Laguna Hills, California

History

The area that is now Laguna Hills was originally inhabited by the Acjachemen Native Americans, who called it Niguili. They lived in villages along the creeks and springs, hunting, fishing, and gathering plants for food and medicine. The Acjachemen were one of the first peoples to encounter the Spanish explorers and missionaries who arrived in California in the 18th century.

The Spanish established Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1776 and began to convert and enslave the Acjachemen. The mission lands included the area of Laguna Hills, which was part of a large ranch called Rancho Niguel. The ranch was granted to Juan Avila in 1842, after Mexico gained independence from Spain. Avila was a prominent Californio who owned several other ranches in Southern California.

Avila's Rancho Niguel was one of the largest and most prosperous ranches in Orange County, covering over 13,000 acres of land. He raised cattle, horses and sheep, and grew wheat, barley, and grapes. He also built a large adobe house on a hill overlooking the ranch, which still stands today as a historical landmark.

Avila's family-owned Rancho Niguel until 1865, when they sold it to Lewis Moulton and Jean Pierre Daguerre, two American businessmen who expanded the ranching operations. They also leased some of their land to farmers who grew crops such as oranges, lemons, and walnuts. Moulton and Daguerre's partnership lasted until 1895, when Moulton bought out Daguerre's share and became the sole owner of Rancho Niguel.

Moulton continued to run Rancho Niguel until his death in 1938. His daughter, Louise Moulton Hanson, inherited the ranch and managed it with her husband Lewis Hanson. They faced many challenges during their tenure, such as droughts, floods, fires and economic depressions. They also witnessed the rapid urbanization of Orange County, as more people moved to the area after World War II.

In 1959, Louise Hanson sold part of Rancho Niguel to Cabot, Cabot and Forbes, a real estate development company that planned to build a master-planned community called Laguna Niguel. The community was designed to include residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, parks and schools. It also incorporated some of the historical features of Rancho Niguel, such as the adobe house and some of the original roads and trails.

Laguna Niguel became one of the first planned communities in California, and attracted many residents who were looking for a suburban lifestyle with scenic views and amenities. However, some residents were dissatisfied with the governance of Laguna Niguel by the county and wanted more local control over their affairs. They formed a movement to incorporate Laguna Niguel as a city.

The incorporation movement faced opposition from some neighboring communities, such as Laguna Hills and Aliso Viejo, which feared losing tax revenue and services from Laguna Niguel. They also wanted to incorporate themselves as separate cities. After several years of negotiations and lawsuits, a compromise was reached that allowed Laguna Niguel to incorporate in 1989, while Laguna Hills and Aliso Viejo would follow suit in 1991.

Laguna Hills became the 30th city in Orange County on December 20th, 1991. The city boundaries included parts of Rancho Niguel that were not annexed by Laguna Niguel, as well as parts of other neighboring communities such as Mission Viejo and Lake Forest. The city adopted its name from Laguna Canyon Road (now Alicia Parkway), which runs through its center.

Since its incorporation, Laguna Hills has developed into a thriving city with a population of over 30,000 people (as of 2010). The city offers a variety of services and facilities for its residents and visitors, such as parks, trails, libraries, museums, and shopping centers. The city also hosts several events throughout the year, such as the annual Memorial Day Half Marathon and the Fourth of July Celebration.

Laguna Hills is a city that celebrates its rich history and heritage, while also embracing its modern and diverse culture. It is a city that strives to provide a high quality of life for its people, while also preserving its natural beauty and environment. It is a city that is proud of its past, present, and future.

Things To Do

If you are looking for some fun and interesting things to do in Laguna Hills, California, you have come to the right place. Laguna Hills is a city in Orange County that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors and locals alike. Whether you are into nature, culture, shopping, or entertainment, you will find something to suit your taste in Laguna Hills. Here are some of the best things to do in Laguna Hills, California.

Stay at Great Laguna Hills Lodge: If you need a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Laguna Hills, you can't go wrong with Great Laguna Hills Lodge. This hotel offers spacious rooms, free breakfast, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a business center. It is also close to many attractions, such as the Laguna Hills Mall, the Irvine Spectrum Center, and the Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Bounce at the Big Air Trampoline Park: If you are looking for some fun and exercise, you should check out the Big Air Trampoline Park. This indoor park features over 17,000 square feet of trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, basketball hoops, and more. You can jump, flip, bounce, and play with your friends and family. The park also hosts birthday parties, group events, and special nights.

Spend a Sunny Day at the Dinosaur Park: If you have kids or are a kid at heart, you will love the Dinosaur Park. This park is also known as Fossil Reef Park or Prehistoric Playground. It features life-sized dinosaur sculptures, fossil replicas, a sand pit, a slide, swings, and picnic tables. You can learn about dinosaurs, dig for fossils, and have a picnic at this park.

