Mission Viejo is a primarily residential community with a moderate population of office parks and local businesses. There are approximately two parks per square mile, offering plenty of green space and nature for residents of the city. The Walk, Hike, Bike MV program presents more than 20 miles of recreational trails through green spaces in Mission Viejo including Arroyo Trabuco Trail, Oso Creek Trail, and Wilderness Glen, offering a fantastic selection of hiking trails for residents to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Lake Mission Viejo lies in the center of the city and is a private recreational facility designated for use by residents of eligible home owners and renters located within the Lake Mission Viejo Association boundaries. Lake Mission Viejo offers a variety of activities for members including special annual events, fishing, boating, and more.

Mission Viejo is one of the largest single-project master planned communities in the United States, drafted by Donald Bren, Chairman of the Irvine Company. The 11,000 acre community was designed with houses placed strategically on the hills and the roads in the valleys, to make the best use of the contours of the hilly land.

While the city is mostly residential, there are a few major businesses in the area offering employment opportunities to community residents including Mission Hospital, Saddleback College, Capistrano Unified School District, and the headquarters for Marie Callender’s Restaurants. There are two major shopping districts in the area including The Shops At Mission Viejo and Kaleidoscope Center.