Rancho Niguel - Laguna Niguel, CA

Rancho Niguel began as a land granted to Mexican native, Juan Avila. Though most of the development of the area didn't occur until well after ownership was passed on, the Juan Avila Adobe plays tribute to the neighborhood's humble beginnings.

Residents of Rancho Niguel typically visit neighboring Laguna Niguel for exposure to the arts. Crown Valley Community Park holds holiday festivals and free concerts in the park year-round. Table seating and lawn seating are available, and the events typically also feature booths filled with local dishes and trinkets.

For those with a taste for fine art, the Laguna Art Museum is located just a couple miles away from Rancho Niguel. The museum features art from California artists only and frequently holds exhibitions and events. The focus of the museum is to feature art representing the rich culture and diversity of Californian art.

Locally owned dining establishments and chain restaurants populate the area and serve up a wide range of cuisine, from traditional Mexican to exotic Thai.

El Cortez Bar and Grill is a local hot spot for Mexican food and the best salsa around. The restaurant features a large open room with a casual and authentic feel. Start with their famous appetizer platter, move on to the ever so delicious chile verde and don't forget the skinny margarita.

For a more cultural dining experience, try Patsy's Irish Pub, which serves traditional Irish fare accompanied with music, billiards and karaoke. The lavender mint martini is a light, refreshing twist to the original and provides an excellent complement to the classic corned beef hash.

As for nightlife, pubs and sports bars are the norm. Signature Sports Bar is a great place to hangout with friends, watch your favorite professional sports games and relax with a cold pint. With an early and a late happy hour from Monday through Friday, you're sure to enjoy one of the many amazing drink or food specials.

Private automobile is the primary mode of transportation in Rancho Niguel, but public transportation, cabs and services such as Uber are readily available. With it's central location and close proximity to the 73 and Intestate 5, commuting to and from work is easy and convenient.

Located just 15 miles to the north, John Wayne Airport serves as the primary hub for most flights. Only about an hour's drive north lies Los Angeles International Airport, which is one of the largest in the country. This airport provides a wide array of destination options for residents, frequently at lower rates than smaller-size airports.

Rancho Niguel prides itself on being a safe neighborhood, making it the perfect place to take a stroll or ride your bike. Though the beautiful hills provide a majestic backdrop, they may make it difficult for some to navigate the neighborhood by foot.

Residents of Rancho Niguel who pay a monthly HOA fee gain access to The Club at Rancho Niguel, an exclusive recreational facility that features multiple pools, spas, tennis courts, basketball courts, racquetball and a weight-training gym. The well-manicured grounds and amenities are nothing short of superb.

Just outside Rancho Niguel, Laguna Nigiel Regional Park makes the perfect excursion for the whole family and dogs as well. A 5K track around the grounds gives you opportunities for running. Tennis courts on the grounds let you brush up on your game, and plenty of areas for a picnic or barbecue allow you to dine with friends and family after an exciting day of exploration. Fishing is permitted in the park's lake during specified hours, which is great for family bonding.The wildlife here is abundant, and it includes ducks, geese, squirrels and birds. There is a small fee for parking, but entrance to the park is free.

The cost of living in Rancho Niguel is higher-than-average, and many residences are part of communities that feature private clubs and amenities. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence is $1,433, but larger rentals can cost as much as $2,247.

A bus ride in the neighborhood typically runs $2 for the trip, and gas prices in the area are about 13 percent higher than the national average. A pint of beer at local bars runs around $4 to $5.

Boutiques and modern convenience grace the Rancho Niguel area. Buy in bulk at Costco, shop home decor at Cost Plus World Market or get the everyday essentials at Target.

Luna Boutique is a chic store with everything from apparel to accessories and jewelry. As an added perk, the boutique often provides gift certificates as a bonus for spending designated amounts in the store. Another amazing boutique is The Hanger, which is located in the Lohman's/Knollwood shopping center. The boutique is a consignment and resale store that carries high-end designer brands. Labels such as Coach, Donna Karen, Prada and Escada fill the racks with more-than-reasonable price tags.

For groceries, locals can shop at Ralph's, which provides reasonable prices for everything from bread and meat to fruits and vegetables. For specialty items and health foods, residents frequent Whole Foods Market. Prices are higher than average, but the store carries hard-to-find items and has a large selection of organic fruits and vegetables.

Spend your Sunday mornings at the Laguna Niguel Farmers Market, which has vendors selling fruits, vegetables, sundries, specialty sauces, marinades and even fresh tamales. At times the market can get pretty crowded, but it's well worth it. The Market is held year-round, and parking is easy and convenient.