Gated, master-planned living in southeast Orange County
Set among the San Joaquin Hills, El Niguel Heights is a southeast Orange County neighborhood in the heart of the master-planned city of Laguna Heights. This sleepy, low-key community attracts retirees and families with young children; late 20th-century homes surround the private El Niguel Country Club, and students can attend top-rated Capistrano Unified schools. “It’s your quintessential affluent suburb,” says Tony English, a broker with 26 years of experience in the area. “It’s family-oriented and slow-paced. For a busier city feel, you'd go south to Dana Point with the boaters, or to San Clemente.” Downtown Laguna Niguel is about a mile away, and it's a 9-mile drive to the Pacific Ocean.
Traditional and Mediterranean homes are of several styles in the El Niguel Heights community.
El Niguel Heights is surrounded by trees and lush landscaping, which allows residents to experience the natural beauty around them.
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Cape Cod- and Colonial Revival-style homes near the El Niguel golf course
The neighborhood's gently sloping streets are shaded by mature oak and eucalyptus trees, lined with Cape Cod-, Craftsman- and Colonial Revival-style homes that date to the 1970s and early '80s. Layouts range from three to five bedrooms in 2,000 to 4,000 square feet; most lots are about a quarter-acre, and three-car garages are common. While many homes are set in cul-de-sacs with views of the surrounding hills, those in the Fairway Estates subdivision back onto the greenbelt of the El Niguel Country Club. Prices generally range from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, but recently updated homes can range from $3 million to $4.5 million; pricing is also influenced by a home's size, proximity to the country club, privacy and hillside views. Most homes are part of the El Niguel Heights homeowner’s association, with monthly dues of $240 contributing to community maintenance.
Larger homes in El Niguel Heights can feature 3-car garages and large lots for additional amenities.
There are several larger Cape Cod-style houses throughout the neighborhood of El Niguel Heights.
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Top-rated Capistrano Unified schools nearby
Capistrano Unified School District has an A-plus on Niche. Kids might start at Laguna Niguel Elementary, advance to Niguel Hills Middle School and finish up at Capistrano Valley High; each schools earns an A or higher from Niche. CVHS has an Academy of Technology, Math, and Science (ATMS) that's known for preparing students for top colleges.
Laguna Niguel Elementary School emphasizes academic excellence and personal growth.
Niguel Hills Middle School has experienced staff that promotes a positive school culture.
Capistrano Valley High School is a highly-respected school that's diverse and inclusive.
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Regional park trails and beach access
The El Niguel Country Club includes an 18-hole golf course and hosts an annual family campout on the greens with movies and campfires. Seminole Park serves as a small neighborhood gathering spot with shaded picnic tables and a playground. Salt Corridor Regional Park connects to Salt Creek Beach, a surf-friendly shoreline with tide pools. About 4 miles away, Thousand Steps Beach is ironically named for it's over 200-step staircase that leads to a secluded cove with sea caves and conservation areas.
Chapparosa Trail stretches all through Laguna Niguel and even to Salt Creek Beach.
Thousand Steps Beach is a short drive down Crown Valley Parkway, and is well-known for its pristine beach and caves.
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Local restaurants and waterfront dining
Legends Seafood & Steakhouse anchors Clubhouse Plaza with waterfront patio views and specialties like miso salmon. The Laguna Heights Marketplace features an Albertsons grocery store and CVS for essentials, alongside popular eateries: Sunny Side Up Doughnuts serves breakfast, Asian Kitchen offers pan-Asian fare and Good Choice Sushi is known for its “floating boat” platters and all-you-can-eat sushi nights.
Bodega Angelina is a popular restaurant for El Niguel Heights residents, for its delicious Italian food and sweeping ocean views.
El Niguel Heights residents can catch a dinner and movie at Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas in the Ocean Ranch Village Shopping Center.
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Metrolink access and major highways to Irvine
El Niguel Heights is a car-dependent commuter community. Via State Route 73, the city is about 20 miles away from Irvine and 30 miles away from Santa Ana. At the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station, commuters can take the Metrolink Orange County Line to Los Angeles and San Diego. Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach is 4 miles away. The closest major airport is the John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, about 20 miles away.
Wildfire preparedness
The 2022 Coastal Fire destroyed 20 homes in Niguel Heights, a high-risk wildfire zone prone to dry brush and steep terrain. Residents should sign up for emergency alerts and monitor real-time updates via the Orange County Sheriff or Watch Duty app to stay informed during fire season.
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
Available for lease in the Fairway Estates enclave of the highly desirable El Niguel Heights community, this spacious home is situated on a quiet single loaded street and enjoys serene views overlooking the 15th tee of El Niguel Country Club. The private backyard features a brick-lined patio surrounded by beautiful rose bushes and offers a peaceful setting to relax and take in the open green
Located on a quiet cul-de-sac with panoramic mountain and tree views, this beautifully maintained home offers 4 bedrooms, a dedicated office, and 2.5 bathrooms. ThE MAIN LEVEL PRIMARY SUITE features direct patio access and a spacious en-suite bath. Enjoy beautiful hardwood floors, a large living and dining area with built ins, and two fireplaces. The gourmet kitchen includes a breakfast nook, and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shaun Hurley,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
688
Median Age
55
Population under 18
20.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
32.8%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$227,820
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$223,646
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.3%
College Graduates
69.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61%
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®
32/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
27/ 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.
