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I've had clients come to me dead-set on Newport or Laguna Beach, only to fall head over heels for Laguna Niguel once they actually visit.
Because Laguna Niguel gives you more bang for your buck with a median home value of $1,548,990.
The homes here aren't just investments, they're sanctuaries with actual space to breathe. You're getting the Orange County lifestyle without the tourist traffic of the beachfront communities.
Laguna Niguel offers that rare combo of solid investment potential AND incredible livability.
When clients ask me where they should buy if they want both short-term enjoyment and long-term value, I don't even hesitate anymore.
The headlines will tell you that Orange County prices are up, but what does that actually mean for Laguna Niguel?
That 12.2% price jump I mentioned earlier? It didn't happen overnight.
I've watched this market climb steadily quarter after quarter. Back in 2023, we had that crazy pandemic-driven frenzy where homes were getting 10+ offers in a weekend. Things have normalized now, but the growth hasn't stopped. It's just more sustainable.
Right now, we've got 91 homes listed with a median price of $1,437,500, but only 32 sold in January. That gap between listings and sales is creating some interesting dynamics. Buyers have more options, but the good stuff still goes quick.
That's the thing about this market, presentation matters more than ever. The days of putting any old house on the market and watching a bidding war erupt are gone.
Buyers are more discerning, but they're still buying.
When you move to Laguna Niguel, you're not just buying a house, you're buying into a lifestyle.
And trust me, it's a pretty sweet one.
This place was built as a planned community, and it shows. The streets make sense, the parks are plentiful, and everything feels thoughtfully laid out. I moved here back in 2009 and still discover new little corners that make me appreciate the design.
The community vibe is strong without being intrusive. You'll see neighbors jogging together and kids riding bikes, but nobody's all up in your business.
It's that California blend of friendly but respectful of privacy that's hard to find in some other states (looking at you, Midwest—love you, but sometimes you're a bit much!).
Last summer, I took my daughter to the community concert in the park series, and it felt like half the neighborhood was there with picnic blankets and wine. These are the moments that remind me why I sell homes here.
If you're an outdoorsy type, you'll never want to leave. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is basically a massive playground for hikers and mountain bikers.
I try to hit the trails there at least once a week, and I swear it never gets old.
Salt Creek Beach is less than 15 minutes away, which means you can actually become a "beach person" without the commitment of beach prices. I've had clients who started surfing in their 40s just because it became so accessible after moving here.
The shopping situation is solid too. The Shops at Mission Viejo has everything you need, and you're close enough to South Coast Plaza when you want the fancy stuff. Local restaurants range from casual family spots to date-night worthy places where you might spot a celebrity or two.
And for families?
The schools are one of the biggest selling points. Capistrano Unified School District has some serious academic chops. I've watched families strategically buy homes just to get into certain school boundaries—and honestly, I get it.
January 2025 saw 32 homes sold or pending with that median price of $1,363,120 I mentioned earlier.
That's actually down from December's 47 homes, but that's typical for winter months. Even in sunny California.
The fascinating part is comparing the listing price ($1,437,500 median) with what homes are selling for. That gap gives buyers some negotiation room on some properties, while others, especially those "cream puff" listings, still command premiums.
The average days on market is 59 for all listings, but that number is a bit misleading.
The desirable homes in prime locations are still moving in under 30 days. It's the overpriced or poorly presented properties that are sitting and dragging that average up.
Looking at the bigger picture, homes are selling at about 1% below list on average, but the hot properties can still fetch 1% above. And the long-term appreciation numbers are solid: 2.60% annually with a 9.92% quarterly growth recently.
In real-world terms, that means a $1.3M home today could be worth close to $1.5M in just a couple of years if trends continue.
The limited inventory keeps this market tilted in sellers' favor, despite giving buyers more options than the extreme shortage we saw in 2021-2022.
Oh, and here's a stat that always impresses my clients: properly staged homes typically sell for up to 17% above asking and 70% faster.
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Rancho Niguel is where I end up taking a lot of my family clients. The homes here tend to be spacious, the streets are wide and walkable, and you've got easy access to parks and shopping.
What makes this area special is the sense of community. There's this pocket park that's not even on Google Maps where local families gather on weekend mornings.
Homes here align nicely with that $1.36M median price point, though you can find both more affordable condos and luxury estates within the neighborhood boundaries. The hot properties, especially those with updated kitchens and primary suites, are typically pending within 30 days.
If you want to wake up to picture-perfect vistas, Marina Hills is your spot. This neighborhood is slightly more upscale, with homes that take full advantage of the elevated location to capture stunning views.
