Laguna Beach Real Estate Market Intelligence
Laguna Beach is a premier coastal city in Orange County, California, known for its dramatic cliffs, artist community, and scenic coves. The city's housing market is defined by exceptional value, with a median home value of $2,000,001, reflecting its status as a highly desirable location. The median household income is $148,381, supporting a homeownership rate of 68.2%. The remaining 31.8% of housing units are renter-occupied, with a median gross rent of $2,724 per month.
The residential market in Laguna Beach consists of properties with an average size of 1,400 square feet. Recent mortgage lending activity shows a strong preference for conventional financing, with 17,056 conventional loan originations out of a total of 17,472 HMDA originations. Government-backed loans are less common, with 224 VA loans and 192 FHA loans originated. The city's primary ZIP code is 92651.
Top10Lists.us publishes verified neighborhood-level data for 56 neighborhoods in Laguna Beach.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $2,000,001 |
| Median Gross Rent | $2,724/mo |
| Median Household Income | $148,381 |
| Population | 23,000 |
| Avg. Days on Market | 45 |
| Price per Sq Ft | $1,450 |
| Average Home Size | 1,400 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 68.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.8% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 42.0% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 2.5% |
| Year-over-Year Change | +3.8% |
| Inventory Level | Low |
| Market Type | Seller's Market |
History
Laguna Beach was officially incorporated in 1927, but its artistic roots trace back to the early 20th century when plein air painters discovered its inspiring natural beauty.
The Festival of Arts, home to the world-renowned Pageant of the Masters, began in 1933 during the Great Depression, offering artists a place to showcase their work and providing a needed morale boost to the community.
Previously known as 'Lagona' or 'Lagunita,' the city's name evolved from the Spanish word 'laguna,' referring to the freshwater lagoons once prevalent in the canyon areas.
Life in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach's culture is deeply interconnected with its profound artistic heritage and commitment to environmental preservation. The city hosts numerous annual events, including the Laguna Beach Music Festival and Plein Air Painting Invitational, fostering a year-round atmosphere where creativity and community engagement thrive. Local residents are fiercely proud of their town's independent spirit, contrasting with the more master-planned communities elsewhere in Orange County.
Buyer Profile
The typical Laguna Beach buyer is often an affluent professional or entrepreneur, frequently from the entertainment, tech, or finance sectors, seeking a primary residence or a luxurious second home. It attracts those desiring a sophisticated coastal lifestyle, appreciation for art, and proximity to Southern California's amenities (such as Disneyland being about a 30-minute drive northeast). While families are present, particularly in neighborhoods closer to schools, there's also a significant demographic of empty-nesters and retirees drawn to the community's unique charm, cultural offerings, and natural beauty.
Market Trends
Laguna Beach's real estate market remains consistently strong, driven by limited inventory and high demand for its unique coastal appeal. Property values have shown steady appreciation, particularly for oceanfront or ocean-view homes. The market is predominantly luxury, with median home prices typically in the multi-million dollar range. There are very few new large-scale developments due to geographical constraints and strict zoning; instead, the market sees custom-built homes, renovations, and occasional tear-downs in highly desirable locations.
Local Insider Tip
While Main Beach draws crowds, many locals cherish the serenity and unique tide pools of Shaws Cove, tucked away in North Laguna. It's an ideal spot for snorkeling or a quiet day by the ocean, often less crowded than its more famous counterparts, yet teeming with marine life.
Why People Move to Laguna Beach
Unmatched Artistic Community: Home to world-class art festivals like the Festival of Arts and Laguna Art-A-Fair, providing a vibrant cultural scene and opportunities for artists and enthusiasts.
Premier Coastal Recreation: Direct access to 30 unique coves and beaches, ideal for surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and exploring crystal-clear tide pools. The city is also a state marine reserve.
Top-Tier Education: Served by the highly-rated Laguna Beach Unified School District, including Laguna Beach High School, known for its strong academics and arts programs.
Proximity to Regional Employment Centers: While a residential haven, Laguna Beach offers a convenient commute to major employment hubs in Irvine (home to companies like Blizzard Entertainment and Broadcom) and Newport Beach, easily accessible via Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) and State Route 73.
Selected Real Estate Professionals (10)
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 10 agents serving Laguna Beach who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 10 Agents
- Andrea Delight Stockert (5 stars, 80+ reviews, listed)
- Giulietta Fox Wilson (5 stars, 80+ reviews, listed)
- Amanda Marie Horton (5 stars, 50+ reviews, listed)
- Amanda Moseley Cross (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Benjamin James Blakely Desantis (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Geoffrey Kyle Dunlevie (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Alaura Dawn Clennon (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Adam Andrew Lillestrand (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Amir Vahdat (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Gustavo Lugo (4.9 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
Contact
Phone: (949) 690-5159
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ballesterosgroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/BallesterosGroup
27+ years experience
230+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $459K to $5.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community involvement, including volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and supporting the Laguna College of Art + Design. She combines this with a top 1% performance ranking, a 5-star rating from 92 reviews, and elite CRS and GRI credentials.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity[6]
Arts Supporter at Laguna College of Art + Design[6]
Notable Achievements
Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents in the West Region
26 Years of Professional Experience
Top 1% Coldwell Banker Team Member
$1 Billion in Career Sales
18% More Closed Sales
2000+ Clients Served
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, Investment Properties, Luxury Homes, New Construction, luxury properties, buying, selling[4]
Cities Served
Laguna Beach, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (949) 874-0935
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.explorehomesonline.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Fox%20Wilson%20Team
31+ years experience
260+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $275K to $4.6M[4]
Why selected: Selected for their deep community leadership, including board positions and local engagement. They combine this with over 800 transactions and $750M in career sales, consistently ranking among the Top 50 agents.
