Laguna Nigel

Laguna Nigel's history begins millions of years ago with geologic uplifting that turned a large, shallow bay abounding in sea life into the rolling hills and snaking valley of today.

It was first inhabited about 10,000 years ago by Native Americans who hunted and gathered acorns in the valleys and canyons and fished along the waterways.

With the arrival of the Europeans in 1769, those first residents were forced to give up their culture by Spanish missionaries. They gathered limestone deposits from Aliso Creek to plaster Mission San Juan and were named "Juanenos" after the mission.

Incorporated in 1989, Laguna Nigel has come to be known as one of the most family-friendly communities in Orange County, boasting 24 city parks and two regional parks in the 14-square-mile city. The rolling hills and natural beauty of the area and the low crime rate (Laguna Nigel is considered one of the safest cities in Orange County) draw people wishing to carve out a future for their families and those wanting a beautiful, safe place in which to retire. Although Laguna Nigel is considered a “bedroom community,” Orange Countians who live outside the city have been known to pass through the city to visit its many parks, shops and its YMCA