illustrious cities like:
San Clemente.
Costa Mesa.
Newport Beach.
Tustin.
Santa Ana.
As the only city in Orange County to be incorporated since 2000, Aliso Viejo holds a unique position, offering a vibrant community life that seamlessly blends residential neighborhoods, parks, schools, business, and retail uses, thanks to its well executed master planned community approach. The Aliso Viejo cityhood is a testament to the success of creating this planned community, much like the thriving Mission Viejo company.
In the tranquil and scenic setting of Southern California, Aliso Viejo offers a moderate climate and plentiful outdoor recreational opportunities. The general law city is marked by a lively social community, diverse employment options, and an array of public amenities, ensuring a high quality of life for its residents. Living up to its motto "experience it all" Aliso Viejo California houses award winning schools, alluring neighborhoods, exceptional shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, thus promising a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle.
Additionally, the city’s transportation system, comprised of OCTA buses and convenient access to major highways, serves the needs of both public transport users and drivers, making nearby cities like Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach easily accessible.
Demographics and safety in Aliso Viejo
The allure of Aliso Viejo extends beyond its beautiful landscapes and amenities. Its strategic location in the heart of Orange County makes it a great place to live, with easy access to nearby cities like Laguna Hills. But it’s not just about convenience and prosperity—the city is also a safe haven.
The city of Aliso Viejo offers the following:
A high level of safety, placing it among the top 10 safest cities in America.
Law enforcement services provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Community services such as parks, schools, and recreational facilities.
Living expenses in Aliso Viejo - Aliso Viejo Community Association
As with most desirable cities, living in Aliso Viejo comes with a significant price tag. The city offers a range of properties for sale, including single family homes, condos, and townhomes. The Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA) plays a significant role in maintaining the city’s parks, landscaping, and recreational facilities, ensuring a high quality of life for its residents.
However, the higher cost of living in Aliso Viejo is balanced by the value that residents receive in return. The city’s outstanding safety record and its abundance of highly rated schools are significant factors contributing to its appeal and the associated living expenses. Here, each dollar spent is an investment in a safe, educated, and recreation rich lifestyle.
Top neighborhoods in Aliso Viejo
Whether you’re a young professional, a family with children, or someone looking for affordable living options, Aliso Viejo has a neighborhood for you. Some of the city’s top neighborhoods include Coronado at Aliso Viejo, Camden Park, and Aliso Town Center. Each of these neighborhoods offers unique amenities and benefits, making Aliso Viejo a city that truly caters to diverse lifestyles.
Coronado
One of Aliso Viejo’s most affordable neighborhoods is Coronado. The range of home prices in this area is from the high $500s to over one million dollars. Additionally, many homes are priced below the median for Aliso Viejo. This neighborhood offers attractive homes and secure surroundings, adding to its appeal.
Moreover, residents of Coronado have access to a variety of facilities nearby, including restaurants like Sushi Kizuna, coffee shops such as Seven Seas Roasting Co, and entertainment options like Regal Edwards theaters. It’s a neighborhood that offers affordability without compromising on the quality of life.
Camden Park
Camden Park, another premier neighborhood in Aliso Viejo, is particularly popular among families. Designed as a planned community, Camden Park focuses on high valued attached homes, condos, and townhouses, as well as unique brownstone looking homefronts that face beautiful tree lined streets or peaceful greenbelts.
The neighborhood’s proximity to top rated schools like Canyon Vista Elementary School and Don Juan Avila Elementary School makes it even more attractive to families. Furthermore, Camden Park offers several parks and a bike trail, including Grand Park situated off of Grand, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.
Aliso Town Center
For young professionals, Aliso Town Center is the neighborhood of choice. The complex offers luxury apartments and a diverse range of amenities, including:
Restaurants.
Coffee shops.
Parks.
A variety of shopping and dining experiences.
This neighborhood’s provision of beautiful parks, family friendly activities, and a diverse range of amenities makes it an engaging place to live, with numerous community events to enjoy.
Climate and weather patterns when you visit Aliso Viejo
One of the many perks of living in Aliso Viejo is the city’s pleasant climate. Here is a breakdown of the weather throughout the year:
Summers: Short, warm, arid, and clear.
Winters: Long, cool, and partly cloudy.
Average annual rainfall: 14 inches.
Average temperatures: Warm during the summer and cool during the winter.
When considering natural disasters, it’s noteworthy that Aliso Viejo’s seismic hazard is significant due to its closeness to the Puente Hills fault and the Palos Verdes fault zone, both capable of causing considerable earthquakes. Nevertheless, the city’s climate and weather patterns are generally consistent, which enhances its appeal as a residential locale.
Must visit attractions in Aliso Viejo CA
There’s never a dull moment when you visit Aliso Viejo, thanks to its variety of must visit attractions. From family friendly parks to wilderness exploration and creative outlets, the city offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an art lover, or a foodie, Aliso Viejo has something to keep you engaged and entertained.
