Located in Orange County, California, Laguna HIlls is a small city named for its proximity to Laguna Canyon. It is close to the I-5, Mission Viejo, Laguna Woods and Aliso Viejo. It was built upon one of the major land grants of the Rancho Era. in 1821, when Mexico won its independence from Spain, those who served in the Mexican government were given vast lands for cattle grazing. In 1842, Don Juan Avila was granted Rancho Niguel, where Laguna Hills is located. In 1874, Lewis Moulton came to California from Boston and founded Moulton Ranch by leasing Rancho Niguel. He made the land profitable by raising cattle and sheep and dry farming. After decades of leasing, he purchased the land in 1895 and increased it to 22,000 acres. This land was eventually subdivided in 1960 and part of that division is the city we know today as Laguna Hills.
After four years of incorporation efforts, Laguna Hills was incorporated on March 5, 1991 with 86% of the population voting in the affirmative. By the end of 1991, Laguna Hills officially became a city. On November 14, 1995 the City Council approved the annexation of the North Laguna HIlls area which became part of the incorporated city on July 1, 1996. Notable people from Laguna Hills include guitarist Phil Collen and MLB pitcher John Lamb.
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Laguna Hills Population & Demographics
As of 2018, the population of Laguna Hills is about 31,185 people. The largest ethnic groups in Laguna Hills are White (Non-Hispanic, 58.5%), Hispanic (17.8%), and Asian (Non-Hispanic) (14.9%). 89.3% of the residents in Laguna Hills are U.S. citizens and virtually no residents speak a non-English language as their primary language at home. 26.4% of Laguna Hills residents (8.24k people) were born outside of the United States, which is higher than the national average of 13.7%. The most common countries of origin of its foreign residents are Mexico, Philippines, and China.
Laguna Hills is located in Orange County, California. Laguna Hills’ zip codes are 92637, 92653, 92654, and 92656. Laguna Hills’ area code is 949.
Laguna Hills Cost of Living
According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of living in Laguna Hills is estimated to be 148.5% of the national average making it one of the more expensive cities in the US. You can expect to pay more in just about every category than the national average including groceries, housing, utility bills, and healthcare. While at first glance, this may seem like a deterrence in moving to Laguna HIlls, it’s important to take a look at the median household income of the area to properly gauge expenses. Currently, the median household income for Laguna Hills is $100,985, which is 34% more than the average for the state of California. The median income for an individual is $41,579, which is 13% more than that of the state. In addition to being expensive, Laguna Hills is an affluent area to live.
Real estate prices are on the rise in Laguna Hills. In 2018, the median property value in Laguna Hills, CA grew to $688,200 from the previous year’s value of $649,700. 47% of houses fall in the $500K-$750K price range. Homes usually sell for 2% above asking price, and go to pending in an average of 34 days. If you buy a home around the median price in Laguna Hills, you can expect to pay about $4,000 annually in property taxes. Due to the competitive market, now is the time to look for homes for sale in Laguna Hills, CA if you are moving to Laguna Hills!
In Laguna Hills, 71.7% of the residents are homeowners, which is higher than the national average of 63.9%. The average price to rent in Laguna Hills is around $2,000 for a living space of right under 900 square feet.
Laguna Hills Neighborhoods
There are many wonderful neighborhoods to choose from in Laguna Hills! The best Laguna Hills neighborhoods include Acacia Knolls and Nellie Gail Ranch. If you are looking for mid-sized homes consider checking out Acacia Knolls, where condos and attached homes with two to three bedrooms are very common. If you are looking for single family homes with plenty of school options look no further than Aliso Meadows or Vista Firenza. One of the largest land areas in Laguna Hills is Nellie Gail Ranch. This dynamic neighborhood has many options for residents looking for an active lifestyle. There are three full-service activity centers – Equestrian Center, Tennis Club, and Swim Center – plus plenty of public parks and trails throughout this community.
The Laguna Hills Parks and Rec department operates many parks and facilities for all residents to enjoy.
