The Vision Behind Rancho Santa Margarita

In 1978, after leaving his job as a master planner for the Irvine Co., Richard Reese planned to take a year off in the Greek Islands. However, his plans changed when he was asked to evaluate 5,000 acres of South Orange County. Upon seeing the scenic land from Chiquita Ridge, with its canyons, chaparral hillsides, and Saddleback Mountain views, he felt inspired to design a planned community. He never made it to Greece—instead, he helped design what would become Rancho Santa Margarita, where he still resides.

Location and Layout

Nestled in a valley between Mission Viejo and Coto de Caza, Rancho Santa Margarita is framed by Saddleback Mountain and bordered by:

• South: Las Flores and Oso Parkway
• East: Chiquita Ridge and Plano Trabuco Road
• North: Trabuco Canyon and Saddleback foothills
• West: Portions of Mission Viejo and O’Neil Regional Park

A Community in Harmony with Nature

Often called Orange County’s first urban village, Rancho Santa Margarita was developed as a self-contained, environmentally conscious community:

• Over 50% of the 5,000 acres is devoted to open space and recreation
• A man-made lake and beach club
• An 18-hole golf course
• 24 athletic fields and seven community parks

Walkable and Connected Living

Residents enjoy the ability to walk or bike throughout the community, thanks to trails linking homes to:

• Recreational areas
• Shops and restaurants
• Schools and daycares
• A library and post office

The town center features a traditional mix of housing, dining, shopping, and entertainment.

A Vision Realized

“We wanted to create an old-fashioned hometown atmosphere where people could experience a more nurturing lifestyle,” said Reese, who purchased a three-bedroom home for $190,000 in 1986.

The vision was so successful that in 1992, Barbara Walters referred to Rancho Santa Margarita as a “modern-day Shangri-La” on 20/20. Planners and developers worldwide continue to study its design.

Affordable Housing Options

The original pricing made homeownership accessible:

• Condos from $55,000
• Single-family homes starting at $113,000

Current resale market (as of 1995–96) includes:

• Condos (600–1,100 sq ft): $58,000–$100,000
• Homes (1,000–1,800 sq ft): $148,000–$200,000
• Large homes (2,000–3,000 sq ft): $210,000–$400,000

Builders include John Laing Homes, K. Hovnanian, Warmington Homes, and more. Lewis Homes purchased 500 lots to develop properties ranging from $160,000 to $270,000.

New Construction Highlights

• Two-bedroom, two-bath condos near the golf course: under $110,000
• Average new home (1,500–2,000 sq ft): $175,000–$225,000
• Luxury five-bedroom homes (3,400 sq ft): around $310,000

Resident Sam Nasser chose the community for affordability and amenities, purchasing an 870 sq ft detached home for $124,000.

Community Testimonials

Casey Lancaster moved from Long Beach and bought a 948 sq ft condo for $94,000 in 1995. She enjoys the peaceful setting and walkability. Even though she commutes to Torrance, the drive is worth it to come home to such a serene place.

Mel and Kathy Mercado were drawn by the area’s beauty and community feel. After buying multiple properties since 1987, they now live in a four-bedroom home and take full advantage of local amenities like the beach club and boating.

The Origins of the Town

The concept began in 1983 when Anthony Moiso, great-grandson of landowner Richard O’Neil, bought 5,000 acres to build a new type of master-planned community. Construction began in 1985, with homes first sold in 1986. Business development followed in 1987, and by 1993 the population exceeded 20,000. The opening of the Foothill Transportation Corridor in 1995 enhanced accessibility.

Rancho Santa Margarita Home Sale Data (1987–1996)

• Average home size: 1,647 sq ft
• Average build year: 1986
• Average beds: 3.22 | baths: 2.57
• Homes with pool: 1%
• View homes: 17%
• Central air: 64%
• Located in flood zone: 94%
• Predominant price: $165,000
• Age range: 8–14 years

Yearly Home Price Averages

• 1996 (thru March): $183,400 – $115.34/sq ft
• 1995: $189,666 – $121.75/sq ft
• 1994: $178,363 – $131.00/sq ft
• 1993: $191,500 – $124.99/sq ft
• 1992: $199,363 – $146.09/sq ft
• 1991: $209,500 – $141.25/sq ft
• 1990: $236,850 – $136.11/sq ft
• 1989: $274,635 – $132.85/sq ft
• 1988: $198,666 – $118.28/sq ft
• 1987: $157,684 – $99.21/sq ft

Source: TRW Redi Property Data, Anaheim