I was born and raised in Mission Viejo. Once I moved, I realized how amazing this city is. It is a great place to raise a family or grow old. There is always something to keep you entertained and you often run into old family friends or teammates. It is hard not to miss this heavenly little slice of Orange County.
1. You grew up going to Lake Mission Viejo.
Whether you went to day camp, participated in junior lifeguards or you have rented a boat, you have spent quite a few summer days at the lake. Your goal was to swim far enough to touch the buoys and you loved playing on the playground. You and your family spent summer nights enjoying the free concerts accompanied by some barbecue. You know the lifeguards will yell at you if you throw sand and you know to stay away from the geese because they are aggressive. You have also occasionally ran or walked around this lake in an attempt to get in shape.
2. You have seen snow on the Saddleback Valley Mountains.
It is rare to be able to witness this breathtaking sight, but it happens every few winters. You have to snap a picture of it and you know cars will be stopped on Alicia Parkway to capture the perfect photo. Who says it doesn't snow in Orange County?
3. You played sports at one of the many parks.
Whether it be the lake fields for baseball, Alicia fields for softball or the numerous parks for soccer, you have frequented many sporting fields. You have suffered through your siblings' games or played seemingly endless games yourself. You basically grew up on those sporting fields and you will remember those days forever.
4. Locking doors seems foolish to you.
Growing up in Mission Viejo can teach you some bad habits. After continuously being ranked one of the safest cities in California, you get used to the bubble of safety. You often don't lock your car or your house and an alarm system is a foreign concept to you. Once you move out of Mission Viejo you realize how safe it really is and how careful you have to be in other cities.
5. You frequent the Shops at Mission Viejo.
You take for granted having a great mall so close. Everything from food to formal dresses can be found at this mall. You used to hang out there for fun, but now you find yourself avoiding old classmates during your mission to shop.
6. You realize Mission Viejo is the epitome of suburbia.
The track homes with small backyards is all you have ever know. You are used to knowing all your neighbors and living on a cul-de-sac. You think it's normal to have luscious trees and plants in every center divider on the streets. Most of your friends have pools in their backyards, but no one has adequate land for a dog to run around on.
7. Good food is always close by.
Chipotle, acai bowls, frozen yogurt or a good burger joint are always just blocks away. You are used to shopping centers full of restaurants and think it's odd if there isn't a Starbucks on a major street corner. You have been pampered by the local bagel shops and Mexican food restaurants and you don't realize how much you will miss them until you move away.
