Mission Viejo operates as a contract
city with government entities, private firms, and the individuals providing its municipal services.Business
and residents appreciate the accessibility of city officials, the quick turnaround of permit requests, and the high
standards of quality and service. Mission Viejo is suburban in nature and culture. It is mainly residential, although there are a number of offices and businesses within its city limits. The city is planned and features a very large number of
single-family homes, some condominiums, a college, and a
regional mall.
Education in the city is provided by two school districts ( Saddleback
Valley and Capistrano Unified School Districts), seven high schools
(Mission Viejo, Tesoro, Trabuco Hills, Silverado, Capistrano Valley,
Mira Monte, and Pathfinder High Schools), a college (Saddleback
College), and a number of middle and elementary schools.