Antonio Pkwy, California

Our kids play with a family that lives on Abyssinian Way in Ladera Ranch and, it’s no wonder because the neighborhood always seems to be alive with kids. They have lots of options for fun as the street is located within a very short walk of the school playground, the skate park, the water park and the community pool. If they want to stay closer to home, the street even has its own green big enough for a soccer game.

Our friends were attracted to the Lexington Homes and their spacious floor plans set in a neighborhood that, due to its street layout, gets very little traffic. They chose a home that backs up to an overlook for an expansive view of town and, because the annual fireworks are launched from school fields just below, they have a perfect view from their backyard, although they insist on walking down for a front row seat.

Being a father of 2 boys, our friend is very involved in the local sports as a little league coach and a soccer coach. With most of the games played on the nearby school fields they’re pleased with the 5 minute walk each way.

Having lived here now for a few years, they have come to appreciate the award winning Ladera Ranch Elementary School, also the site of the county library, which is just down the hill and across the round-about.

In this day and age it is rare to be able to live in a place where the safety and security of the kids is built into the fabric of the community thanks to close knit families and a private security patrol.

When we try explain the community of Ladera Ranch, most people either don't really believe what we tell them or they just can't imagine it in there minds because they've never ever seen any place like it. Hidden in the foothills between Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano, the only people who ever see Ladera Ranch are the residents, their guests and those who need to access the Ortega Highway.

Ladera Ranch, the size of a small town, is comprised of nine villages most of which have their own community pool and clubhouse. The narrow, tree-lined streets wind through cozy neighborhoods that and are punctuated with round abouts, an idea imported from New England as way to control traffic.

No one believes me when I tell them that our house, near the Avendale village sits among 3 award-winning elementary schools, all within a mile and a half of each other. My kids' school sits at the center of town, and, it's adjoining Founder's Park is the is the site of frequent community events such as the annual 4th of July festival and show. The kids, who are typically out and about all day, have access to good-sized water park, a pro-style skate park, several sports sparks and are under the watchful eye of a vigilant private security force.

My street, Cousteau Lane is an especially terrific find. It's a cul-de-sac street that ends at one of several trails that can take you around most of Ladera, on foot or on bike. We sit high on ridge that overlooks a couple of other villages and offers a peek of the Pacific Ocean. The cool ocean breeze and beautiful sunsets are a constant up on our street.

I guess you really have to see it to believe it.