$2,939,646Average Value$1,373Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paul Daftarian,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Alta Laguna Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
John Wayne/Orange County
26 min drive
Bus
Chateau & Alta Laguna
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
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Top of the World, Laguna Beach sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Top of the World, Laguna Beach over the last 12 months is $3,542,083, up 15% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Opportunity knocks in the coveted Top of the World neighborhood. Set in a peaceful, elevated setting, this single-level home enjoys ocean views stretching to Catalina Island, along with a stunning perspective of the iconic Laguna Canyon.Lovingly maintained by the same owner for over 50 years, the home is mostly in original condition and ready for its next chapter. With a simple, functional layout
Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from this beautifully reimagined residence in Laguna Beach’s highly sought-after Top of the World neighborhood. Perched on a generous corner lot at the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac, this home is thoughtfully positioned to capture stunning ocean, canyon, and city-light vistas. Epic sunrise and sunset views bring everyday enchantment to this indoor-outdoor sanctuary.
Modern remodeling brings forth a sophisticated sanctuary at 3120 Bern Drive. The serene and private feel of this lot is enhanced by a consistent indoor, outdoor connection throughout the home’s Single Level layout. A fusion of quality sourced materials were utilized throughout. Starting with the solid Redwood outdoor privacy entry gate, which leads to a large front flat patio and custom front
Property Id: 1792901The Perfect Place for Rest and Relaxation and Remote Work.This unique studio rarely comes up for rent and includes:**UTILITIES PAID - Free washer/dryer access**NEWLY REMODELED - Clean and bright**NEW APPLIANCES - All fixtures recently installed**RESERVED PARKING - Private streets**FIBER-FAST INTERNET -Exceptional Reliability**FULLY
For Lease: Remodeled 3-Bedroom Home with Ocean View in Laguna BeachWelcome to 2880 Chateau Way, a beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a dedicated office, perched in the hills of Laguna Beach. This light-filled residence blends contemporary elegance with coastal charm, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding canyons.Step inside to discover an open-concept
Property Id: 1792998Fully furnished Laguna Beach unique studio space includes reserved driveway parking; washer/dryer; all utilities paid; fiber-fast internet; newly remodeled with quality fixtures and materials; We're located on a private street in Laguna's oldest non-gated private community; dedicated entrance; pleasant ocean views from an elevated patio perfect for outdoor living and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paul Daftarian,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,399
Median Age
51
Population under 18
21.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.9%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$173,461
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$187,078
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.7%
College Graduates
73.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57.4%
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®
6/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
14/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
0/ 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.
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.
