Introduction to the Enclave: I was raised on Victoria Beach, which is about a mile from where I live now. Growing up, my friends and I would head south for the picturesque beaches that were frequented mostly by Laguna locals. I have always enjoyed the relaxed attitude of South Laguna and happily purchased my current home on Eagle Rock (1st Street) 13 years ago.
Bordered By: Laguna Village to the north, Laguna Niguel to the east, Dana Point to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Views: Never ending coastline, ocean and local island views.
Homes: South Laguna property is known for everything from quirky beach cottages to extreme contemporaries to luxury multi-million dollar oceanfront estates.
History of the Area: The once unincorporated area known as South Laguna was annexed into the city of Laguna Beach in 1987. Prior to that time, the Laguna Civic Association represented its interests, primarily in relation to community planning. Homesteaded around the turn of the century, South Laguna wasn’t subdivided until the 1920s. Subdivisions at that time were not required to provide sewer and water, or even paved roads, so in the 1930s and ’40s, the efforts were to provide the most basic of services. In the 1950s and ’60s, the organization fought the proposed Coast Freeway, and tried to minimize the impact of ocean front condominiums that the county approved on R-1 zoned land. Still unincorporated in 1971, South Laguna was besieged with a series of development proposals – from more condos on the beach to residential subdivisions, condominiums and mobile home parks and in the hillsides. The Civic Association took the lead to keep the hillsides as preserved open space.
How the Community Has Evolved: One significant change was the opening of The Montage Resort on the bluffs of Treasure Island in 2003, bringing a world-renown luxury hotel to the area. But even so, the community has retained the same feel over the years with its unique homes, excellent beaches, fine dining and specialty shops. Many families call South Laguna home generation after generation, with the younger ones making their way back to paradise. It’s pretty hard to beat Laguna Beach after all!
Community Features/Amenities/Special Events: The Montage Resort, park/playground on Monterey, neighborhood garden on Eagle Rock, world-class beaches – including famous Thousand Steps Beach, Three Arch Bay with ties to old Hollywood of the 1920s and ’30s, coupled with South Laguna Village’s fine dining and shopping experience, makes it a unique place to live and work.
Why You Love Living Here: South Laguna has a great vibe. It’s quiet, safe, friendly and is an amazing place to raise a family. Not to mention some of Laguna’s best restaurants and most stunning beaches are only steps away. It truly feels like a vacation destination every day.
Current Market Activity: There are 88 active listings ranging from $399,000 for a small hillside condo to $31,900,000 for a private residence at The Montage Resort as of June 27, 2011.
Here’s an overview of the Eagle Rock area, specifically:
Active Listings:
• Prices range from a 2 bedroom, 2 bath at 32006 S. Coast Highway built in 2007 listed for $995,000 to a 4 bedroom, 7 bath home at 31401 Mar Vista Ave. with 11,333 sq.ft. built in 2010 listed for $19,950,00.
The average per sq ft. for 9 active listings is $1,363.62.
Back Up Offers:
There are currently two back-up offers: 31501 Shrewsbury Drive – a 2 bedroom, 2 bath with 1,381 sq.ft. built in 1962 listed at $700,000 and at 31615 2nd Ave., a 3 bedroom, 2 bath built in 1947 listed at $980,000.
Pending Sale:
There is one pending at 2160 S. Coast Highway. It is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath with 1,381 sq.ft. listed at $799,000.
Sold Listings (from 11/27/2010 to 6/16/2011):
There were 11 sold in this time period. They ranged in price from a 2 bedroom, 2 bath at 31865 Cypress Lane with 1,300 sq.ft. built in 1963 which sold for $520,000 in Feb. 2011 to a 3 bedroom, 3 bath at 31781 5th Ave., with 2,700 sq.ft. built in 1981 that sold for $1,290,000. The ave. price per sq.ft. for the 11 sold listings was $586.86.
