Curious what people think. With a population of 64,023, Laguna Niguel is a smaller city. Household incomes average around $140,605 in Laguna Niguel. The median home value here is around $1,123,000, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Let me know your thoughts. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
19 upvotes
5 Replies
Hannah Ramos
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
37 upvotes
local_miles78
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 38, moved here 10 years ago from Denver. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Denver, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
28 upvotes
Caroline Long
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Anna G.
as a local I can confirm
4 upvotes
Jose M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 3 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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