Photo of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
( 20 Ratings )

Living in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Rancho Santa Margarita Area Facts

  • Rancho Santa Margarita has a Livability Score of 74/100, which is considered excellent
  • Rancho Santa Margarita crime rates are 83% lower than the California average
  • Cost of living in Rancho Santa Margarita is 25% higher than the California average
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Rancho Santa Margarita Reviews

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Homeowner 20 years User Rating 5 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 31, 2018) RSM gives us the small town feel of running into someone you know everyday at the grocery store, gas station or restaurant, while having 10 minute access to big city Irvive amenities. We are 1/2 hour from the beach and 1 hour from Arrowhead or Palm Springs. Surrounded by rolling ...Read More hills and the backdrop of Saddleback mountains it truly is the ‘Best of the Best.Yes cost of living is way too high it lives up to the phrase “You get what you pay for”!Safe, fun, golf, hiking, road and mountain bike riding, monthly city activities, great education, family friendly and a bit slower pace than LA and OC. Read Less
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - Wild, Wooly and Wonderful User Rating 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 25, 2012) That pretty much describes Rancho Santa Margarita in Southern California. If you are looking for a natural setting; close to cities and beaches. If you don't mind wild life creatures and you want to slow down your pace and that of your family; you should consider moving there. I ...Read More did and I miss it daily since I left, if I could move back...I'd be packing right now.

Richard O"Neill and James Flood, known as the "Silver King of Nevada", bought the land from Joaquin Estrada in 1841. Richard O"Neill saw great potential in the land for grazing his cattle and farming. Since O"Neill was a older gentleman he made it his goal to buy out James Flood as soon as he could and the land produced well for him. He was out of debt in 24 years a very short period of time to repay that amount of money.

Rancho Santa Margarita is a master planned community with mostly single family homes and some apartments and condos. It is the youngest city in Orange County and it is has the most affluent neighborhoods. Dove Canyon is a gated subdivision where many stars, athletes and well known people live. Most of the land surrounding Rancho Santa Margarita is still grazing fields and open land. It is located a short distance from Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Laguna and San Juan Capistrano. It also has San Juan Hot Springs within its borders where Richard O"Neill Jr. opened the first spa and hotel in 1890.

The area has continued to grow and expand into the surrounding hills and valleys. The people who reside there love the outdoors and their privacy. Rancho Santa Margarita boosts 13 parks, 4 pools, a lagoon, a lake and dozens of trails for hiking, horseback or motorcycle riding. The city also has a huge dog park and a challenging skate board arena. On Sundays free concerts are held in the central park located next to city hall. The variety of music provided is wonderful. Just bring family, friends, blankets or chairs and all the food you can carry for a relaxing evening in the park.
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Rancho Santa Margarita Awards

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Compare Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Livability

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      A Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Rancho Santa Margarita? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Vista Verde Park Playground
      Vista Verde Park
      Los Abanicos Trail Playground
      Los Paseos Trail Playground
      Rancho Santa Margarita City Park
      Arroyo Vista Park
      Cielo Vista Park
      Monte Vista

      Entertainment

      Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas
      Amphitheater
      Trabuco Fliers Club

      Food & Drink

      Subway
      Chipotle
      Baskin-Robbins
      Papa John's
      Del Taco
      Bruegger's Bagels
      Five Guys
      Yogurtland

      B- Commute

      Is public transit available in Rancho Santa Margarita? Of all people who commute, 0.2% take public transportation in Rancho Santa Margarita.
      Drive to Work
      78%

      1% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      0%

      5% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      1%

      2% lower than the US average

      A Health & Safety

      Is Rancho Santa Margarita a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Pharmacies

      Pavilions Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      Rite Aid
      CVS Pharmacy

      Doctors