Nellie Gail Rd, Laguna Hills

As you travel on Highway 5 near Oso Parkway, you can’t help but notice the large hill dotted with big homes to the west as they peer directly down on you. That’s the Nellie Gail community of Laguna Hills. Just after you exit on Oso heading west, you come across the welcoming Nellie Gail sign and the very inviting entrance marked by a small tree studded park.

Even a passerby would be drawn into this rustic, but elegant, setting of beautiful custom homes and rolling, leafy hills amid equestrian trails. The homes range in size and character from modest ranch style up to stately custom and their beauty adds to the peace and tranquility of the natural setting.

You wouldn’t even think that Nellie Gail is a planned community, however, the planners had a vision that included a wealth of parks and community-based recreational facilities. Amidst the many smaller parks that house play areas, sports fields and courts, fitness trails, picnic areas, you’ll find the a swimming club, a nationally recognized equestrian center, and an extensive youth sports facility. Inactive people would probably not be very happy in Nellie Gail.

An interesting side note: The sports complex and community center was built on a large and very rich fossil site. I found this out when I asked a park attendant about the prehistoric theme for the large playground.

Nellie Gail is the primary feeder of the top ranked Laguna Hills High School which has one of the lowest student populations in the county. Nellie Gail is home to many of the medical professionals that staff the nearby Saddleback Hospital and the many medical facilities located around Laguna Hills.