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One of the nation’s largest master-planned communities, Mission Viejo is an affluent commuter suburb known for its leafy, tree-lined avenues and attractive neighborhoods. This upscale community of 94,381 is home to a large number of older adults, and senior citizens aged 65 and older represent about one in five residents.
Despite having a relatively high cost of living, Mission Viejo is an outstanding retirement destination. Its mild climate earned it a nearly perfect BestPlaces Comfort Index. The area has a low crime rate, and residents have access to numerous local parks and nature preserves within the city and in the rugged foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. Seniors in this well-connected community can choose from more than 50 assisted living facilities. Thanks to the city’s location within the greater Los Angeles area, average rates are just $4,500 per month, which is on par with the state median according to Genworth Financial’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
At $4,500 per month, assisted living costs in Mission Viejo are even with the state average and comparable to neighboring Oregon. Additionally, rates are just $449 above the U.S. median, although the local cost of living is 70% higher than the nationwide average. Seniors who are looking for more affordable options may want to consider assisted living communities in Nevada or Arizona, where monthly rates are $750 to $1,100 lower.
Seniors in Mission Viejo and Los Angeles enjoy affordable assisted living rates compared to other affluent cities in California. Local monthly costs are $250 lower than both San Diego and San Francisco. Prices increase substantially in Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz and Napa, where seniors pay $750 to $1,140 more per month. Residents who are looking for more affordable rates closer to home may want to consider an assisted living facility near Riverside, where average monthly costs are $975 lower.
California provides a dedicated Assisted Living Waiver that’s available to seniors and disabled adults in select areas, including Orange County and Mission Viejo. To qualify, residents must require nursing home care and be financially eligible for Medi-Cal health insurance. This waiver can help with the cost of personal care and related services provided in a residential setting or participating assisted living facility. Seniors may also qualify for federal benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income, that can be used for certain services.
To learn more about these programs, see our guide to Assisted Living in California.
| Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center | (949) 470-3062 | Operated by Mission Viejo, this full-service senior center offers a variety of free and low-cost daily activities. Senior classes focus on diverse subjects, including yoga, aerobics, creative writing, music, foreign languages, quilting and ballroom dancing. The facility also engages more than 150 active volunteers who are interested in helping their peers and supporting the greater community. |
| Mission Viejo Senior Support Services | (949) 470-3062 | Mission Viejo offers an extended selection of senior support services through various community partners. The city can connect area residents with support groups, case managers, meal deliveries, legal aid, computer classes and insurance counseling. Interested seniors can contact Senior Support Services for a full list of resources. |
| South Orange County Vet Center | (949) 348-6700 | Located on Crown Valley Parkway in Mission Viejo, this regional vet center serves veterans, active-duty service members and military families. Representatives can assist with VA referrals, benefits applications and counseling. The center is open Monday through Friday. |
| Senior Dial-A-Taxi Program | (949) 470-3062 | This city-sponsored curb-to-curb transportation program is open to residents of Mission Viejo and Laguna Hills aged 60 and older. Rides cost $5 for a one-way trip, and up to three passengers, including a caregiver or personal attendant, can share the fare. |
| The Council on Aging – Southern California | (714) 479-0107 | Established in 1973, this regional Council on Aging serves more than 290,000 local seniors each year. The agency provides a variety of free resources related to long-term care coordination, healthy aging, elder rights and health insurance. |
| AgeWell Senior Services | (949) 855-8033 | This charitable foundation has served seniors in Mission Viejo and 20 other Orange County communities since 1975. The organization provides transportation, in-home services and delivered or congregate meals. It also operates 10 regional senior centers that offer social and recreational programs. |
Assisted living facilities in Mission Viejo are licensed and overseen by the California Senior Care Licensing Program. This agency develops and enforces rules regarding staffing, training, resident accommodations and the scope of care. View our guide to Assisted Living in California for an in-depth look at these regulations.