Working in Laguna Beach -salaries realistic?

Weston M. Mar 22, 2025

Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Salt Lake City it's improving.

19 upvotes

Cameron R. Mar 18, 2025

Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in North for 2 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.

**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Nightlife is limited. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.

9 upvotes