$2,910,743Average Value$1,387Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Top of the World has the best views in Laguna Beach
Nowhere in Laguna Beach has better views than Top of the World. The neighborhood sits atop the town, looking over downtown and the Pacific Ocean to the west and all the way east to the Santa Ana Mountains. However, extensive sightlines are just one of the reasons it has become a highly desired community. "Top of the World used to be a 'this is all I can afford in Laguna' neighborhood, but now it's in super high demand. When people find a three-bedroom that doesn't need any work, they take it," says Kristine Flynn, a Laguna Beach Realtor who's lived in Top of the World since 2011. It's become so sought after because of its almost suburban setting. "This is the only normal neighborhood in Laguna Beach for people who want that community-focused, family lifestyle with nice tract homes, amazing schools and park space," says Flynn. It's 3 miles up the hill from The Village — Laguna's downtown — which makes it feel separated from the rest of the city. "When everything is busy in The Village, you can drive up here and escape," says Flynn.
There are many sizes and styles of homes in Top of the World, and others having views of the ocean or views of the mountains.
The Top of the World trails feature picnic tables and seating, while soaking in breathtaking ocean views.
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Older suburban homes and modern remodels
Today's Top of the World residents can thank the city of Laguna Beach for the community's small size and scenic natural surroundings. "In the 1960s, they were building a tract of homes up there, and they would've built more, except Laguna Beach passed a bond measure in the 1970s to buy up all the open space around the city and keep them as natural canyons," says Realtor Michael Johnson, the leader of the Michael Johnson Team with Compass, who's been selling in Laguna Beach for two decades. "It makes Top of the World and Laguna Beach feel totally separated from the rest of Orange County." The original tract homes occupy most of the neighborhood, but opportunities for new construction have made the neighborhood more popular. "Around 10 years ago, there was a tipping point where property values were rising, so it became worth it for people to buy here and remodel," says Flynn. The 1960s tract homes start around $2 million, while those with renovations can cost up to $3 million. Totally rebuilt homes and modern luxury mansions with westward ocean views can fall between $3 million and $4 million.
Many homes in Top of the World sit along the cliffs that offers ocean or mountain views.
Top of the World features original-style and remodeled homes, such as this modern bungalow-style home.
Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes can be found in the Top of the World neighborhood.
Larger homes that sit along the cliffs in Top of the World can feature a pool that basks in panoramic ocean views.
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Top-rated schools with top-notch views
"The main reason so many people want to live here now is the schools," says Flynn. "It's a tiny district, and every school is amazing." The Laguna Beach Unified School District receives an A-plus from Niche. It serves the entire city with only four schools. Students begin at Top of the World Elementary, given an A. It faces the Aliso and Wood Canyons to the east, providing some of the best views in town. Top of the World boasted over 34,000 hours of participation from community members in 2024, showing the community's commitment to school involvement and quality education. The ocean-facing side of the neighborhood overlooks scenic Thurston Middle, just minutes down Park Avenue and rated an A. All students finish at Laguna Beach High, which earns an A-plus.
Top of the World Elementary School, in Laguna Beach, is an award winning elementary school.
Thurston Middle School is a well-rated school that features exceptional teachers and staff for its students.
Along with academics, Laguna Beach High has a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and athletic programs.
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Top of the World lookout and pickleball matches at Alta Laguna Park
This hilltop neighborhood is equally admired for its recreation. It's home to Alta Laguna Park, which has well-maintained tennis and pickleball courts, a baseball field and a playground. "There's a fun community of players," says Flynn. "Pickleball players just know when to show up and that there will be people to play with; it's not like a strict club." The Laguna Beach Tennis Academy also gives lessons and runs summertime kids camps at the park. Parkgoers play and stroll while overlooking Aliso and Wood canyons, inland Orange County and the snowcapped Santa Ana Mountains miles to the east. Alta Laguna is also a massive trailhead. Its trails provide some of the best views in Laguna Beach. The Top of the World viewpoint is a short trek from the park. It gives panoramic views of Laguna Beach and the bright-blue Pacific Ocean to the west and the green canyons and snowcapped mountains to the west. Hikers, runners and mountain bikers can follow the park's longer trails across the ridges and valleys of Aliso and Wood canyons.
Pickle ball courts are plentiful at Alta Laguna Park, where many Top of the World residents play.
Alta Vista Park features open fields and walking paths that having views of the Santa Ana Mountains.
Top of the World, in the Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness Park, is an open area with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
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Shopping and dining down the hill
Top of the World is as removed from the activity on the Coast Highway as a neighborhood can get in Laguna Beach. The Village and Main Beach, which comprise Laguna's vibrant downtown, are less than 3 miles down the hill. This area has a Ralphs and a Whole Foods for groceries, but it's also where life happens in Laguna. Its walkable streets are lined with restaurants and cafes like Nick's, bakeries like Rye Goods, shops like Thalia Surf and many other fashionable boutiques and high-end interior design stores. Laguna Beach's artistic culture also thrives in The Village, with studios and galleries occupying every other commercial space.
Nick's Laguna Beach is a beloved local restaurant, frequented by Top of the World residents.
Top of the World residents can head to Downtown Laguna Beach for its famous boutiques and shopping scene.
Top of the World residents can find a plethora of art galleries that feature local artists in Laguna Beach.
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Drive 10 miles to Newport Beach
Unlike Laguna's oceanfront neighborhoods, Top of the World doesn't offer direct access to state Route 1. Still, the 1 is less than 3 miles down the hill, making for a 10-mile drive up the coast to Newport Beach. Irvine and John Wayne Airport are less than 20 miles north. Irvine commuters take state Route 133 north through Laguna Canyon to Interstate 405.
Wildfires in the area and a low crime score
The lush hillsides and canyons around Top of the World haven't been affected by wildfires. However, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection categorizes Laguna Beach as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. This is due to the area's abundance of vegetation, combined with rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation in the region. Top of the World does have its own fire station to answer any threats. All Laguna Beach residents can learn about their wildfire risk and fire mitigation practices on the city website's fire prevention page. While wildfires might be a worry in Top of the World, crime is not. The neighborhood has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the U.S. average of 4 out of 10.
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Top of the World
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Top of the World Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Top of the World, Laguna Beach sell after 93 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Top of the World, Laguna Beach over the last 12 months is $2,475,000, down 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Richard DeweyPacific Sotheby’s International Realty
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