Section Image

About Laguna Hills, CA

About Laguna Hills, CA

Upscale Orange County living

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.

Carousel Image
Elevated view showing the well kept community of condominiums.
Carousel Image
Head over to Laguna Beach for great shopping and dining.
Carousel Image
Laguna Hills Mall has many fantastic places to shop and dine.
Carousel Image
Bring the family out to Sheep Hills Park for a day of fun.
1/4

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.

Carousel Image
Alison Creek Riding and Hiking Trail is a popular feature of Laguna Hills.
Carousel Image
There are swings that children will enjoy at Dinosaur Park in Laguna Hills.
Carousel Image
The Landscaping throughout Laguna Hills is beautiful.
Carousel Image
Scenic views at Crescent Bay in North Laguna.
1/4

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.

Carousel Image
Nellie Gail residents can enjoy fine dining at Franco's Famous Restaurant.
Carousel Image
Laguna Hills Farmers Market has the freshest produce around.
Carousel Image
Take a trip to Trader Joes in Laguna Hills for all your grocery shopping needs.
Carousel Image
Franco's Famous is a popular Mexican restaurant in Laguna Hills.
1/4

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.

Carousel Image
Homes in Laguna Hills have plenty of square footage for a growing family.
Carousel Image
Many of the homes and condos in Laguna Hills are Spanish inspired.
Carousel Image
Unique flat roof homes a scattered in the neighborhood of Laguna Hills.
Carousel Image
Many homes in Laguna Hills are beautiful custom homes.
1/4

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.

Carousel Image
Lomarena Elementary School is a well known school in the community.
Carousel Image
Laguna Hills High School is a well known school in the area.
Carousel Image
San Joaquin Elementary School is part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.
Carousel Image
Linda Vista Elementary School is a public, K-5 school in the Mission Viejo neighborhood.
1/4

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.

Josie Keeley
Written By
Josie Keeley
Samuel Evans
Photography Contributed By
Samuel Evans
Vladislav Sedykh
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh

Neighborhood Map

Laguna Hills by the Numbers

29,457
Population
$1.57M
Average Housing Value
28
Average Days on Market

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Laguna Hills, CA

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Laguna Niguel Elementary
#1 Laguna Niguel Elementary
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Valencia Elementary
#2 Valencia Elementary
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Alderwood Elementary
#3 Alderwood Elementary
A
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Marian Bergeson Elementary
#4 Marian Bergeson Elementary
A
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Oak Grove Elementary School
#5 Oak Grove Elementary School
A
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Viejo Elementary School
#6 Viejo Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
San Joaquin Elementary School
#7 San Joaquin Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Lomarena Elementary School
#8 Lomarena Elementary School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Wood Canyon Elementary School
#9 Wood Canyon Elementary School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Don Juan Avila Middle School
#1 Don Juan Avila Middle School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Newhart Middle School
#2 Newhart Middle School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Rancho San Joaquin Middle School
#3 Rancho San Joaquin Middle School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Aliso Viejo Middle School
#4 Aliso Viejo Middle School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
La Paz Intermediate School
#5 La Paz Intermediate School
A
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Los Alisos Intermediate School
#6 Los Alisos Intermediate School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools

Best Public High Schools

University High School
#1 University High School
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Capistrano Valley High School
#2 Capistrano Valley High School
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Aliso Niguel High School
#3 Aliso Niguel High School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Laguna Hills High
#4 Laguna Hills High
A
Niche
7
GreatSchools

Agents Specializing in this Area

Agent Spotlight

Lisa DiNoto
(833) 998-0572
Lisa DiNoto is the leading force behind the Lisa DiNoto Group as an established REALTOR in the Inland Empire and surrounding cities of Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Upland, Eastvale, and Ontario since 2007. Lisa has expanded her business to include specialized buyer agents, marketing specialists, and escrow coordinators to ensure clients receive the same quality service and exceptional results Lisa has always been known for. As a result of their high quality of work, the Lisa DiNoto Group is quickly becoming the most recognized “go to” team of Real Estate professionals within the community. The Lisa DiNoto Group has commitment and dedication to upholding their client’s best interests and creating win-win situations. When choosing the Lisa DiNoto Group, clients can count on the “DiNoto Factor” service, built on customer satisfaction, client education, strategic planning, Internet marketing, experienced negotiations, uncompromised integrity, and positive results. Dedication to the Rancho Cucamonga community is just the starting foundation of what puts Lisa DiNoto and the Lisa DiNoto Group ahead of the curve as a team, providing exceptional attention to detail, and an online social presence that results in repeat clientele and countless personal references. Lisa takes pride in herself by standing out from other Real Estate professionals with her exceptional customer service, her quality work, and by giving back to the community. In an ever-changing Real Estate market, Lisa knows and understands the importance of continued Real Estate education and tracking trends tracking to give her clients up to date information to assist with all their Real Estate decisions. When working with Lisa DiNoto and the Lisa DiNoto Group, clients will have a helping hand every step of the way! The Lisa DiNoto Group is more than happy to serve you with any and all of your Real Estate needs.BRE # 01804308

" Uncompromised Integrity and Positive Results"
See Full Agent Profile
See All Agents

All Neighborhoods in this City

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.