Be Amazed at the Butterfly Sculpture: If you are into art and nature, you should visit the Butterfly Sculpture. This sculpture is located at the entrance of the Nellie Gail Ranch community. It is made of stainless steel and glass and depicts a giant butterfly with colorful wings. The sculpture was created by artist Douwe Blumberg and is meant to symbolize transformation and beauty.

Drop by at the Juan Avila Adobe: If you are interested in history and culture, you should drop by at the Juan Avila Adobe. This adobe is one of the oldest buildings in Orange County and was built in 1842 by Juan Avila, a prominent rancher and politician. The adobe is now part of the Heritage Hill Historical Park and is open for tours on select days. You can see how people lived in the 19th century and learn about the history of Laguna Hills.

Enjoy Different Delicacies at Restaurants: If you are hungry and want to try different cuisines, you should enjoy some of the restaurants in Laguna Hills. You can find Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Mediterranean, American, and more types of food in Laguna Hills. Some of the popular restaurants are Tacos De Birria Estilo Guadalajara, Luisa Chocolatiere, Emerald Lounge, Chuponcito Mexican Restaurant & Bakery, and Storymakery.

Relax at Laguna Hills Spas: If you need some relaxation and pampering, you should relax at one of the spas in Laguna Hills. You can find numerous services such as massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and more at these spas. Some of the best spas in Laguna Hills are StressBusters Wellness Day Spa, Laguna Skin & Beyond Studio, True Visage, and Massage Envy - Laguna Niguel Plaza.

Have Fun and Do Laguna Hills Shopping: If you love shopping and want to find some great deals, you should have fun and do some shopping in Laguna Hills. You can find many stores, boutiques that sell clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes, books, toys, and more in Laguna Hills. You can have a wonderful time exploring this city and enjoying its attractions and activities. Whether you are visiting for a day or staying for a week, you will find something to make your trip memorable and fun in Laguna Hills.

Schools

Elementary Schools

If you are looking for a quality education for your child in Laguna Hills, California, you might want to consider the elementary schools in the area. Laguna Hills is a city in Orange County that offers a variety of educational options for students from kindergarten to grade six. Here are some of the features and benefits of the elementary schools in Laguna Hills:

High academic standards: The elementary schools in Laguna Hills follow the California Common Core State Standards, which are designed to prepare students for college and career readiness. The schools also offer enrichment programs such as gifted and talented education (GATE), science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and arts and music.

Diverse and inclusive environment: The elementary schools in Laguna Hills celebrate the diversity of their students and staff and foster a culture of respect and inclusion. The schools have multicultural events, clubs, and activities that promote awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and backgrounds. The schools also provide support services for English learners, special education students, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students.

Positive and safe climate: The elementary schools in Laguna Hills strive to create a positive and safe learning environment for all students. The schools have anti-bullying policies, character education programs, and student leadership opportunities that encourage students to be responsible, respectful, and compassionate. The schools also have security measures, emergency procedures, and health services to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.

Engaged and supportive community: The elementary schools in Laguna Hills have strong partnerships with parents, families, and the community. The schools have active parent-teacher associations (PTAs), school site councils (SSCs), and volunteer programs that allow parents and community members to participate in school decision-making and activities. The schools also have collaborations with local businesses, organizations, and institutions that provide resources and opportunities for students.

These are some of the reasons why you might want to choose an elementary school in Laguna Hills for your child. To learn more about the specific elementary schools in the area, you can visit their websites or contact them directly. You can also check out the Laguna Hills Unified School District website for more information about the district's vision, mission, goals, and achievements.

Intermediate Schools

Intermediate schools, also known as middle schools, are designed to prepare students for high school and beyond. They typically serve grades 6-8 and offer a variety of academic, extracurricular, and social opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents.

One of the most reputable intermediate schools in Laguna Hills is Los Alisos Intermediate School, which is part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. Los Alisos has been recognized as a California Distinguished School in 1994 and 2003, and a PBIS Implementation Platinum Award recipient in 2018. Los Alisos offers a rigorous curriculum that includes AVID, Dual Language Immersion, and STEAM programs. Los Alisos also has a vibrant student life with various clubs, sports, and activities.

Another excellent intermediate school in Laguna Hills is Serrano Intermediate School, which is also part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. Serrano has been honored as a National Blue Ribbon School in 1996 and a California Distinguished School in 1994. Serrano provides a challenging and supportive learning environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. Serrano offers programs such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), and Career Technical Education (CTE). Serrano also has a strong culture of respect and tolerance with diverse clubs, events, and community service opportunities.

