Niguel Ranch Laguna Niguel, CA

Known as one of the first master-planned communities in the state, Laguna Niguel was developed in the 1950s. Residents poured in during the 1960s after the construction of I-5 linked the area to the rest of California, and Laguna Niguel became incorporated into Orange County as a city in 1989.

Originally a sleepy, coastal community, Laguna Niguel has morphed into a prominent commercial and retail environment. Residents head next door to the city of Laguna Beach for the thriving arts scene, including the summer arts festival Pageant of the Masters and the high-end galleries featuring local artists all along Pacific Coast Highway. Visit the famous Mission San Juan Capistrano to discover what life was like in the area during the Spanish colonial period. Attend the annual performance-filled Return of the Swallows Celebration to witness the swallows return to the mission every year on March 19th to mark the coming of spring.

The intersection of Niguel Road and Crown Valley Parkway serves as the dining hub for the hungry residents of Niguel Ranch. Locals consider China Moon a staple for some of the most authentic Chinese food in South Orange County. Patrons flock to this family-owned gem for the sizzling hot and sour soup and classic dishes such as mu shu pork and beef with broccoli.

For a gourmet Italian-inspired dinner, order the linguine frutti di mare seafood plate at Bistro K. This elegant cafe makes its pasta freshly from scratch daily and mixes traditional Italian flavors with modern dishes, such as three-cheese macaroni and pork chops.

If you’re in the mood for a light lunch, Tastes of Greece delights locals with healthy Mediterranean gyro wraps and salads. Guests favor the popular steak kebab and falafel plates as well.

This family-oriented neighborhood lends itself to a more relaxed nightlife scene. Patsy’s Irish Pub, one of the only watering holes in the vicinity, provides patrons a place to unwind over pool, darts and a massive bar stocked with wine, spirits and beer on tap. Revel in the traditional Irish dim-lit, cozy ambience and enjoy live music on the weekends. Signature Sports Bar has great weekday happy hour specials and a laid-back environment to watch the game with lots of neighborhood regulars.

Residents of Niguel Ranch depend on cars to commute to and from work and to run errands. The OCTA bus system services the area with bus routes on the major thoroughfares surrounding Niguel Ranch. Laguna Niguel also has a MetroLink station where two regional train routes stop. Since you can't hail a cab in this suburg, you’ll need to call a taxi company or set up a ride through Uber when you want a more personalized ride.

Traffic flows heavily throughout this highly-populated area, and though parking can be difficult to find, it usually costs nothing. Travel to other cities easily with Interstate 5 running through Laguna Niguel to the east. Although bike lanes abound and the wide roads provide a safe environment for cyclists and walkers, you’ll find the area to be quite hilly and spread out so unless you're headed just down the street, biking and walking may not be the most efficient or convenient ways to travel.

Niguel Ranch enjoys a vast range of outdoor parks in the vicinity, both manicured neighborhood recreational parks and regional wilderness areas. The Aliso and Woods Canyon Regional Park contains a wildlife sanctuary and numerous hiking trails leading deep into the canyons and even all the way to the ocean. Parking costs $3 daily, and the park closes at sunset.

Bring your family and puppy to the 236-acre Laguna Niguel Regional Park, perfect for large events, picnics, fishing or boating on the lake. Hosting triathlons throughout the year, tree trimmings and birding walks, this free public park provides the community with endless outdoor adventures.

Niguel Ranch shares a similar cost of living with the rest of Laguna Niguel; however, it rests at 22 percent above Los Angeles’ average cost of living. A day pass to travel via bus anywhere within Orange County costs $5, and a 5-ride pass costs $9. A one-way train ticket from the MetroLink rail station to downtown Los Angeles will run you $12.

Though most residents own homes in the Niguel Ranch neighborhood as opposed to renting, the median rent for a one-bedroom residence rests around $1,530. Be prepared to pay about $6 or $7 for a pint of beer at a local pub. Gas prices sit at 21 percent above the national average.

Most locals of Niguel Ranch do their shopping at the nearby high-end mall, The Shops at Mission Viejo, where luxury shops and standard chain retailers abound. Other main shopping centers can be found at the crossing of Crown Valley Boulevard, Niguel Road, and Alicia Parkway.

Hip fashionistas shop at Luna Boutique on Crown Valley Boulevard for the latest trends. This chic boutique specializes in up-and-coming feminine styles in apparel, accessories, and shoes.

Unique Accents provides locals with a treasure trove of home decor goods, jewelry, and special gifts. If you don’t quite know what you’re looking for, ask for advice and the owner of this dainty shop will guide you with her expertise in home design.

The local Albertsons and Vons act as the go-to grocery stores for residents of Niguel Ranch looking to shop for an entire list. Grab your locally-grown fruits and veggies at the San Juan Capistrano Farmers Market on Wednesday afternoons and the Saturday Farmers Market in San Juan Capistrano.