YOUR LAGUNA HILLS REAL ESTATE RESOURCE CENTER
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE MARKET UPDATE / BLOG PAGE
A brief history of Laguna Hills
Laguna Hills is built on one of the major land grants developed during the Rancho Era. Following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, those who had served in the government or who had friends in authority, were given vast lands for cattle grazing. Rancho Lomas de Santiago, Rancho San Joaquin, and Rancho Niguel covered much of the western portion of the Saddleback Valley. Don Juan Avila was granted the 13,000 Rancho Niguel on which Laguna Hills is located.
In 1874, Lewis Moulton purchased Rancho Niguel from Don Juan Avila and increased the original grant to 22,000 acres. Moulton and his partner, Jean Piedra Daguerre, used the ranch to raise sheep and cattle. The Moulton Ranch was eventually subdivided in the early 1960's, part of which is recognized as Laguna Hills.
Incorporation efforts began in 1987 and on March 5, 1991, the goal of incorporation was finally achieved with 86% of the residents voting in favor of forming the City of Laguna Hills. On December 20, 1991, Laguna Hills officially became a City.
On NOvember 14, 1995, the City Council approved annexation of the North Laguna Hills area, which became part of the incorporated City on July 1, 1996.
On September 18, 2000, with the overwhelming support from the 1,800 residents, the "Westside" Annexation Area officially became part of the the incorporated City. The annexation added 149 acres of residential land, which included the Aliso Viejo Community Association's Sheep Hills Park.
Laguna Hills is home to the upscale Nellie Gail Ranch residential community The ranch sits on a promontory within the city and is a contrast to the higher density neighborhoods that surround it. It is one of the better-known upscale communities in the state and is not gated. Nellie Gail is a Planned Unit Developement of 1355 lots on 1350 acres and consists of a mixture of tract and custom houses in an equestrian setting, with homes ranging from 1700 to 10,000 square feet. It is one of only a few communities left in Orange County zoned for large lots and equestrian trails, and joins only Anaheim Hills, Villa Park, and Orange Park acres in their respective commiunities that limit the density of the homes in the county.
The Nellie Gail Ranch Equestrian Center features 92 stalls with 3 arenas and access to world class training. The Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis and Swim Club features a junior olympic pool, ideal for swim team training and recreational swimming. Twelve lighted tennis courts are available, with access to professional instructors and classes for all age groups and skill levels. Both centers are open to non-Ranch residents, with reduced fees for owners of Nellie Gail Ranch real estate.
Links to informational websites
The City of Laguna Hills
http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/
Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce
http://www.socchambers.com/
Laguna Hills Schools
http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/districtinfo/directory.asp
Nellie Gail Ranch
http://www.nelliegailranch.org/facility_detail.asp?id=6&name=Swim+Club
Restaurants in Laguna Hills
http://lagunahills.areaconnect.com/restaurants/
Attractions in Laguna Hills
http://www.onlineguide.com/entertainment/Your_Town/lagunahills.html