Orange County Cities / Laguna Niguel
Living in Laguna Niguel, CA
One of California’s first master-planned communities, with parks, trails, and canyon and ocean views.
Updated October 27, 2026 · Jacob Hazzard, Luxre Realty
64,355
Residents (2020 census)
1959
Master plan began
1989
Incorporated
14.8 sq mi
Total area
$1.37M
Median sale price
179
Homes sold in September
About Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel sits in the San Joaquin Hills, just inland from Dana Point and Laguna Beach. It began in 1959 as one of California's first master-planned communities, with nearly a third of the planned land set aside for parks and open space, and it incorporated in 1989 as Orange County's 29th city. The city covers 14.8 square miles and had 64,355 residents at the 2020 census.
Why People Move to Laguna Niguel
Parks & trails
Nearly a third of the original plan was set aside for parks and open space
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
A lake, open space, and the city’s annual 4th of July fireworks
Wilderness next door
Borders the 4,500-acre Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
View neighborhoods
Hillside neighborhoods with city, canyon and ocean views
Easy commuting
Two I-5 interchanges, plus the 73 toll road toward I-405
Close to the coast
Crown Valley Parkway runs from I-5 down to Pacific Coast Highway
Types of Homes
View neighborhoods
Bear Brand Ranch, Ocean Ranch, Palmilla, Beacon Hill, Monarch Point and the Highlands, among others
Established neighborhoods
Rancho Niguel, Marina Hills, Niguel West, Kite Hill and more
Master-planned layout
Neighborhoods built around parks and open space since the 1960s
Laguna Niguel Home Prices
Median sale price
$1,370,847
3 months ending Sept 2026, -5.5% YoY
Source: Redfin
Median price per sq ft
$733
-3.9% vs. last year
Source: Redfin
Median days on market
45
Down from 62 a year earlier
Source: Redfin
- Median sale price: $1,370,847 over the three months ending September 2026, down 5.5% from a year earlier (Redfin)
- Homes sold in September 2026: 179, up from 177 (Redfin)
- Homes received 2 offers on average over the three months (Redfin)
Redfin describes the Laguna Niguel market as somewhat competitive. Prices were down slightly from a year ago, while homes sold faster.
Want a valuation for a specific Laguna Niguel home?HOA & Taxes
- Most planned neighborhoods have HOA dues, and some have special taxes; check both for any specific home
Getting Around
- I-5 has two interchanges in the city
- The 73 San Joaquin Hills toll road links Laguna Niguel to I-405
- Crown Valley Parkway connects I-5 to Pacific Coast Highway
Schools
Laguna Niguel is served by Capistrano Unified School District. Always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address with the district.
Laguna Niguel FAQ
What is Laguna Niguel known for?
Its master-planned layout from 1959, its many parks and public trails, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, and hillside neighborhoods with canyon and ocean views.
How much do homes cost in Laguna Niguel?
Redfin reported a median sale price of $1,370,847 for the three months ending September 2026, down 5.5% from a year earlier.
Is Laguna Niguel on the beach?
No. It sits in the hills just inland, bordering Dana Point and Laguna Beach; Crown Valley Parkway runs down to Pacific Coast Highway.
More Orange County Cities
Dana Point
A harbor town next door to San Clemente, with surf breaks, bluff-top parks, and one of the few harbors on the Orange County coast.
Capistrano Beach
Bluff-top homes and a beach road on the south end of Dana Point, right on the San Clemente border.
San Juan Capistrano
A historic mission town just inland, with California’s oldest neighborhood and a train station downtown.
Laguna Beach
An art-colony beach town with 27 beaches and coves, protected hills, and its own school district.
Jacob Hazzard is as good as it gets! He found the exact type of niche property we were looking for
Thinking About Laguna Niguel?
I grew up in San Clemente, right next door, and am happy to walk you through any home or street in Laguna Niguel, no pressure.
Jacob Hazzard, REALTOR® | CA DRE# 02222037 | Luxre Realty