Friendly Neighborhoods and Lasting Connections

Leslie Chartier and her husband, Brian, have no plans to leave their Aliso Viejo home anytime soon. Residents like them value the strong sense of community.

“We have great neighbors, and that means a lot,” said Chartier, who moved from Irvine in 1995. “Recently, I got a flat tire coming home from the grocery store. A neighbor picked up my son and groceries while I waited for assistance. In my old neighborhood, I didn’t know anyone well enough to ask for help.”

The Chartiers, both teachers, purchased their 1,700-square-foot, four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home for $200,000.

“When we first moved in, the rest of the neighbors were moving in at the same time,” Chartier said. “We’ve all grown close watching the area grow.”

Natural Beauty and Smart Planning

Located between Laguna Beach and Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo is surrounded by the 3,200-acre Aliso/Wood Canyons Regional Park, part of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

Tom Steinhoff of Summit Real Estate Group highlights why the area is attractive to young families:

• Greenbelt surroundings
• Proximity to the beach
• Affordable housing options
• Ample amenities, including a movie theater and ice rink

The Capistrano Unified School District serves the area, which includes three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school.

Affordable Housing Options

Despite Mello-Roos taxes and HOA fees, Aliso Viejo remains more budget-friendly than nearby beach cities.

Example buyer experiences:

• Renato Giordano – Bought a 1,800-square-foot, three-bedroom home for $175,000 in 1998. Pleased with affordability and home design.
• Typical home prices – Around $275,000 for a 2,000-square-foot, 3–4 bedroom home.

High-End vs. Entry-Level Market

• High-end: 3,500-square-foot, five-bedroom homes with views – $550,000
• Entry-level: 1,200–1,300 sq ft condos/townhomes – $130,000 to $160,000
• Apartments: 1–2 bedroom units – $900 to $1,300/month

A Straight Shot to the Beach

Mark Mednick, a high school teacher, was drawn by affordability and the greenbelt location. He bought a 1,400-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath condo for $180,000 in 1991.

“It’s a straight shot through the canyon to the beach on my bike,” he said.

The family enjoys views of trees and an airy feel from their home.

“There wasn’t a whole lot here when I moved in, but now we’ve got supermarkets and restaurants. It’s not really necessary to leave town.”

Designed for Self-Containment

According to Chuck Shoemaker, Orange County’s chief of site planning, the original vision for Aliso Viejo was a self-sufficient community with housing, retail, and employment opportunities.

“There are plenty of retail stores and restaurants,” said Shoemaker. “Employment opportunities are growing as businesses move in.”

Now home to 38,000 people, residents are pushing for cityhood, which is under review by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).

“Most people would agree incorporation is possible,” said Daniel Schwarz of LAFCO. “Home values have risen, and the economy is strong enough to fund a municipal government.”

Community Spirit Continues to Grow

Steve Dickey moved from Irvine in 1990 and became active in community development.

He serves as:

• President of the Aliso Viejo Community Association
• Chairman of the Aliso Viejo Advisory Planning Committee

“Today Aliso Viejo is really coming into its own,” Dickey said. He has owned two homes in the area — a townhome bought for $125,000 in 1990, and a single-family home purchased for $250,000 in 1997.

“We’ve got typical Orange County problems, like traffic in some areas, but overall, it’s a great place to live.”

Julie Bawden-Davis is an Orange County freelance writer.