subject: Laguna Niguel Real Estate And Homes For Sale [print this page] The name "Laguna Niguel" stems from the Spanish word "Laguna," which means lagoon. The second word, "Nigueli," was the name of a Juaneno Indian village once located near Aliso Creek. Laguna Niguel became the 29th city in Orange County in December of 1989.
Laguna Niguel is home to a variety of upscale neighborhoods, including Bear Brand Ranch, Ocean Ranch, Coronado Pointe, South Peak, Crest de Ville, Palmilla, and Monarch Point. Other major neighborhoods include Rancho Niguel, Marina Hills, Niguel West, Niguel Summit, Beacon Hill, El Niguel Heights, Kite Hill, and the San Joaquin Hills. Laguna Niguel also offers an excellent choice in guard-gated communities where you can indulge yourself with million dollar views and luxury amenities.
The city is part of the Capistrano Unified School District, which includes two high schools and two middle schools to serve students in the area. The district is also the location of seven elementary schools for younger residents. While there are no colleges or universities within the city limits, higher education opportunities abound nearby in the cities surrounding Laguna Niguel. These range from a large community college, Saddleback College, in Mission Viejo, to private schools like Chapman University in Orange, to full public universities with graduate programs like University of California at Irvine and California State University at Fullerton. City residents are served by the Laguna Niguel Library. Residents may also visit the related libraries in the surrounding communities of Dana Point and Aliso Viejo.
Additionally, adult education and recreation classes are offered through the city. Residents with an interest in such eclectic activities as ballroom dancing, belly dancing, playing the guitar, photography, horseback riding, pilates, yoga, tai chi, or fitness will find reasonably-priced lessons available through the City of Laguna Niguel. In addition, the City organizes exciting Community Excursions to a variety of interesting sites in the area.
Indeed, the area around Laguna Niguel is so beautiful that it is the site of some of the world's premiere luxury resorts--The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel and Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa are both nearby (technically located in nearby Dana Point) and available for magnificent views and first-rate service.
Over one third of the city of Laguna Niguel is officially designated as open space, creating ample room for picturesque scenery, activities, and recreation. This beautifully utilized space encompasses 23 neighborhood parks, two community parks, two county regional parks, two smaller county parks, and three mini-parks. The largest and most commonly visited parks are Aliso/Wood Canyon Regional Park, Badlands Park, and Laguna Niguel Regional Park.
The open spaces of Laguna Niguel are also utilized for a variety of sporting activities, highlighted by the new Laguna Niguel Skate and Soccer Park. There are also a number of baseball and softball fields located throughout the city, some of which are equipped with lights for evening play. Swimming is enjoyed at the Crown Valley Community Pool, with swimming lessons and other adult classes available year-round.
