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Laguna Niguel, CA

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Laguna Niguel, CA

Laguna Niguel is a city in Orange County, California, United States. The name Laguna Niguel is derived from the words "Laguna" (Spanish for "lagoon") and "Niguili" (the name of a Native American village once located near Aliso Creek). As of the 2020 census, the population was 64,355. Laguna Niguel is located in the San Joaquin Hills in the southeastern corner of Orange County, close to the Pacific Ocean, and borders the cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano.

Laguna Niguel has its origins in the Rancho Niguel Mexican land grant, which was acquired in 1959 by the Laguna Niguel Corporation to develop one of California's first master-planned communities. As a predominantly residential city, Laguna Niguel serves as a bedroom community for the job centers of northern and central Orange County. Laguna Niguel has a median household income 31 percent above the Orange County average and nearly double the U.S. average. It is known for its mild coastal climate, low crime rate, and its numerous parks and public trails.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.9 square miles (39 km2). 14.8 square miles (38 km2) of it is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km2) of it (0.35%) is water.

Laguna Niguel consists of mostly hilly terrain, being located within the San Joaquin Hills. The average elevation is 400 feet (120 m); elevations range from near sea level to 936 feet (285 m) at the summit of Niguel Hill, in the southwest corner of the city. Neighboring cities are Aliso Viejo and Laguna Hills to the north, Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano to the east, and Laguna Beach and Dana Point to the south. On the west, it borders the significant unincorporated acreage of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.

The main watercourses in Laguna Niguel are Salt Creek, which flows through the southern part of the city, and Sulphur Creek, which drains much of the northern half. Sulphur Creek is a tributary of Aliso Creek, which flows through the wide and deep Aliso Canyon before reaching the Pacific Ocean. Laguna Niguel Lake, formed by damming Sulphur Creek, is the largest body of water in the city. Although Laguna Niguel is located very close to the Pacific, it does not border it, the result of a controversy over the coastline with Dana Point in 1989 (see #History).

Laguna Niguel focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by Laguna Niguel’s Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Lifetime Healthy Way of Life, and Fitness Elite Club. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Laguna Niguel, such as the Aliso Summit Trail and the Top of the World. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Laguna Niguel, CA are  Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, and Mission San Juan Capistrano. 

Population: 64,185 (2024). ZIP codes: 92607, 92677. Area code: 949. Elevation: 400 ft (122 m). Area: 14.9 square miles (39 km2)

FAQs

Is Laguna Niguel, CA a good city to live in?

Laguna Niguel is in Orange County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Laguna Niguel offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Laguna Niguel, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many young professionals live in Laguna Niguel and residents tend to lean conservative. 

Is Laguna Niguel, CA expensive to live in?

Laguna Niguel is part of the Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine Metro Div. metro area, which is ranked 5 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. According to C2ER (the Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living in Laguna Niguel is estimated to be 150.3% of the national average making it one of the most expensive cities in the US. The total monthly expenditure you can expect to incur depends on the cost of housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and other miscellaneous goods and services. 

Why is it called Laguna Niguel?

The name “Laguna Niguel” is derived from the Spanish word “Laguna,” which means lagoon, and the word “Nigueli,” which was the name of a Juaneno Indian village once located near Aliso Creek. In 1821, California became Mexican territory and many rancheros were formed in Southern California, including Rancho Niguel. During this period, Rancho Niguel was primarily used as a sheep ranch.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Laguna Niguel

Laguna Niguel’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Planet Fitness

Lifetime Healthy Way of Life 

Fitness Elite Club

Aliso Summit Trail 

Top of the World

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Niche

Zero Down

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