Neighborhood Spotlight: Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is an upscale community in Orange County, California that has it all. Known as being an artists’ colony, a seaside resort, and a place of natural beauty, those that call Laguna Beach home are truly lucky. This offbeat enclave offers something for everyone – from art galleries and trendy boutiques to pristine beaches and coastal canyons. It also features some of the most beautiful and unique homes in all of Southern California.

Laguna Beach at a Glance

Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is truly one of Southern California’s hidden gems. It is home to more than seven miles of pristine beaches and coves that feature tide pools, coastal bluffs, and even sea caves. Further inland you’ll find more than 20,000 acres of protected wilderness where you can hike, bike, ride horses, and explore. Laguna Beach has long been a favorite with artists, who are attracted to its natural beauty and scenic vistas, and the community hosts several world-renowned art festivals every year.

Private & Upscale Neighborhoods

Laguna Beach boasts some of the most private and upscale neighborhoods in coastal California. Many are gate-guarded and provide breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the canyons, and the city itself. Superior beachfront homes are also available in Laguna Beach, offering access to private beaches. Some of the most noteworthy neighborhoods include:

• Emerald Bay
• Irvine Cove
• Three Arch Bay
• Mystic Hills
• Smithcliffs
• Top of the World

Luxurious Homes

Those looking for world-class luxury homes with all the latest amenities will find it all in Laguna Beach. Given that this is a bona fide artists’ colony, you’ll find a wide array of architectural styles to fit your needs. Internationally recognized architects and designers love to design homes in Laguna Beach. After all, there are very few locations in the world that are situated in an area with this much natural beauty. Many homes feature state-of-the-art technology, custom home theaters, artists’ studios, private orchards, catering kitchens, and stunning indoor/outdoor living areas that are perfect for entertaining. The most luxurious homes in Laguna Beach can sell for $40 million or more, and the median home price is approximately $1.6 million.

Excellent Schools

Another reason that people love to call Laguna Beach home is because of its excellent schools. Students are served by the Laguna Beach Unified School District, which includes four schools: Laguna Beach High School, Thurston Middle School, El Morro Elementary School, and Top of the World Elementary School. It’s rated the #1 School District in Orange County, with an overall A+ Niche Grade. The school district is also rated #5 for the Best Teachers in California, and #17 for the Best School Districts in California. There’s a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1, and the schools feature an amazing array of resources that are available to students. 

Top-Notch Amenities

There is no way to cover in a couple of paragraphs all of the amenities that are available to residents of Laguna Beach. As is fitting of an artists’ community, the city is bursting with culture. Not only is Laguna Beach home to the wonderful Laguna Art Museum, but it also hosts famous art festivals such as the Sawdust Art Festival, Festival of the Arts, and Art-A-Fair, to name a few. And don’t miss Pageant of the Masters, a live performance that recreates famous works of arts using real people.

Laguna Beach has a thriving commercial district and has some of the best shopping in Southern California. Here you’ll find many art galleries, upscale boutiques full of handmade items, and trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes. Be sure to check out the First Thursdays Art Walk, held every month from 6 – 9 pm. This popular event is free to the public and celebrates the cultural diversity of Laguna Beach’s art scene.

Of course, you can’t talk about Laguna Beach without mentioning all the outdoor activities that are available year-round. With seven miles of beach, there is no end to enjoying the ocean. Whether you’re exploring tide pools, surfing, or playing beach volleyball, the beaches are definitely a huge draw to residents and visitors alike. But the recreational opportunities don’t stop there. You can also enjoy a huge variety of outdoor adventures at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Crystal Cove State Park, Aliso-Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and Jim Dilley Preserve.

Explore Laguna Beach Today

This is all just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much to explore in Laguna Beach you really need to experience it in person. View the available properties in Laguna Beach and schedule a showing today!