Neighbors Become More Like Family

Neighbors Become More Like Family and Move-Up Together in Rancho Mission Viejo’s Village of Rienda

Rancho Mission Viejo, CA (August 1, 2025) – Many families who move to Rancho Mission Viejo are looking for more than just a beautiful home, they are looking for a sense of belonging and lifestyle centered around connection.

That was the case for Mike and Rachel Johnston who relocated from Denver in 2019 and Christine and Ryan Bunn who moved from Atlanta in 2021. Their moves to the Village of Esencia in Rancho Mission Viejo shared a common thread, a desire to raise their children in a tight-knit community.

“We were expecting our first child, and no home we saw really clicked,” said Rachel. “When we drove through Rancho Mission Viejo, something about it just felt right. Kids were out riding bikes, families were walking dogs, and it reminded us of our neighborhood in Denver but offered so much more.”

Christine echoed a similar feeling. “We were really drawn to Rancho Mission Viejo, especially because of Esencia School. It was important to us that all three of our kids could go to school together, and we liked the smaller class sizes of the K–8 program. The Ranch just felt like the right place for us.”

While living across the street from one another in Esencia, they quickly built a lasting friendship, embraced the lifestyle, and felt a deep sense of community. Whether it was spontaneous movie nights with their kids, attending block parties, or playing at the park, they quickly became more like extended family to each other.

“Our neighbors are what truly made The Ranch feel like home,” said Rachel. Christine agreed: “Living on The Ranch made us want to stay in California. The Johnston’s are some of our very best friends.”

As both families grew, so did their home and space needs. One night while the Johnston’s and Bunn’s were casually chatting; the topic of conversation shifted to moving.

“We joked about it at first. But when Arrowleaf in Rienda opened, we went to the grand opening together as a little double date, fell in love with the homes, and ended up buying right across the street from each other again!” said Rachel.

“The Plan 2 at Arrowleaf, which we ended up buying, is just so open and spacious, especially with the 10-foot high ceilings,” said Christine. “The back kitchen was a huge bonus for us—we love to host. And the way the staircase opens to the living room felt like it was made for us.”

Beyond the homes, what keeps both families rooted is The Ranch’s lifestyle. From exploring trails and biking as a family, to enjoying amenities like The Campout and the Ranch Camp Lagoon, there’s always something to do.

“I signed up for the community farm program when we first moved here,” Christine said. “It’s such a great way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. We’re always out walking, swimming at the Hilltop Club, or relaxing at Frisby Wine Cellars.”

Now, as both families prepare to move into their new homes in Arrowleaf and become neighbors once again, they’re looking forward to creating more memories together.

“I didn’t anticipate that our world would expand throughout the entire community,” said Rachel. “Lean into life on The Ranch. Meet your neighbors and go to the events. This is a community that gives back what you put into it.”

For the Bunn’s, the choice to stay says it all. “We had a chance to move back to Atlanta—and said no. The Ranch feels like home.”