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The Village

The Village

Neighborhood in Laguna Beach, California

Orange County 92651

$3,085,578 Average Value
$2,132 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 Homes For Sale

Everything happens in The Village

The Village is Laguna Beach's most recognizable neighborhood and its beating heart. Its mix of Southern California surf culture and artistic heritage makes it one of the most desired communities in Orange County. "This is the heart and soul of Laguna Beach," says Realtor Barbara Balossi, who's been in real estate for 20 years, including a decade selling in the Laguna area. "The buzz, the walkability, the historic cottages, the laid-back attitude; it's exactly what people come to Laguna for." The Village's stretch of the South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach's main artery — also called the 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway — is lined with art galleries, shops and eateries that are steps from homes and the beach. Being out and about, meeting neighbors for breakfast and attending art shows and community events is essential to The Village's active yet leisurely lifestyle. "It appeals to creatives, professionals and retirees," says Balossi. "People here just love being engaged in the small-town scene and community culture because there's nowhere else like it in Orange County."

The Patriots Day Parade, held near The Village, features colorful floats, marching bands, veterans’ groups, and scout troops proudly displaying their patriotic spirit.
The Patriots Day Parade, held near The Village, features colorful floats, marching bands, veterans’ groups, and scout troops proudly displaying their patriotic spirit.
Locals from The Village often surf the breaks at Thalia Street Beach, where mellow waves and a friendly lineup create a true sense of community and classic Laguna surf culture.
Locals from The Village often surf the breaks at Thalia Street Beach, where mellow waves and a friendly lineup create a true sense of community and classic Laguna surf culture.
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1920s cottages and oceanfront properties in demand

Homes in The Village tend to move pretty quickly. "Demand is always strong in the Village," says Balossi. "There isn't a ton of inventory because people don't want to move from here." The streets east or up the hill from the South Coast Highway are lined with 1920s cottages, bungalows and Craftsman homes. Midcentury modern and contemporary designs have been added over the years. "Even the homes are rich in character here," says Balossi. "People have beautiful gardens and artwork in their yards, and the ocean views and breezes are so charming." Cottages and bungalows can range from $1.5 million to $3 million. Larger 1920s Craftsman and chic midcentury modern homes on spacious lots can cost $3 million to $5 million. Coveted oceanfront homes with views of Catalina Island are rarely listed, but they can range from $4 million to almost $15 million for large contemporary builds.

The Village in Laguna Beach features a mix of storybook cottages, Craftsman homes, and contemporary beach houses, all set on gently sloping hills with lush gardens and ocean breezes.
The Village in Laguna Beach features a mix of storybook cottages, Craftsman homes, and contemporary beach houses, all set on gently sloping hills with lush gardens and ocean breezes.
From historic beach bungalows to architect-designed Craftsman's, The Village showcases a unique tapestry of styles that reflect Laguna’s creative soul and its love for coastal California living.
From historic beach bungalows to architect-designed Craftsman's, The Village showcases a unique tapestry of styles that reflect Laguna’s creative soul and its love for coastal California living.
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Laguna Beach's heart of shopping and dining

It's impossible to walk or drive down The Village's section of the South Coast Highway without passing multiple art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, coffee spots and surf shops. While all of The Village is walkable, locals typically spend their time in the HIP District, between Anita Street and Bluebird Canyon Drive. Coffee and health food establishments like Laguna Coffee Company and Active Culture are fixtures in this fashionable area and cater to the active lifestyle. Boutiques like Abducted Surf Shack, specialty grocers and yoga studios add to the variety of these blocks. Alongside the shops and scenic rooftop restaurants, there are late-night dives like the Sand Piper — better known as the "Dirty Bird." Things get more touristy to the north, close to Main Beach. However, eateries like Nick's are still staple dinner spots for residents. Art galleries and surf shops fill the gaps between the restaurants and boutiques. Thalia Surf Shop is one of many local favorites, and there are also flagship stores like Rip Curl. There's a Ralphs in the middle of the community, making grocery shopping easy.

The Village is lined with a mix of surf shops, boutiques, and local gems—each offering everything from handcrafted boards and beachwear to art, gifts, and laid-back coastal essentials.
The Village is lined with a mix of surf shops, boutiques, and local gems—each offering everything from handcrafted boards and beachwear to art, gifts, and laid-back coastal essentials.
Natraj, Cuisine of India, located near The Village, offers a vibrant dining experience with authentic Indian flavors, where guests can savor rich curries, fragrant biryanis, and freshly baked naan in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Natraj, Cuisine of India, located near The Village, offers a vibrant dining experience with authentic Indian flavors, where guests can savor rich curries, fragrant biryanis, and freshly baked naan in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
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Laguna's local surf culture

The surf shops on the Coast Highway aren't a touristy front; surfing is a way of life here. Laguna's cliff-lined beaches are just steps behind the row of businesses on the highway. Every morning, surfers walk or drive down the hill to popular breaks like Thalia Street Beach and Brooks Street Beach. Aside from people taking lessons, it's rare to see anybody but a local in the lineup because there aren't many places to park. Locals also get favored in the annual Brooks Street Surf Contest. It's only open to Laguna Beach residents and is held at a different time each year based on the swell. This doesn't mean the competition is any less fierce — several pro surfers call The Village home. The Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area protects Laguna Beach's oceanfront, so it's normal to see seals and dolphins hanging out in the waves. Some of Orange County's most scenic hiking trails are up the hill from the neighborhood, providing views of the coastline and surrounding canyons.

