In the old days, we had a more common ancestry. Tribes formed primarily through families. Now, we claim surf spots.
Surfers have known for years that some beaches are more desirable than others. There are daily examples of turf squabbles. Laguna native, surfer and Realtor Cam Hamil says he still sees lines in the sand.
"Growing up as a surfer here in town, I spent a lot of time at different beaches," he said. "If you're one of the Thalia crew and you show up at Agate to go and surf, guys would be like, 'Thalia's over there,' almost as if you were invading their space. It's territorial. You live in Laguna Beach, but they are territorial about the different surf spots."
Realtor Kelly Brennan also knows about the value of location, saying that she is seeing subtle changes in the way people approach where they want to live.
"There are a lot of people who want me to narrow a search down to one certain area," she said. "It is interesting why people have a certain idea of what they want and where it is and defining their lives."
She said it's not always about the view.
"As far as popularity, Woods Cove and the Village — by far," she said. "People don't want to be in the downtown, hectic area, but they want to be able to walk to coffee, walk to the beach, walk to a restaurant or shopping without having to get in their car. It's resoundingly much more appealing than having an ocean view."
Every neighborhood has its unique appeal, said Brennan.
North Laguna is more convenient for people who commute. South Laguna is a more relaxed, tight-knit community. The same goes for the canyon, with its strong artistic history.
Eclectic Woods Cove is the midpoint of everything, far enough from the hustle of downtown but close enough to walk.
