Welcome to Rancho Santa Margarita
A wonderful master-planned village tucked in the mountains with resort-style amenities
Rancho Santa Margarita is a suburban village and master-planned community tucked in the hills of the Saddleback and the Santa Ana Mountains 20 miles southeast of Irvine, California. This new town, established in 2000, features upscale single-family homes, townhouses, and luxurious condominiums dotting the rolling landscape around Lake Santa Margarita. The beautiful Spanish tile roofs contrast the lush greenery and majestic mountain backdrop, creating a picture-perfect setting. The town has many fabulous, gated communities that offer residents resort-style amenities like championship golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, paved trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and clubhouses.
The tranquil suburban town of Rancho Santa Margarita is community-focused and family-oriented. Two excellent public school districts and several highly sought-after private schools serve the neighborhoods. This master-planned village has everything you need just steps from home and two of the most beautiful golf courses in Southern California: the Dove Canyon Golf Club and the Tijera Creek Golf Club. The community is centered around the gorgeous Lake Santa Margarita. The lake has a paved walking path, parks, and green spaces all along its banks. The lake is also the site of the highly-anticipated 4th of July Fireworks on the Lake event. Additionally, the lake is where you’ll find the Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club, which is a wonderful place to relax on a warm afternoon.
Rancho Santa Margarita Real Estate Market
Rancho Santa Margarita real estate is diverse. Contact the Southern California Coastal real estate agents & realtors at the Lynch Group to find condos, property, luxury houses & beach homes for sale in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.
What to Love
- Scenic suburban location
- Beautiful, peaceful communities and luxurious homes
- Resort-style amenities
- Family-oriented and community-focused
Local Lifestyle
Rancho Santa Margarita is a beautiful and family-oriented town in the foothills of the breathtaking mountain ranges of Orange County, California. The residents here enjoy the camaraderie and welcoming vibe of this community-focused town. The Mediterranean-like climate of the region provides residents with the perfect weather to enjoy year-round outdoor recreation. Locals enjoy a day of golf at the nearby signature country clubs. Lake Santa Margarita and community parks are popular places for swimming, walking, jogging, and relaxing lakeside, while the nearby mountain ranges provide miles of wilderness trails for hiking and mountain biking. It’s a terrific place for families and those that enjoy a peaceful paradise with lots of outdoor recreation.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Rancho Santa Margarita is a fantastic master-planned village that offers residents everything they need just steps from home. The community has several fine shopping, entertainment, and dining venues.
Board and Brew is a unique sandwich destination with offerings like the “California Delight” and “Left Coast Pastrami.” A premier Italian dining spot, Tutto Fresco has a flavorful menu that awakens the senses. Hanna's is a stylish American steakhouse with an elegant and cozy ambiance, while Todos Santos is the perfect place if you are craving authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant offers indoor seating or dining on the shaded outdoor patio. Carmelita’s Kitchen is a family-owned community favorite for TexMex fare and a welcoming, homey ambiance.
Things to Do
The central focal point of Rancho Santa Margarita is the magnificent Santa Margarita Lake, an excellent location for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. Santa Margarita Lake also hosts the Star Spangled Spectacular 4th of July fireworks over the water.
The resort-like Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club is on the banks of the lake and provides residents with a sandy-bottom swimming lagoon, beachside picnic tables, and plenty of room to relax and enjoy the fabulous Southern California sunshine.
Rancho Santa Margarita has several fantastic parks with playgrounds, picnic areas, pedestrian paths, bicycle trails, and sports facilities. If you’re looking for family fun, head to Central Park and the splash pad for a day under the sun. There are also several heated community pools for members to enjoy, as well as tennis courts at Altisima Park, Trabuco Mesa Park, and Arroyo Vista Park.
Schools