15 Things Only People Who Grew Up In Rancho Santa Margarita Understand
Rancho Santa Margarita is a young community in Southern California and my hometown. And it has its own set of things that only the residents understand. So here are 10 things that only those who grew up in Rancho Santa Margarita will understand.
No One Ever Calls it By its Full Name
The town name is just too long for anyone to say. So it is usually called “Rancho” or just “RSM”. In fact, it has the longest town name in California. It’s just a lot easier to say RSm, and Southern California (SoCal) people know where you’re talking about without the full name. And you can put “RSM” on your mail and it will still arrive/ship. This is something that every person who grew up in Rancho Santa Margarita gets.
2. Everyone Has a Disneyland Pass
This is not just exclusive to RSM, but it is a thing that people will totally get. Basically, if you live in SoCal you will most likely have a Disneyland annual pass. Since RSM is only 30 minutes southeast of Disneyland it is so easy to just pop over for the afternoon. It’s a great investment for anyone who grew up in Rancho Santa Margarita.
3. Fancy Cars Are Everywhere
The amount of Mercedes-Benz’, BMW’s, Ferrari’s, and other sports that you see around town is astonishing. They are just everywhere. And because they are so common it’s not exciting to see them after a while. You become desensitized to them if you grew up in Rancho Santa Margarita.
4. Going to Free Summer Concerts in the Park
There is a little park in the middle of town that has free concerts in the summer, and it’s totally a thing. There are also little craft fairs and farmers markets nearby. So it is a great Saturday/Sunday family activity.
5. Arrested Development
The TV series “Arrested Development” was based in Southern California, so those who live there can usually figure out where the characters are. In fact, the whole story of the Bluth family fortune (the Banana Stand) was a real thing. And if you visit Balboa Island, which is about a half hour away from RSM you can get a frozen Banana. It’s a fun show that all SoCal residents can relate to and understand.
6. Hiked to the Top of Saddleback Mountain
There is a lot of hiking around, and one of the most popular hikes is up the local Saddleback mountain. Most residents have probably hiked their way to the summit. And man, the views from the summit are amazing. Totally an RSM thing.
7. Lots of Cycling and Mountain Biking Trails
Some of the best mountain biking trails in SoCal are in or around RSM. And road/mountain biking is a huge thing is RSM. No matter what time of day it is, you will probably see about 5-10 cyclist on the road. It’s a thing.
8. RSM Lake
This is a popular walk in RSM, around the local lake. It is a 1.1-mile loop, with exercise stations scattered around the shore. This is also a very popular place for prom and formal dance pictures. Like seriously, everyone takes a formal picture there.
9. We Praised God When We Finally Got an In N Out
It took forever, but when it happened it was amazing. When the In N Out came to town it was the best day ever. It was so busy! And it still is. My friend and I go there a lot, and we wait at least 25 minutes in the drive-thru line. And that’s ok! Because it is part of the experience.
10. No One Knows How to Drive in the Rain
Seriously. When it starts raining people freak out and lose the ability to drive normally. I mean, it is a desert and therefore we don’t get a lot of rain. But still, it’s usually nothing more than a slightly heavy sprinkle. But people just can’t keep it together.
