Laguna Niguel, CA apartments for rent

As a suburb of Los Angeles and a city in Orange County, California, Laguna Niguel was designed to meet the social, cultural and economic needs of families. As such, it emphasizes parks and open green spaces, which account for one-third of the city’s size. Consequently, Laguna Niguel is a popular choice among families, ranking on the list of the top 50 LA suburbs to live in. 

How big is Laguna Niguel? 

With a population of 65,429, Laguna Niguel is one of the main cities in the LA metropolitan area. It’s a mid-sized suburb with an area of 15 square miles and enjoys medium population density. It’s also around 60 times smaller than LA proper, and can seem a world away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. 

Where is Laguna Niguel located? 

Situated 60 miles northwest of downtown LA, most Laguna Niguel residents don’t commute daily to the big city. Rather, they work in nearby central and north Orange County hubs like Irvine (located 18 miles northwest) or Newport Beach, situated 20 miles west. Meanwhile, San Diego lies 75 miles away, which is an hour’s drive via Interstate 5. 

What is the weather like in Laguna Niguel? 

Laguna Niguel enjoys pleasant weather year-round, with hot, dry summers and warm winters. The city’s proximity to the coast prevents scorching, unpleasant temperatures, which you might experience in more inland areas. The hottest month of the year is August with 80°F, while January is usually the coldest with average lows of 44°F. The summer months don’t experience much rainfall, but the months between November and March are generally wet, with February receiving an average rainfall of around 3.4 inches. Laguna Niguel experiences around 228 sunny days and 14.2 inches of rain year-round.

What are the advantages of living in Laguna Niguel? 

Laguna Niguel’s wide open spaces and its large number of country and neighborhood parks that are maintained throughout the year are massive attractions. Its proximity to the coast and mountains also make it a fantastic base for outdoor enthusiasts. With a family-oriented community and very low crime rates, Laguna Niguel is also a safe place to call home. It’s also a popular suburb among families, thanks to its proximity to great schools and good transportation links to nearby business hubs. 

What are the disadvantages of living in Laguna Niguel? 

The peace and quiet — along with the lacking nightlife opportunities — might be a disadvantage to many. The long commute to and from downtown LA is another drawback. Laguna Niguel also lacks the history and architecture of more established communities, and it can feel a little “copy and paste” at times.

How to get around Laguna Niguel?

Laguna Niguel has its own Metrolink station in the northeastern part of the city, despite most residents preferring to get around via their own cars. The station is served by the Orange County line, which takes you directly to downtown LA via Irvine. The Inland Empire line also crosses through, taking you to San Bernardino via Irvine. 

How much does public transportation cost in Laguna Niguel? 

One-way tickets to downtown LA cost $12, seven-day passes are priced at $84 and monthly passes cost $336. Tickets to Irvine are priced at $4.50 for single fares, $31.50 for seven-day passes and $126 for monthly passes. A gallon of gasoline typically costs around $3.65, while taxis start their meters at $3.20. 

How much does a meal cost in Laguna Niguel? 

A three-course meal at a mid-range Laguna Niguel restaurant costs around $80, while a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is generally priced around $18. A regular coffee typically costs $4, while a combo meal at a fast-food restaurant should cost no more than $7. 

How much do utilities cost in Laguna Niguel? 

Basic monthly utilities cost around $150 per month, which includes heating, cooling, water, electricity and garbage. A high-speed internet connection generally costs an additional $60.

Laguna Niguel Housing Statistics

What are the most common industries in Laguna Niguel? 

Residents of Laguna Niguel enjoy a median household income of $99,206 — which is well above the state average and nearly double the national average — and most residents work outside the city. However, the most common industries in Laguna Niguel are healthcare and social assistance; along with professional, scientific and technological services; as well as retail trade. The highest-paying industries include the management of companies and enterprises; manufacturing; finance; and insurance. The highest-paid residents are hired in legal occupations, while the most common jobs include sales and retail roles; office and administrative support jobs; and management occupations. 

What are the largest employers in Laguna Niguel?

The United States government is the largest employer in Laguna Niguel with a total of 2,200 residents. Costco is the second-largest, with 637 employees.

What are the top-rated schools in Laguna Niguel? 

Capistrano Unified School District governs the local school system, with a total of 10 public schools, complimented by three others in nearby cities. Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Viejo and the Dana Hills High School in Dana Point fall under the same jurisdiction, with both ranking among the top 100 public schools in California. 

For students in grades six through eight, Niguel Hills Middle School ranks quite high, while the Community Roots Academy is another top-rated school accepting K-8 students. John Malcom Elementary School is also high performing, scoring well above average in terms of quality, test scores, progression and equity.

Laguna Niguel Employment Statistics

Laguna Niguel Education Statistics

Laguna Niguel Household Statistics

Are there parks in Laguna Niguel?

Laguna Niguel is home to a total of 31 city parks and four county parks, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. With a trail network of more than 227 acres, sports facilities and picnic areas, the Laguna Niguel Regional Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations for families and dog-walkers. It’s also home to the iconic Laguna Niguel Lake. 

Where to shop in Laguna Niguel? 

Laguna Niguel is home to numerous strip malls, including Plaza de la Paz and Laguna Niguel Plaza, both offering a myriad of stores from groceries and clothes to pharmacies and hardware supplies. A wide range of restaurants can also be found here, featuring delicacies from all over the world. Plaza de la Paz is also home to a Sunday farmer’s market that’s a fantastic place to stock up on some fresh, local produce. 

What cultural attractions are there in Laguna Niguel? 

Residents of Laguna Niguel can enjoy the Sunset Cinema every Friday evening from June through mid-September. All the latest blockbusters are shown free of charge right by the lake in Laguna Niguel Regional Park.

What to know about moving to Laguna Niguel?

Those looking to move to Laguna Niguel from LA or a larger city need to consider the quietness of the new base. That’s because the city is somewhat of a bedroom community, with most residents working and attending school elsewhere. Here, shops close at 9 p.m. and there are few late-night bars and clubs. 

However, it is a fantastic place for anyone interested in nature and exercise, as Laguna Niguel took into account the importance of green spaces when it was planned. The plethora of hiking trails and the city’s 60-mile network of bike lanes mean that getting around town by bike is quick, safe and easy. With a hilly territory, Laguna Niguel offers scenic views of various neighborhoods — in particular, those located in the northern section of Niguel Road, where you’ll find most of the older neighborhoods that date back to the 1960s.