Spotlight on the Marketplace Area: Laguna Niguel’s Next Great Opportunity
- Missy Wiesen
- Jun 19, 2025
- 3 min read
There’s a corner of Laguna Niguel that’s been flying under the radar — but not for long.
Known as the Marketplace Opportunity Area (also referred to as the Gateway Specific Plan zone), this northeast pocket of the city is about to become a major player in Laguna Niguel’s future. It sits at the intersection of Crown Valley Parkway and Forbes/Cabot Road, right next to the Metrolink station.
Why should you care? Because this is where transit-oriented, mixed-use growth is set to take off — and that could mean opportunity, lifestyle upgrades, and value for current and future homeowners.
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Missy Wiesen — your Coastal Orange County real estate expert.I show you what it’s really like to live in The OC.
Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Orange County real estate?Call, text, or scan the QR code to book a quick Zoom with me.
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Where Is the Marketplace Area?
The Marketplace Opportunity Area includes parcels near:
Crown Valley Parkway
Forbes Road
Cabot Road
This zone includes a mix of commercial and office buildings, light industrial properties, and some underused land — all situated just west of the Metrolink station. That location alone makes it ripe for transformation.
What’s the Vision for This Area?
The city is encouraging a full-scale evolution here — turning outdated, fragmented parcels into a cohesive, urban hub featuring:
Higher-density housing
Mixed-use development
Retail, dining, and civic spaces
Job centers and transit access
We’re talking lot consolidation, streetscape upgrades, and a place that finally lives up to its location. And because it’s designated as a priority area in the city’s General Plan through 2045, there’s real momentum behind it.
Why It Matters for Homeowners & Investors
This isn’t just a city project — it’s a chance to rethink how Laguna Niguel lives, works, and connects. Here’s what makes this opportunity so compelling:
Location, Location: Adjacent to the Metrolink station, this is commuter gold. Expect growing demand for homes that offer easy access to jobs across Orange County and beyond.
Underutilized Land: The shift from aging commercial space to new mixed-use and residential projects signals potential appreciation as land becomes more valuable.
Walkability & Amenities: As plans take shape, expect bike paths, walkable blocks, cafes, and retail to add vibrancy — making the area more livable and desirable.
Public Support & Investment: The city isn’t just hoping this happens. They’re backing it with funding, planning, and policy tools to make it real.
What Comes Next
The Marketplace Area is currently in the planning and early engagement stage, but here’s what to keep an eye on:
City-led workshops and community feedback sessions
Infrastructure updates, design renderings, and funding announcements
Potential RFPs (Requests for Proposals) targeting developers
As this area evolves, it will become a magnet for modern, transit-oriented living — and savvy investors and homeowners will be watching closely.
Final Thoughts
Laguna Niguel’s Marketplace Area is one of the most exciting transformations on the horizon. It’s a rare chance to blend smart urban planning with the OC coastal lifestyle so many of us love.
Whether you're looking for your next move, keeping an eye on market growth, or thinking long-term investment strategy, this is one to watch.
Ready to start your own OC story?Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring what's possible — I'm here for it.Call, text, or scan the QR code to connect.
📲 Call or text: 949-887-6644
💻 Book a Zoom: https://calendly.com/realtormissy3/15min
🌐 Explore more: www.MissySellsOC.com
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