The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is one of Orange County’s youngest cities. Incorporated on January 1, 2000, Ranch Santa Margarita became the 33rd city. Situated in the foothills of the Santa Ana mountains, the City is bordered by Coto de Caza and Las Flores on the South, Mission Viejo to the west, the Cleveland National forest on the east and Trabuco Canyon to the north.
The residential communities in Ranch Santa Margarita are wide spread from intimate condos to soaring estates with panoramic views. The City is 13 square miles and over half of the City’s land is dedicated to open space or natural uses. The largest homeowners association in the community is Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation (SAMLAR), which governs the lagoon and lake, 13 parks, 4 pools and the community trails.
Newer communities in Rancho Santa Margarita include:
Rancho Santa Margarita is a large masterplanned community with a population of almost 50,000 people. The private Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Club is part of the gated and guarded Dove Canyon community which consists of approximately 1,200 homes and the Dove Canyon Country Club. The private golf course, Lake Santa Margarita and Sycamore Canyon Horse Trails are just some of the abundant amenities for residents of this beautiful community. Some of the older neighborhoods are less than 25 years old and include Dove Canyon, Los Flores, Rancho Cielo, Robinson Ranch and Wagon Wheel.