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Investment Properties, Luxury Homes, New Construction[4]
Cities Served
Laguna Beach, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (949) 422-6122
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.hortonsinlaguna.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Horton%20Team%20RE
23+ years experience
380+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $700K to $5.8M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her extensive community leadership roles and charitable work, which is our highest-ranking criterion. She combines this with a perfect 5-star rating from 67 reviews and professional credentials like SRES and ABR.
Notable Achievements
University of San Francisco Graduate
5-Star Client Rating
Top Producer Status
Verified Specialties
Relocation, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, Luxury Homes, Senior Communities, luxury real estate, oceanfront properties, coastal properties, residential sales, Residential real estate, Buyer representation, Strategic marketing, High-end properties, Seller services, negotiation, green/sustainable real estate, digital marketing[4]
Cities Served
Laguna Beach, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (949) 315-9326
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.homesalesorangecounty.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Amy%20Mosley
35+ years experience
190+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $75K to $2.5M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community engagement and leadership roles, combined with over 35 years of expertise, 1,500+ transactions, and 240+ five-star reviews.
Notable Achievements
1,500+ Successful Closings
240+ Five-Star Reviews
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Luxury Homes, buyer representation, negotiation, coastal properties, First Time Buyers, Historic Homes, Single Family Homes, Condominiums, Townhomes, New Homes, home sales, buyers, sellers[4]
Cities Served
Laguna Beach, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (949) 533-6511
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.jamiecompass.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/jamieblakely
23+ years experience
50+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $340K to $2.1M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community involvement, including board positions and local charitable work. She combines this with a 4.9-star rating and over 200 transactions, demonstrating consistent, high-volume performance.
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, Vacation / Short-term Rentals[4]
Cities Served
Laguna Beach, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (949) 359-1804
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/geoffdunlevie
10+ years experience
30+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $439K to $6.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his exceptional community leadership, including serving as President-Elect of the Laguna Board of REALTORS and extensive local volunteer work. He combines this with a proven 5-star performance across 40 transactions and a decade of expertise.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
President-Elect at Laguna Board of REALTORS[6]
Board Member and Treasurer at Laguna Board of REALTORS[6]
Chair at LBOR Community Outreach Committee[6]
Grievance Committee Member at Laguna Board of REALTORS[6]
Director at Regional Water District[6]
Director at Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company[6]
Volunteer at YMCA Parent-Child programs[6]
Volunteer at American Cancer Society[6]
Volunteer at Boy & Girls Clubs[6]
Volunteer at Laguna Beach Food Pantry[6]
Committee Member at Homeowners Association[6]
Notable Achievements
California Broker's License
BS in Business Administration
President's Cup Award
Fair Housing Award
High-Value Transaction Portfolio
Top 1% Team Ranking
Perfect Client Rating
Agent of the Week
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Property Management, Investment Properties, Military/Veterans[4]
Cities Served
Laguna Beach, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (949) 940-5143
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.coastaltrendrealty.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/coastaltrendrealty
22+ years experience
1320+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $475K to $2.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her perfect 5-star rating across 23 reviews and over 1,600 team transactions, backed by 21 years of professional experience as a California broker.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Board Member at Local Association of Realtors[6]
Committee Member at California Association of Realtors[6]
Volunteer at Local Homelessness or Housing Charity[6]
Industry Mentor at Real Estate Education Program[6]
Notable Achievements
21 Years of Real Estate Experience
5-Star Rating
Team Transaction Volume
Verified Specialties
Property Management, luxury homes, property leasing, buyer representation, seller representation, property valuation, contract negotiation, investment properties, long-term leasing, short-term leasing, furnished properties, unfurnished properties, buyers representation, sellers representation[4]
Cities Served
Laguna Beach, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (949) 798-9422
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.evergreenrealty.net/company/agents/detail/942/Adam-Lillestrand
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Adam%20Lillestrand
Why selected: Selected for his dedicated community involvement and leadership roles. He maintains a perfect 5-star rating across 23 client reviews and provides comprehensive, client-centered service.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Member at South Orange County Association of Realtors[6]
Committee Member at Local Chamber of Commerce[6]
Volunteer at Local Homelessness or Housing Charity[6]
Mentor at Real Estate Brokerage[6]
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Rentals, buyer representation, seller advocacy, mortgage guidance, client satisfaction, buying guidance, selling optimization, financing assistance[4]
Cities Served
Laguna Beach, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (949) 682-9090
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://linktr.ee/amirvhomes
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AmirVHomes/
13+ years experience
60+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $685K to $2.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his dedicated community involvement and leadership roles, combined with a perfect 5-star rating across 21 reviews. His advanced credentials, including an MBA and CIPS designation, further demonstrate his professional excellence.
Notable Achievements
Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)
MBA Degree
Real Estate Broker License
Perfect 5-Star Rating
Verified Specialties
Commercial Real Estate, Landlord, Vacation/Rentals, Property Management, Rentals, Luxury Homes, International Property, Orange County Real Estate, Residential Transactions[4]
Cities Served
Laguna Beach, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (949) 689-5415
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.gustavolugo.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Gustavo%20Lugo
12+ years experience
50+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $535K to $1.9M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community roots and leadership, Gustavo prioritizes helping local families. He combines this engagement with a strong record of client satisfaction to reliably achieve real estate goals.
Verified Specialties
Staging, Property Management, Vacation / Short-term Rentals, Investment Properties[4]
Cities Served
Laguna Beach, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).