The trail access here is phenomenal, and the community amenities make it feel like a resort sometimes. I sold a home here last year to a couple relocating from Seattle, and they text me sunset photos at least once a month as if to say "best decision ever."
The market here tends to run a bit higher than the Laguna Niguel median, reflecting the premium location.
One of Laguna Niguel's underrated strengths is its accessibility. You've got easy access to I-5 and SR-73, which means Irvine is about 20 minutes away and Newport Beach is roughly 25-30 minutes depending on traffic.
I commuted to Irvine for three years before going full-time in real estate, and it was honestly one of the least stressful drives in Orange County. That accessibility factor plays into those quick sales stats I mentioned earlier—professionals love being able to live in a peaceful community without sacrificing reasonable commute times.
Dana Point is just 10-15 minutes away, which means weekend beach trips are actually, you know, enjoyable instead of a whole production. And yes, like most of Southern California, having a car is pretty much essential, but the neighborhoods themselves are surprisingly walkable.
Parking is rarely an issue here. After showing properties in Corona del Mar where clients might circle for 20 minutes looking for street parking, the ample parking in Laguna Niguel feels luxurious.
The Capistrano Unified School District deserves some serious credit for driving Laguna Niguel's appeal. Hidden Hills Elementary and Niguel Hills Middle School are standouts, with test scores and parent reviews that speak for themselves.
I've worked with families who specifically targeted Laguna Niguel because of the schools, even though they could have gotten more house for their money in other nearby communities. When I check in with them a year later, not one has regretted prioritizing education in their home search.
This educational excellence absolutely contributes to those hot homes selling in 30 days or less.
Parents are willing to compete when it means securing a spot in these school districts.
The community supports its schools too, which creates a positive feedback loop. Local businesses sponsor school events, parks host after-school programs, and you'll see proud parent bumper stickers all over town. It's that kind of integrated support that helps these schools maintain their excellence.
Work-life balance isn't just a buzzword in Laguna Niguel. It's built into the geography. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park offers over 30 miles of trails that range from easy strolls to challenging hikes.
(I've been exploring those trails for years and still haven't covered them all.)
Salt Creek Beach is the local favorite for surfing, sunbathing, and those Instagram-worthy sunset pics. Doheny State Beach is just a bit further down the coast if you want a change of scenery.
One hidden gem most visitors miss is the Niguel Botanical Preserve. It's this peaceful 18.2-acre sanctuary with Mediterranean plants, labyrinths, and rose gardens…completely free.
For culture lovers, you've got easy access to art galleries in Laguna Beach and the Orange County Museum of Art isn't too far. Shopping and dining at The Promenades at Mission Hills provides enough variety that you won't need to venture far for everyday indulgences.
When clients ask me what people DO here, I almost laugh because the better question is what DON'T they do?
Community events help make Laguna Niguel feel like, well, a community.
The Winter Fantasy festival is a personal favorite. It’s less crowded than some of the bigger Orange County events but just as charming. Local concerts and farmers markets create natural gathering spaces where you get to know your neighbors.
All these amenities contribute to that $1.36M median price by creating value beyond just the physical structures. People aren't just buying homes here; they're buying membership in a community that offers a certain quality of life.
After years of selling homes across Orange County, I can tell you with complete confidence that Laguna Niguel offers something special.
That 12.2% price growth isn't happening by accident.
If you're considering making the move, come spend a day exploring. Drive through Marina Hills at sunset. Walk the trails at Aliso and Wood Canyons. Have lunch at one of the local spots where everybody seems to know each other.
The suburban-coastal blend, the schools, the community feel, the investment potential—it all adds up to a place where people put down roots and build lives they love. And at the end of the day, that's what real estate is really all about, isn't it?
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What began as a long career in construction and contracting has evolved into something even more rewarding for Jason Wright — as a Sales Partner with Tim Smith Real Estate Group, Coldwell Banker’s #1 Team in California.
Jason credits his background in commercial and residential projects for his unique understanding of the development and construction process. This experience makes him a valuable partner when it comes to buying or selling a home. He offers strong negotiation and support skills, which benefit clients throughout the entire process. Jason complements his knowledge with a passion to deliver results and works hard for his clients, especially those who are genuine and value honesty and integrity, as much as he does. His positivity, enthusiasm, and dedication to an exceptional experience are traits that have helped him build trusting relationships as well as referral-based business.
Jason very well understands that to be successful you need the right tools. He brings a new approach to a changing industry, finding ways to constantly stay ahead of the curve, utilizing the latest technology and methods to give his clients the greatest leverage possible.
As a third-generation South OC resident, Jason’s familiarity of the community proves invaluable for his clients in their targeted home searches. Whether you’re buying or selling — see how the “Wright Realtor” can make all the difference. And with Jason, it does.
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