Laguna Hills is a suburban city tucked away in the rolling terrain of Orange County, just east of Laguna Beach and Laguna Canyon. Its natural scenery, hillside vistas and upscale homes have made it a sought-after spot for its 30,000 residents. “It feels like an exclusive area,” says Martha Haecherl, Realtor at Keller Williams Realty and longtime resident. “Your dollar goes further here than in other cities around. It’s a beautiful area.” While it’s primarily residential, there are also plenty of community parks, shopping and dining. Interstate 5 runs along the city's edge, tying it into the Gordian Knot that is the L.A. highway system.
Elevated view showing the well kept community of condominiums.
Head over to Laguna Beach for great shopping and dining.
Laguna Hills Mall has many fantastic places to shop and dine.
Bring the family out to Sheep Hills Park for a day of fun.
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Outdoor scenery, parks and beaches
Laguna Hills offers an abundance of outdoor spaces, from traditional parks to tennis courts and equestrian trails. The expansive Laguna Hills Community Center and Sports Complex is a spot for both relaxation and recreation. Dinosaur Park is a prehistoric-themed playground with climbable skeletons. Laguna Beach is less than 10 miles southwest.
Alison Creek Riding and Hiking Trail is a popular feature of Laguna Hills.
There are swings that children will enjoy at Dinosaur Park in Laguna Hills.
The Landscaping throughout Laguna Hills is beautiful.
Scenic views at Crescent Bay in North Laguna.
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Local shopping and dining
Most retail is concentrated around I-5 including a diverse dining scene. Haecherl recommends Balvina’s, Franco’s Famous and Heidelberg Bakery, but says there are many good options. Laguna Hills Mall, right off the interstate, closed a number of years ago and is currently being redeveloped into a mix of office space, residential units and 250,000 square feet of retail, restaurants and entertainment venues. More shopping options can be found in Laguna Niguel or other nearby cities.
Nellie Gail residents can enjoy fine dining at Franco's Famous Restaurant.
Laguna Hills Farmers Market has the freshest produce around.
Take a trip to Trader Joes in Laguna Hills for all your grocery shopping needs.
Franco's Famous is a popular Mexican restaurant in Laguna Hills.
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Million-dollar homes in the hills
“You can get a large home with a great layout,” says Haecherl. “These are homes you can grow into. A lot of homes were custom builds, so nothing is cookie cutter.” Haecherl says that the city is one of the more expensive Orange County communities. Single-family homes sell for a median of $1.6 million. Homes are spacious and include sought-after amenities like pools and large lots. Throughout the city, homeowners glimpse rolling hills and views of the ocean. Some neighborhoods, like Nellie Gail , are known for the equestrian stables and trails.
Homes in Laguna Hills have plenty of square footage for a growing family.
Many of the homes and condos in Laguna Hills are Spanish inspired.
Unique flat roof homes a scattered in the neighborhood of Laguna Hills.
Many homes in Laguna Hills are beautiful custom homes.
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Highly rated Saddleback Valley Unified Schools
Students attend schools in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, a top-rated district with an A-rating from Niche. There are three schools in Laguna Hills: Lomarena Elementary School, which receives an A-minus, and Valencia Elementary School and Laguna Hills High School, which hold A ratings.
Lomarena Elementary School is a well known school in the community.
Laguna Hills High School is a well known school in the area.
San Joaquin Elementary School is part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.
Linda Vista Elementary School is a public, K-5 school in the Mission Viejo neighborhood.
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Getting around Laguna Hills and beyond
Laguna Hills is bordered by Interstate 5, which Haecherl says provides convenience without excess noise. Anaheim, Santa Ana and Irvine are all within a 20-mile drive. Los Angeles is farther north, 50 miles away via the highway, San Diego is 75 miles south. The closest airport is John Wayne Airport, 13 miles away. The city is served by the Orange County Transportation Authority via several bus lines.
Crime in Laguna Hills
Laguna Hills has below-average crime rates. There were 58 violent crimes reported in the city in 2022, putting it about 68% lower than the national average, according to FBI statistics. There were also 420 property crimes reported in 2022, a near-historic low for the city. Like much of the region wildfires are a reality for Laguna Hills and Orange County says the city is at a moderate risk.
Events in Laguna Hills
“It’s a small city with a great sense of community,” says Haecherl. “We’ve got a lot of great events people seem to enjoy.” The city offers an array of community events, like concerts and movies in the park. Seasonal celebrations bring residents together to watch Fourth of July fireworks or the annual Christmas tree lighting. Early each autumn, Heritage Day welcomes autumn with a fair, vendors and live entertainment.
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She looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you. Please do not hesitate to contact Candice today!
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.