Living the Dream Near Nature in Southern California

By Gabriela Worrel

It’s not a huge secret that in Southern California, living near nature is a privilege. After all, the region, from metropolitan Los Angeles down to the deserts of San Diego county have seen a boom of development over the past several decades (recession years notwithstanding). Studies have shown that natural spaces (such as parks, open space, wilderness parks, and trails) raise property values for real estate nearby. Additionally, living near nature is good for our health; exposure to trees, parks, and wild areas reduce stress, make us happier, and may contribute to long-term cardiovascular health, and reduced risk of obesity and Type II diabetes. Of course, this is science confirming what we suspect already - that living near nature is in fact, Living the Dream, and is something for which to aspire. And if you can’t afford to live there…well, these are also great places to visit!

Laurel Canyon

Famous for more than a few hippie parties, and inspiration for rock and roll legends like Joni Mitchell and Jim Morrison, Laurel Canyon most recently went onto the region’s radar for the “Let’s Buy a Mountain Campaign.” It also has a wealth of natural areas to explore and enjoy within just minutes of the neighborhood. And by minutes, I mean less than 15. Six parks are in the immediate vicinity with plenty of hiking, picnicking, and dog-walking areas: Runyon Canyon Park, Fryman Canyon/Frye Canyon Overlook, Coldwater Canyon Park, Wilacre Park, Franklin Canyon Park, and Laurel Canyon Park.

By now, you may have heard that a coalition of local organizations want to buy a 17-acre parcel of land in Laurel Canyon in order to conserve it as a wildlife corridor, defined by the State of California as “a habitat linkage that joins two or more areas of wildlife habitat, allowing for fish passage or the movement of wildlife from one area to another.” They have been asking Angelenos to donate to the cause since October. If all goes well and the group is able to raise 1.6 million by 2017, the land will eventually be turned over to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority - a public agency - for long-term management. Up until now, Laurel Canyon has really cornered the market on real estate values, which can run into the millions. Even so, anyone can visit the parks in the area, where they, too, can participate in Living The Dream.

Topanga

The Topanga neighborhood is an interesting little nook on the outskirts of metropolitan Los Angeles, but still pretty close to it all. If you want to feel like you live in the country while still living in LA, Topanga is your girl. It’s a close knit community with lots of long-time residents and a reputation for new-age-plus-locovore-homegrown-culture, this unique neighborhood is nestled in the beauty of oaks and cliffs winding between PCH and the 101 Freeway. Perhaps the best thing about Topange for nature lovers is nearby Topanga State Park, which boasts the largest wilderness park acreage inside a city limit in the country. Here, trails go from the San Fernando Valley all the way to the coast, offering spectacular views and exposure to multiple plant communities like chaparral, coastal sage brush, and plenty of opportunity to spot some wildlife.

Rancho Mission Viejo

Venture to south Orange County to Rancho Mission Viejo, a stunning (and surprisingly affordable) community atop a west-facing slope on a 23,000-acre ranch with 21,000 acres of dedicated preserved open space complete with trails, a working cattle ranch, fruit orchards, and even an equestrian center. This newer community is selling homes now and is envisioned as a place to really get in touch with the land by enjoying the trails in the open space outside your back door and breathtaking views of the coastal landscape. It’s also a place for community; residents are encouraged to participate in neighborhood happy hours, workshops, and other organized events. For families with kids, this place is a big win; nature, good area schools, and a short drive to OC beaches and North County San Diego. Seniors can also opt to live in the 55+ community. With all these aspects, Rancho Mission Viejo is definitely Living the Dream!

Hidden Canyon

Ideally situated along Irvine’s desirable western edge, Hidden Canyon will be a prime location for people interested in being close to nature as well as urban life. Developer Toll Brothers is currently building a (very) upscale community adjacent to Laguna Wilderness Park, with easy access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and downtown Laguna Beach a few minutes down the road. In addition to Laguna Wilderness park, where hikers can sometimes glimpse native wildlife, there are a handful of neighboring parks and open space ares that together make up 22,000 acres of preserved natural habitat. Local efforts are also in play to connect this habitat to the Santa Ana mountains by way of the Coast to Cleveland Wildlife Corridor. When completed, the corridor will ensure the robust health of the animals, like native bobcats, coyotes, and threatened gnatcatchers in these coastal wild lands.

Cardiff by the Sea, San Diego County

Far away from the hustle and bustle of the Big City, Carmel by the Sea is reminiscent of a sleepy sea side town. Locals call it the ‘Village by the Sea,’ an appropriate name for this low-key community in San Diego County, just north of Encinitas. Cardiff’s darling certainly is the beach, and the San Elijo Lagoon that meanders inland under the highway to flank some of the cliffside homes overlooking the inlet. The lagoon also attracts a good amount of wildlife and is a plus for birders. In contrast to the many inland wilderness parks with drought-tolerant foliate found around the region, northern San Diego county’s major draw is the beach culture and the sense that even driving in the car along PCH puts you in touch with nature. This little gem is a great place for family time outdoors especially, complete with enjoying the beach, tide pooling, camping, mingling with a tight-knit surfing community at Swami’s beach, and of course, enjoying amazing sunsets.

Gabriela Worrel is a writer in Los Angeles and an Outreach Coordinator at Laguna Greenbelt, Inc.