News Summary
Rancho Mission Viejo, a premier master-planned community in Orange County, has been acknowledged by the Global Wellness Institute as one of the top wellness real estate developments globally. The honor reflects the community’s focus on enhancing residents’ health through design, amenities, and social connections. With features like walkable spaces and a network of social programs, Rancho Mission Viejo illustrates how wellness principles can shape modern living and influence housing decisions significantly.
Rancho Mission Viejo Recognized as a Leading Global Wellness Community
Rancho Mission Viejo, a sprawling 23,000-acre master-planned community in Orange County, California, has recently been recognized as one of the world’s leading intentional wellness real estate developments by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). This accolade highlights the community’s commitment to enhancing residents’ health and wellbeing through thoughtful design and amenities.
In GWI’s newly released “Build Well to Live Well Report: Case Studies,” Rancho Mission Viejo stands out as one of only 13 projects globally featured for its measurable health outcomes and innovative approach to wellness. The report underscores the necessity of community designs that promote wellness, with significant emphasis on factors such as access to nature, social connections, and spaces that cater to individuals at all life stages.
Jeremy Laster, President of Rancho Mission Viejo, supports this idea by affirming that the community’s design choices can catalyze wellbeing among its residents. A recent survey conducted among residents revealed that 82% believe that living in The Ranch positively affects their overall wellbeing, indicating that wellness is a critical consideration in housing choices, according to the America at Home Study. This data aligns with the growing trend where wellness stands as a top motivator for housing decisions.
Features Supporting Wellness
To foster a healthy living environment, Rancho Mission Viejo incorporates various essential features into its development. The community promotes walkability, preserves open green spaces, and supports intergenerational living. Residents have access to a community farm program, state-of-the-art amenities, and sports parks, all designed to enhance physical activity and social interaction. Furthermore, the community’s resilience tactics address climate and wildfire adaptation, ensuring safety and sustainability.
The community’s wellness initiatives are not limited to physical health; they encompass mental wellness, social connections, and financial well-being. The robust programming calendar and numerous clubs available for residents are specifically designed to strengthen community ties and foster connections, which has become increasingly vital since the onset of the pandemic.
Market Growth and Inspiration for Future Developments
The wellness real estate sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 15.2% from 2024 to 2029, with estimates suggesting the market could exceed one trillion dollars globally. Rancho Mission Viejo serves as an exemplary case of wellness real estate at scale, demonstrating how wellness principles can be implemented in large-scale communities. This prompts a shift in perception within the real estate sector, signaling that concepts of wellness can be integrated at various price points and across different scales.
The Global Wellness Institute’s report encourages builders and developers to adopt future projects with a wellness-focused mindset, validating that wellness is an essential aspect of contemporary living. Katherine Johnston, Senior Research Fellow at GWI, pointed out that Rancho Mission Viejo illustrates a fusion of residential life with preserved nature and sustainable practices, which is critical as communities adapt to the evolving needs of their residents.
History and Development Partnerships
Founded and operated by the O’Neill/Moiso/Avery family since 1882, Rancho Mission Viejo partners with DMB Associates in developing the community. This partnership has led to the creation of surrounding suburbs and cities, including Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Mission Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita. The emphasis on a holistic approach to wellbeing and community connection continues to define the ethos of Rancho Mission Viejo.
In conclusion, the recognition of Rancho Mission Viejo by the Global Wellness Institute not only showcases the success of its wellness initiatives but also sets a benchmark for future developments aiming to address the comprehensive wellness of residents in real estate projects worldwide.
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Additional Resources
- PR Newswire: Rancho Mission Viejo Recognized as a Leading Global Wellness Community
- PR Newswire: Build Well to Live Well Case Studies
- Spa Business: Wellness Real Estate Market Forecast
- Good Housekeeping: Wellness Communities
- ConnectCRE: Rancho Mission Viejo Collaborates with GWI
- Wikipedia: Wellness Real Estate
- Google Search: wellness real estate
- Google Scholar: wellness communities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: wellness real estate
- Google News: Rancho Mission Viejo

Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.