Brooks Street Beach, just a short walk from The Village, features a rugged shoreline with tide pools, rocky outcrops, and a sandy stretch beloved by surfers and beachgoers for its raw coastal beauty.
Brooks Street Beach, just a short walk from The Village, features a rugged shoreline with tide pools, rocky outcrops, and a sandy stretch beloved by surfers and beachgoers for its raw coastal beauty.
Thalia Street Beach, nestled near The Village, offers a stunning mix of rocky outcrops and sandy stretches, with tide pools to explore and mellow waves perfect for surfing.
Thalia Street Beach, nestled near The Village, offers a stunning mix of rocky outcrops and sandy stretches, with tide pools to explore and mellow waves perfect for surfing.
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TV-famous Laguna Beach High in the neighborhood

Unlike most towns this small, Laguna Beach has its own school system — the Laguna Beach Unified School District, rated an A-plus by Niche. Kids begin in the hills at Top of the World Elementary, given an A, which has some of the best views in Laguna. They continue at Thurston Middle, also graded an A. Students finish in the community at Laguna Beach High, which earns an A-plus and is walkable from many community homes. Aside from the school's top-notch curriculum, Laguna Beach might be recognized as the subject of the 2000s MTV reality series "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County."

An elevated view of Top of the World Elementary School in Laguna Beach, California.
An elevated view of Top of the World Elementary School in Laguna Beach, California.
Laguna Beach High Inspires academic Excellence in a coastal setting in a great community.
Laguna Beach High Inspires academic Excellence in a coastal setting in a great community.
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Renowned art shows and local galleries

Laguna Beach was popularized as an artist's colony in the early 1900s. Its artistic heritage still thrives in The Village. The South Coast Highway and adjacent blocks are home to dozens of galleries, some displaying prized collections and others serving as studios for creators who might live a few blocks away. First Thursday Art Walks are held on the first Thursday of every month. Over 40 galleries participate, opening their doors for receptions, demonstrations and live performances. The legendary Festival of Arts is just north of the neighborhood. It showcases works from Orange County's world-class artists. However, it's best known for its Pageant of the Masters. This show brings famous artworks to life through theatrical performances.

Every summer, just moments from The Village, the Festival of Arts draws art enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate creativity.
Every summer, just moments from The Village, the Festival of Arts draws art enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate creativity.
The Patriots Day Parade is a heartwarming tradition that reflects Laguna Beach’s pride, history, and strong sense of togetherness.
The Patriots Day Parade is a heartwarming tradition that reflects Laguna Beach’s pride, history, and strong sense of togetherness.
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Travel the South Coast Highway on the Laguna Beach Trolley

The South Coast Highway is the only freeway running through the length of Laguna Beach. The Village is walkable, but the Laguna Beach Trolley can take people to stops farther north or south of the neighborhood. The trolley is free and has room for surfboards. It travels from north Laguna to south Laguna, where it meets the free Dana Point Trolley. Newport Beach is less than 10 miles north, and Irvine's corporate offices and John Wayne Airport are 15 miles north by taking state Route 133 — on the neighborhood's north end — up to Interstate 405.

During the twilight hours, the Pacific Coast Highway near The Village comes alive with golden light, as the sun sets over the ocean, casting a warm glow on the road, cliffs, and coastal scenery.
During the twilight hours, the Pacific Coast Highway near The Village comes alive with golden light, as the sun sets over the ocean, casting a warm glow on the road, cliffs, and coastal scenery.
The Village proudly hosts the Annual Patriots Day Parade, a beloved Laguna Beach tradition since 1967 and one of the town’s longest-running events.
The Village proudly hosts the Annual Patriots Day Parade, a beloved Laguna Beach tradition since 1967 and one of the town’s longest-running events.
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Ed Coombs
Written By
Ed Coombs
Darren Asay
Photography Contributed By
Darren Asay

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ray E. McAfoose, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

John Wayne/Orange County

23 min drive

Bus

Coast HWY & Oak St

Bus

Legion Hall

Bus

Coast HWY & St. Anns Dr

Bus

Coast HWY & Anita St

Bus

Coast HWY & Mountain Rd

Bus

Coast HWY & Diamond St

Bus

Coast HWY & Legion St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime The Village US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$2,600,000
Median Single Family Price
$2,850,000
Median Townhouse Price
$7,225,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$2,132
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Last 12 months Home Sales
64
Months of Supply
2.40
Median List Price
$3,225,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
757
Median Year Built
1939
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,335
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,732
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,506
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Friday, May 2
    1 - 4pm

    551 Anita St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

    $2,275,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,144 Sq Ft
    • 551 Anita St

    Nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach's desirable Village neighborhood, this 1948 cottage exudes character and coastal charm. Just three blocks up from PCH, this rare offering is hitting the market for the first time in almost five decades. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, this home is brimming with potential- ready for the next owner to restore, renovate, or reimagine. Step inside to a living

    TRACY LINEBACK Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ray E. McAfoose, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,538
Median Age
53
Population under 18
16%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$115,318
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$157,903

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.1%
College Graduates
65.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

93 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

39 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
The Village