Grand Park
Grand Park stands as one of Aliso Viejo’s most frequented destinations. Its family friendly environment features a fenced playground, a shaded sandbox, and captivating views of Saddleback Valley. It serves as a perfect spot for families to bask in the sun, savor a picnic, or relish the enchanting surroundings.
Besides its natural beauty, Grand Park also offers several facilities, such as:
Picnic tables.
BBQ.
A paved pathway.
An outdoor amphitheater.
Shops and restaurants at the Aliso Viejo Town Center.
Parking spaces.
A drinking fountain.
Whether you’re looking to relax, exercise, or simply spend quality time with your loved ones, Grand Park is a must visit attraction.
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
For those who love the great outdoors, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is a must visit. The park offers:
Hiking trails.
Biking trails.
Equestrian trails.
Scenic overlooks.
You’ll get to observe a diverse array of plants and animals that flourish in the park’s coastal canyon environment.
The park’s historical background adds to its charm. It was part of the land inhabited by the Juaneno or Acajchemem tribes, adding to its rich historical tapestry. With recommended trails such as:
Meadows.
Mathis.
Rock-It.
Lynx.
Cholla.
The park offers numerous opportunities for exploration and a sense of adventure.
Pinot's Palette
Pinot’s Palette serves as a perfect spot for those with an artistic bent or anyone seeking a fun, relaxing activity. This painting studio enables participants to craft their own art pieces, guided by clear instructions in a fun, supportive environment. It’s an apt choice for families with older children, offering a unique and enjoyable family excursion.
Pinot’s Palette offers the following options for painting classes:
In-Studio Paintings.
Virtual Live Streaming.
On-Demand.
Private Parties.
Dining options in Aliso Viejo cityhood
Aliso Viejo’s vibrant dining scene is a testament to its diverse community. From seafood at OPAH Seafood Grill and traditional American fare at Eureka!, to authentic Peruvian dishes at Inka Mama’s Restaurant, there’s something to tantalize every palate.
OPAH Seafood Grill
Seafood aficionados will love OPAH Seafood Grill. Established in 1999 by chef-owner Marc Cohen, this restaurant is known for its fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Some of its distinctive offerings include Oysters On The Half Shell, Bacon Wrapped Dates, and a chopped seafood salad with shrimp and lump crab.
But you don’t have to be a seafood lover to enjoy a meal at OPAH. The restaurant also offers non-seafood choices including:
Chicken Milanese.
Toasted Garlic Salmon.
Pork Chop.
Skirt Steak.
Day Boat Scallops.
Inka Mama's Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, Inka Mama’s Restaurant offers a taste of Peru right in the heart of Aliso Viejo. Founded by Angela Kisijara and Martha White in 2007, the restaurant serves authentic Peruvian dishes. Renowned offerings include the seafood paella bowl, Arroz Con Mariscos, and Macho Fish.
Inka Mama’s takes pride in its traditional recipes. The Arroz Con Mariscos, for example, is made with rice seasoned with squid, shrimp, mussels, and scallops, flavored with Ají Amarillo chili pepper and tomato paste, and mixed with green peas and Parmesan cheese. Meanwhile, the Macho Fish is a flavorful dish combining mixed seafood, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, cubed potatoes, and Inkawine, simmered in a spicy broth and served with rice.
Dining at Inka Mama’s is like taking a culinary journey to Peru, without leaving Aliso Viejo.
Employment opportunities in Aliso Viejo
Aliso Viejo isn’t merely a wonderful living place—it’s also a city brimming with varied employment prospects. The city’s population density and main economic sectors span:
Hospitality.
Entertainment.
Finance.
Healthcare.
These sectors offer great location and a wide spectrum of job opportunities for residents and job-seekers alike.
Education in Aliso Viejo
Education is a cornerstone of any community, and Aliso Viejo is no exception. The city is home to several top rated schools, including Aliso Viejo Middle School and Oak Grove Elementary, and a total of 6 elementary schools.
These schools are part of the Capistrano Unified School District, which is ranked among the top 25 districts in California. With an average student to teacher ratio of 18, the schools in Aliso Viejo offer a conducive learning environment, providing a solid foundation for the city’s young residents.
Summary
Whether you’re drawn to its picturesque landscapes, top rated schools, vibrant community life, or diverse employment opportunities, Aliso Viejo stands out as an exceptional place to live, work, and play. With its variety of neighborhoods, must-visit attractions, and delectable dining options, this city offers a lifestyle that truly caters to diverse tastes and preferences. So, why not experience it all? Come to Aliso Viejo, where every day brings a new adventure.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aliso Viejo a good place to live?
Yes, Aliso Viejo is considered one of the safest areas to live in California and one of the top 10 safest cities in America.
How is Aliso Viejo's safety record compared to other cities?
Aliso Viejo has a lower crime rate compared to the state and national averages, making it a safer place to live than nearby cities like Laguna Woods.