Laguna Hills

About Laguna Hills

Laguna Hills is situated in California's Orange County, about 40 minutes from Long Beach. This relatively small city is tucked between the Laguna Beach coastline and Santiago Peak foothills, and it is home to a diverse population and many families. In Laguna Hills, you'll enjoy easy access to the pristine coastline, nearby big-city amenities and a quiet suburban lifestyle to come home to.

The History of Laguna Hills

Long before the city was called Laguna Hills, the Tongva and Acjachemen native tribes inhabited this area. In the early to mid-1800s, the land changed hands many times, serving as part of several different ranches. The land was used to raise sheep and cattle for many decades, until it was subdivided in the 1960s. It wouldn't become its own officially incorporated community until 1991, after a few years of effort. The city has continued to expand with additional annexations, adding more residential land over the years.

Things to Do in Laguna Hills

Laguna Hills may provide convenient access to a number of large Southern California cities, but there's still plenty to do if you prefer to stay within city limits.

The Juan Avila Adobe offers an interesting peek into the city's past, dating back to the mid-1800s. The adobe was owned by the successful rancher Juan Avila, and was the site of many community celebrations and gatherings at the time. It also served as an important meeting place in the area. Today, you can visit the site of the adobe and see artifacts from the original building at the nearby Heritage Hill Historical Society.

If you're interested in going even further back in Laguna Hills history, Fossil Reef Park dates back to prehistoric times. The park is the county's only preserved section of the coastal fossil reef, estimated to be about 17 million years old. Many fossilized shells and prehistoric sea life have been found in the limestone reef, with larger fossils preserved at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

In addition to these points of interest, Laguna Hills is home to a variety of shopping and dining. You can also visit any one of the many community parks, or visit the rotating art gallery at the community center.

Laguna Hills Schools

The Saddleback Valley Unified School District serves the public schools of Laguna Hills. You can also enroll your child in one of the several private schools in the area, including Montessori and faith-based campuses.

Resources for Moving to Laguna Hills

Here are a few helpful resources for planning your move to Laguna Hills:

• Utilities: The city's central energy providers are Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas. Water services are split between the El Toro Water District and the Moulton Niguel Water District.
• Garbage and Recycling: You can expect regular curbside collection of trash and recyclables, with green waste disposal provided in some areas of the city.
• Transportation: The Orange County Transportation Authority facilitates the city's public transportation network, providing transportation in and around Laguna Hills.

Laguna Hills Housing

Since Laguna Hills ranks so highly in terms of livability, the cost of living in this desirable community is very high. The median home price in Laguna Hills is much higher than the California average, and rent is also very expensive. However, it's possible to find smaller, more affordable homes and apartments in certain neighborhoods, like Central Laguna Hills.