Inman

Family-friendly Aliso Viejo is one of California’s best

pixdeluxe / iStock.com

Situated just inland of Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo is known as a top city in California for families.

The south Orange County, mostly master-planned community was recently ranked by WalletHub as the ninth best city in California for families.

The city also ranked as having the fourth highest median family income in the state. According to Bestplaces.net, the median household income in Aliso Viejo is $98,515.

Boasting an unemployment rate of 2.6 percent, Aliso Viejo is home to a roughly 900-ace business park and town center. Top employers in the city include United Parcel Service, Pacific Life, the Capistrano Unified School District, Fluor Corp. and QLogic Corp.

Niche recently ranked the Capistrano Unified School District as the 46th best district in the state, with the Aliso Viejo Middle School obtaining an “A-” rating.

While the city is largely a car-dependent community that isn’t known for its walkability, nearby trails are available to residents at the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park also borders a portion of the city.

State Highway 73, a toll road, cuts through Aliso Viejo. Newport Beach is roughly 17 miles away, with downtown Los Angeles representing a 50-mile drive. Laguna Beach is roughly seven miles away and accessible via State Route 133.

Housing market in Aliso Viejo 

The median sales price of a single-family home in the city is roughly $530,000. According to Trulia, median sales prices have risen by roughly 9 percent ($45,000) year-over-year. Additionally, the average price per square foot paid for a home rose to $360.

Median rents in Aliso Viejo are around $2,600 to $2,700.

Email Erik Pisor

Does your community deserve a Spotlight? Want to tell the Inman community about why it’s so great? Inman Local is accepting submissions and requests for our coverage areas. Email local@inman.com.