Finding Community and Nature
Finding Community and Nature at Rancho Mission Viejo
Rancho Mission Viejo, CA (June 3, 2025) - When Albert Espinoza and his wife Megan returned to Southern California in 2016 after a stint on the East Coast, they were looking for a place to plant roots -- but the question was, where?
With deep ties to southern California, and Megan born and raised in Orange County, Albert said they were really focused on finding a place with a sense of community.
It was a drive past a billboard near Antonio Parkway that changed everything.
“My wife saw a sign for new homes in Esencia, a brand new village in Rancho Mission Viejo at the time,” Albert said. “We followed it, toured various floorplans, and ended up buying a home. The process was incredibly smooth. We had our down payment ready, picked the home we wanted, and within a few months, we were moved in.”
What drew the Espinoza’s to The Ranch wasn’t just the home, it was the vision of the community’s future, which aligned with what they wanted for themselves. They wanted a home where their son could grow up surrounded by nature, play spaces, and neighbors who felt like extended family.
“I was blown away by the number of amenities,” Albert said. “There’s the Hang Out, the arcade, the BBQ areas, community rooms where events are always happening—it’s just so well-thought-out. I took some time off work that year and used it to really explore with our son. There were pocket parks. It was the perfect place for a young family.”
Over the years, the Espinoza’s have become involved in youth sports, coaching the neighborhood leagues and volunteering at Esencia K-8 school. They are known across The Ranch for their participation at The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, consisting of 23,000 acres of preserved wildlands, at the RMV Farmer’s Market, and more.
“Living on The Ranch has allowed us to seamlessly blend the area’s natural landscape into our everyday life,” Albert said. “Our kids have done butterfly garden events, story time, and even helped others raise chickens through the community farm program. There’s a snake named Rosie they love, and the naturalists have made it such a magical experience for our family.”
Albert added, “The Ranch is also close to Dana Point and San Clemente. We can ride bikes to the beach. It’s the best of both worlds.”
As The Ranch continues to grow, adding more neighborhoods and amenities, Albert and Megan appreciate the community, and everything it has to offer.
“There’s a great mix of people here -- families, retirees, and singles – who are all brought together by community events, clubs, and our shared love for nature,” Albert said.
