North Laguna
Beachy bungalows and oceanfront estates
North Laguna has multiple recognized areas. "Each area offers a different lifestyle," says Taub. "You can be in walkable North Laguna on Tree Streets, on a property up the hill or on a gated oceanfront street if you want more privacy." The tree-named streets above the North Coast Highway on the neighborhood's southeast end are called the "Tree Streets." This is the neighborhood's most well-known section. Cottages, 1920s bungalows and California Craftsman sit along these gradually inclining streets tucked behind white-picket fences and coastal foliage. These Tree Street homes can range from $3 million to over $10 million for Craftsman and Mediterranean-style mansions with hilltop ocean views. The northwest end has more range, with cottages and bungalows ranging from $1.5 million to $3 million. There's also more architectural variety, from midcentury modern and contemporary designs to estates with large lots for $4 million to $10 million. North Laguna's oceanfront homes atop the cliffs are some of the most desired in Southern California, so they're rarely for sale. When on the market, they can vary from beach cottages for $5 million to palatial residences in gated areas like Smithcliffs that approach $15 million.
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Laguna Beach's A-plus-rated school district
The Laguna Beach Unified School District — rated an A-plus by Niche — is one of the city's biggest draws. Cities this small are often included in larger systems, but Laguna Beach has a small district all to itself. Students begin in the neighborhood at A-plus-rated El Morro Elementary, one of the city's two elementary schools. All continue at Thurston Middle, given an A. They finish at Laguna Beach High, which earns another A-plus. Laguna Beach High is locally known for its stellar academics, but it became world famous in 2004 when it was the focal point of MTV's "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County." This hit reality show followed the lifestyles of seniors at Laguna Beach High.
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Cliff-lined beach coves and views from the hills
The Pacific Ocean has carved North Laguna's coastline into secluded coves — each sandy bay is separated by rocky cliffs capped with lush vegetation and colorful wildflowers. Fishing isn't allowed on Laguna Beach's shores, so the water is also teaming with life. Seals can be seen bobbing in the water while seabirds sunbathe on the protruding rocks. Surfing is a way of life here, and popular breaks like Thalia Street Beach are a mile down the North Coast Highway. Laguna Beach is surrounded by natural hills and canyons that seclude it from inland Orange County. Residents can walk to the top of the neighborhood to access miles of hiking trails that provide panoramic views of the ocean and mountains in opposite directions.
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Walk to coffee shops, art galleries and The Village
The neighborhood's businesses sit along the North Coast Highway. The blocks on the east end, closer to The Village, are especially packed with activity. Urth Caffé is the cornerstone of this area, easily recognized by the bungalow cottage building and patio packed with diners. Jedidiah Coffee, up the block, is another chill spot for coffee and pastries steps from the beach. Laguna Beach's artist colony origins are alive at the Laguna Art Museum across from Urth and in more than a handful of galleries on the walk from Urth to Jedidiah. Pavilion's is the neighborhood's go-to supermarket, a few blocks away. The adjacent plaza houses curated coffee spots like Endless Quest Roasters, which brews a rotating lineup of hand-selected beans from Ethiopia, Guatemala and other renowned coffee regions. For shopping, dinner or a night out, many residents can walk less than a mile to the Village, Laguna Beach's center of activity.
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Quick access to Newport Beach and Irvine
North Laguna's location gives the quickest route out of the city on the North Coast Highway, also called the 1. This is useful because Laguna Beach only has small shops and local businesses, so working residents often drive to larger corporate offices in Newport Beach or Irvine. Newport Beach is just over 5 miles up the 1. Irvine and John Wane Airport are less than 15 miles north. Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach is the nearest major healthcare facility, 5 miles south. Tourism backs up the 1 during the spring and summer, so residents can save gas by taking the Laguna Beach Trolley. The free trolley has a route traveling up and down the coast and another that travels from the canyon into downtown Laguna Beach.Environmental risks in the future
Laguna Beach hasn't experienced a wildfire, but the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has designated the area as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. This is due to the natural expanse surrounding the city, which provides bountiful recreation but is also an environment for fires. Laguna Beach's city website has resources where residents can learn about their fire risk and how to prepare their homes for potential fires.
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Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Christiaan Cruz
Video By
Luke Basinger
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Paul Daftarian
Paul Daftarian
Luxe Real Estate
(657) 385-8384
249 Total Sales
1 in North Laguna
$35,500,000 Price
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Bob Chapman
Bob Chapman
Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty
(949) 541-9675
3 Total Sales
1 in North Laguna
$5,000,000 Price
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Daniel Haney
Daniel Haney
ERA Ranch and Sea Realty
(657) 275-1334
10 Total Sales
3 in North Laguna
$4.2M - $6.1M Price Range
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Michael Balliet
Michael Balliet
Luxe Real Estate
(949) 822-9097
38 Total Sales
1 in North Laguna
$35,500,000 Price
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Janelle File
Janelle File
Compass
(949) 379-1755
114 Total Sales
1 in North Laguna
$3,110,000 Price
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Ron Pickett
Ron Pickett
Coldwell Banker Realty
(949) 577-6199
69 Total Sales
2 in North Laguna
$2.1M - $3M Price Range
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- K to 5th
- Public
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Parks in this Area
Heisler Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
- Beach
Monument Point
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Crescent Bay Point Park
- Picnic Area
- Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | North Laguna | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 2 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 2 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 2 | 4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
North Laguna Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in North Laguna, Laguna Beach sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in North Laguna, Laguna Beach over the last 12 months is $616,250, up 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$399,000
Median Sale Price
$616,250
Median Single Family Sale Price
$724,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
60
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
19%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$282
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
905
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Median Year Built
1953
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,883
On par with the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,386
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,245
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,103
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098
Open Houses
-
Saturday, Aug 210am - 4pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,671
Median Age
53
Population under 18
13.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$138,652
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$164,599
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.4%
College Graduates
66.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
40.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
43
/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
76
/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
37
/ 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Emerald Bay
Gated seaside community with a private beach and ocean views
Laguna Canyon
This artist's neighborhood is surrounded by state parks and close to the beach
Mystic Hills
Residential community above the downtown Laguna Beach area
The Village
Art galleries, shopping and dining in the heart of Laguna Beach
Woods Cove
Oceanfront community with popular local restaurants in Laguna Beach
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