Laguna Beach neighborhoods- need locals' insight! (Mission Viejo, Newport Beach: skateboarding, house, safe neighborhoods)

[bostontina]

May be relocating to OC and from everything I have read, Laguna Beach seems it is the most liberal/progressive town and the one that might (and the operative word is might) match some of my political and philosophical views.
Within Laguna Beach (notreally interested in Hills or Niguel- want to stay within Laguna Beach Unified School Dist.), what is the most family-friendly neighborhood?

Are there any neighborhoods that might not be as safe for kids?

I have read a lot about how one doesn't see a lot of minorities on the actual beaches in Newport Beach. Is this true for Laguna Beach as well?

ANy other info. would be really appreciated!!

[CAVA1990]

I don't think there are any unsafe neighborhoods for kids unless you're worried about them being injured skateboarding down steep hills or getting sucked into a materialistic lifestyle. Also, maybe you don't see many minorities on the beach but it's not because they're not welcome. I think the more immediate concern for you is how expensive and type of house you want to buy or rent. I think all of Laguna is pretty family friendly. I grew up around there and loved it as a kid.

[matzoman]

The most family friendly neighborhood i think is TOW. I think the least family friendly neighborhoods are laguna canyon road and anything right on PCH or broadway, Reason being is lots of traffic,noise,smog,crime. Lots of minorities on main beach so no worries, cool vibe, all the brothas especially in the summer on the basketball courts. Many mexican kids at the high school. The high school has too much of a drug problem in my opinion, I would not send my child to school there. The comment CAVA said about materialism is true as well. Laguna is not as progressive as it used to be but still more than the rest of oc. Good Luck.

[bostontina]

CAVA and Matzoman,

Thanks so much for your response!
Sorry for my ignorance, but what is TOW?
And what does Laguna Village refer to? And finally, in a description I read somewhere, Park Avenue Estates were said to be fam-friendly...true?

So sad that LB isn't as progressive as it used to be.
The materialism is that bad, huh?

[CAVA1990]

TOW - Top of the World. Not familiar with the others. They must have come about after I left. I'll defer to others on the materialism question.

[OChomepro]

Laguna Village refers to the area within walking distance of the downtown area / ocean and within at least 4 or 5 blocks of the ocean (the closer to the ocean the better). It's more expensive generally than the hills, but is pretty cool because you can walk everywhere and not have to worry about parking your car. I used to live near Cleo and Pacific Coast Highway and it was great, but once summer hits you sometimes feel trapped by the traffic and tourists.

[bostontina]

OChomepro,
Thanks so much for your response. Do younger families live in Laguna Village? What's this Park Avenue Estates thing? I have read in a couple of places that it is a gated community particularly family oriented.
What is your experience?
I have to say, I do LOVE the idea of walking to town and to the ocean. Is there a particular beach within Laguna Beach that is generally where families go?
I believe I will be visitng LB and OC within a couple of months and really want to narrow down what I should check out in the short amount of time I am out there.

[BRinSM]

I'm not too familiar with the demographic makeup of the city as far as ages and families, but i do know that laguna beach is one of the most expensive areas in the state of CA. two bedroom bungalows near PCH start at about $1MM. Bigger nicer homes obviously go up from there. I'm sure there are some "younger" families in the area, but they are going to be very successful types who probably don't have a lot of time for their kids. I also understand that drugs are a huge issue in all of the south OC high schools. Laguna is also very gay friendly, but that doesn't sound like something that would bother you.

[OChomepro]

You're going to find families and kids all over in Laguna, but they are relatively few and far between. Keep in mind the price range of Laguna and you're going to find more middle aged and older people who can afford the place. There's only one high school, one junior high and two elementary schools, so busing or driving your kids to school is pretty much a necessity. It's not like being in outher south OC cities like Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and others where there are more younger families with children.

[MalaK]

All of Laguna is mostly safe. I've never had a problem with leaving
my convertible open. I always see kids (Ages 12-15) crossing the
streets down to the ocean, they're either going to play in the sand,
swim or surfiing. Lots of surfing up in Laguna.

Are you moving from Boston?