Weather in Laguna Hills
One of the undeniable draws of Laguna Hills is the good weather you can expect year round. While summer temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees, you can expect temperature drops of no lower than 48 degrees in the winter. While the weather in Laguna Hills is quite pleasant throughout the year, the nicest months are usually considered to be June through October, with clear and sunny days that are perfect for outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Laguna Hills
Look for fun things to do in Laguna Hills? Whether you are looking for outdoor activities, date night ideas, or family friendly attractions, there is something that is right up your alley. If you love the outdoors, good food, and kid-friendly activities, you’ll feel right at home in Laguna Hills. Here are just a few of the places Laguna Hills residents love having nearby:
Laguna Hills Community Center
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The Laguna Hills Community Center is the center point of Laguna Hills recreational, cultural, and leisure activities. The 43,000 square foot building includes a gym, fossil exhibit, art gallery, and the technological branch of the Orange County Public Library. Located behind the Laguna Hills Community Center, a dino-themes park is sure to be a favorite of any dino-loving kid in your life. Also located on the property is a beautiful rose garden for your strolling pleasure.
25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, (949) 707-2680
Big Air Laguna Hills Trampoline Park
If you need to keep your kids entertained for hours in Laguna Hills, look no further than Big Air Laguna Hills Trampoline Park. It has trampolines suitable for all ages and a foam pit.
23251 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, (949) 305-9788
Additional Things to do in and around Laguna Hills
Laguna Hills also provides for some very convenient shopping including Village at Laguna Hills and the Courtyard at La Paz.
Laguna Hills Restaurants
Laguna Hills has plenty of options when it comes to dining and eating out. Besides the many options offered at its shopping centers, Laguna HIlls’ proximity to the beach makes it a great place to savor some of the best seafood,
King’s Fish House
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Customers boast of King’s sophisticated atmosphere and delicious seafood offerings, as well as its fun outdoor dining options and vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free friendly menu.
24001 Avenida de La Carlota B, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, 949-586-1515
Snooty Fox
For the best breakfast and brunch, you can’t go wrong at Snooty Fox. Known for their large portions and delicious offerings, this is the perfect eatery in Laguna Hills for gathering with your friends.
23028 Lake Forest Dr, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, (949) 770-7761
Map of Laguna Hills
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Jobs in Laguna Hills, CA
In Laguna Hills, the most common jobs are Management Occupations, Sales, and Office/Administrative Support. From 2017 to 2018, employment in Laguna Hills, CA declined at a rate of -3.15%, from 16.9k employees to 16.3k employees. Compared to other places, Laguna Hills has an unusually high number of residents working in legal occupations, architecture and engineering, and healthcare administration.
8.75% of Laguna Hills’ population lives below the poverty line, well below the national average of 13.4%. If you are relocating to Laguna Hills, you can expect a commute of about 22.9 minutes to and from work. Many people end up commuting to Los Angeles for work. If this is what you plan on doing, click here for directions from Laguna Hills, CA to Los Angeles, CA, which is 47.8 miles.
Are you looking for a job in Laguna Hills? Click here to check out the latest opportunities listed on Indeed.com!
Schools in Laguna Hills, CA
Laguna Hills has many school choices for its small size. The city is served by the Saddleback Valley Unified School District which operates 36 schools. More than half the schools in this district are rated above average. There are also 5 private schools that currently serve 185 students, which means you have plenty of choices when it comes to your child’s education! The highest rated schools in Laguna Hills include DePortola Elementary, La Paz Intermediate, Trabuco Hills High, and El Toro High. Laguna Hills students perform 17% better on tests than the state average, and the student/teacher ratio is 24:1.
Living in Laguna Hills Pros & Cons
- Pro: Highly rated schools
- Pro: Low crime rate
- Pro: Good weather
- Con: High cost of living
Are you considering relocating to Laguna Hills, CA? If so, make sure you have the best Laguna Hills moving company to help you! Call SafeWay Moving at 949-639-0330 today for a free quote!