If you are looking for an alternative intermediate school option in Laguna Hills, you might want to consider Pathway School or New Vista School. Pathway School is a private, non-profit school that serves students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Pathway School provides individualized instruction, small class sizes, and specialized interventions to help students achieve their academic and social goals. New Vista School is another private, non-profit school that serves students with autism spectrum disorder and other related disorders. New Vista School offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates academics, social skills, life skills, and vocational skills.

For more details about each school, please visit their websites or contact them directly.

High Schools

Laguna Hills High School is a public school that serves grades 9 to 12. It is part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District and has a total enrollment of 1,462 students. The school offers a variety of Advanced Placement courses and exams, with a participation rate of 50%. The school also has a strong arts program, with band, color guard, drama, and draw/paint classes. The school's athletic teams compete in the Sea View League and have won several championships. The school's graduation rate is 99%, and the student body is diverse, with 62% minority enrollment.

Halstrom Academy is a private school that offers a personalized and flexible learning environment for students who need a different approach to education. It serves grades 6 to 12 and has a total enrollment of about 50 students. The school provides one-to-one instruction for each student, with customized schedules and pacing. The school also offers online courses, college counseling, and enrichment activities such as clubs and field trips. The school's curriculum is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and meets the University of California admission requirements. The school's student body is diverse, with 60% minority enrollment.

Demographics

Laguna Hills is a city in Orange County, California, with a population of about 30,000 people. It is in the southern part of the county, near the Saddleback Valley. Laguna Hills has a diverse and well-educated population, with a high median household income and a low unemployment rate.

Age and Sex

Laguna Hills has a median age of 43 years, which is higher than the county average of 37 years. The city has a slightly higher proportion of females (51.4%) than males (48.6%). About 20% of the population is under 18 years old, and about 19% is 65 years or older. The largest age group in Laguna Hills is 55-59 years old, accounting for 9.8% of the population.

Race and Ethnicity

Laguna Hills is predominantly white, with 64% of the population identifying as white alone. However, the city also has a significant Asian population, representing 15.4% of the total. Other races and ethnicities include Hispanic or Latino (21%), two or more races (9%), black or African American (3%), and American Indian and Alaska Native (0.2%). The city has a high percentage of foreign-born residents (24.8%), mostly from Asia and Latin America.

Income and Education

Laguna Hills has a high median household income of $92,294, which is above the county average of $74,030 and the state average of $67,169. The city also has a high mean household income of $125,189, indicating a low-income inequality. The most common income range in Laguna Hills is $100,000-$150,000, followed by $200,000 or more. The city has a low poverty rate of 5.6%, compared to the county rate of 11.9% and the state rate of 14%.

Laguna Hills has a well-educated population, with 93.3% of adults having at least a high school diploma and 50.8% having a bachelor's degree or higher. The city has a higher percentage of college graduates than the county (24%) and the state (19.5%). The most common fields of study for Laguna Hills residents are business, management, marketing, engineering, health professions, and social sciences.

Employment and Industry

Laguna Hills has a labor force participation rate of 66.5%, which is slightly lower than the county rate of 67%. The city has a low unemployment rate of 6%, compared to the county rate of 7.2% and the state rate of 8%. The most common occupations for Laguna Hills residents are management, business, science, arts, sales, office, service, production, transportation, and construction. The most common industries in which Laguna Hills residents work are professional, scientific, and technical services (10.6%), health care and social assistance (10.6%), retail trade (10%), manufacturing (9.2%), and educational services (8.3%). The top employers in Laguna Hills are Saddleback Memorial Center, Hines Growers LLC, Professional Community Management, JC Penny Corp INC., and Allied Business Schools INC.

Housing and Transportation

Laguna Hills has a total of 11,440 housing units, with an owner-occupied rate of 70.7% and a renter-occupied rate of 29.3%. The median value of owner-occupied housing units is $755,200, which is higher than the county median of $634,500 and the state median of $475,900. The median gross rent in Laguna Hills is $2,316, which is also higher than the county median of $1,608 and the state median of $1,358.

Laguna Hills residents have an average commute time of 24.5 minutes, which is lower than the county average of 27 minutes and the state average of 29 minutes. Most Laguna Hills residents drive alone to work (79%), followed by carpooling (9%), working at home (6%), using public transportation (2%), walking (1%), and biking (1%).

Laguna Hills is a city with a high quality of life, with a diverse and well-educated population, a high median household income and a low unemployment rate. The city offers various amenities and services, such as parks, trails, shopping centers, restaurants, and health care facilities. Laguna Hills is also close to other attractions in Orange County, such as the beaches, the mountains, and the Disneyland Resort. Laguna Hills is a great place to live, work, and play.

Sources:

U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Laguna Hills city, California

Demographics | Laguna Hills, CA - Official Website

Laguna Hills, California Population 2023 - World Population Review

Laguna Hills, California Population & Demographics - AreaVibes

Population In Laguna Hills, California (Community Demographics) - Dwellics