Laguna Woods, located in sunny Orange County, California, is a delightful city known for its serene environment and active community. With a population of 17,644 as of the 2020 census, it’s a place where the median age is a lively 74.5, making it a haven for retirees.
A Quick Peek at History
Laguna Woods officially became a city on March 24, 1999, largely thanks to its residents’ desire for a stronger voice against a proposed international airport at the nearby decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. The airport plans were eventually scrapped, and the area is now set to become the Orange County Great Park. Before its incorporation, the area was part of the expansive Moulton Ranch, dominated by dry farming and cattle grazing until the 1960s.
In 1962, developer Ross Cortese bought a portion of Moulton Ranch and transformed it into Leisure World Laguna Hills, a community designed to meet the needs of people aged 52 and older. This vision materialized in 1964 with the first residents moving in. Today, about 90% of the city comprises Laguna Woods Village, a private, gated retirement community.
Modern-Day Laguna Woods
This 3.1-square-mile city is bordered by Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Beach, and Irvine. It boasts a beautiful natural setting with nearby parks and open spaces, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Vibrant Community Life
Laguna Woods Village is the heart of the city, offering numerous amenities and activities for its residents. The city also includes businesses, some homes, and public facilities like the city hall.
Demographics Snapshot
Laguna Woods is a diverse community with a rich cultural fabric. According to the 2020 census, the racial makeup includes 74.4% White, 21.2% Asian, 0.5% African American, and 5.2% Hispanic or Latino.
Government and Services
The city falls under California’s 37th Senate District and the 72nd Assembly District. It’s represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by members from the 40th and 47th congressional districts.
For public safety, fire protection is provided by the Orange County Fire Authority, ambulance services by Care Ambulance Service, and law enforcement by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Within Laguna Woods Village, security is managed by the community’s dedicated security team.
Education
While Laguna Woods itself has no public schools, it is served by the Capistrano Unified School District and the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, as well as the South Orange County Community College District.
Fun Fact
In Laguna Woods, golf carts are more important than cars! Residents often use their electric carts for everything from heading to the golf course to doing their grocery shopping, making it an eco-friendly community.
Whether you’re exploring its rich history, enjoying the community amenities, or soaking in the natural beauty, Laguna Woods offers a unique and vibrant lifestyle for its residents.
Laguna Woods sounds like an absolute gem! The transformation from Moulton Ranch to a thriving retirement community is fascinating. It’s wonderful to see how the city has maintained its natural beauty while offering so many activities and amenities. Definitely considering this as a future retirement destination!
What a charming place Laguna Woods is! The fact that golf carts are used for daily errands is fantastic and eco-friendly. The history and community spirit are truly inspiring. Kudos to the residents for creating such a lovely environment for retirement!
Laguna Woods sounds like an amazing place for retirees! The history and transformation of the area from Moulton Ranch to a vibrant retirement community is fascinating. I love the idea of residents using golf carts for daily activities; it really adds to the charm and eco-friendliness of the place.
What a wonderful article! Laguna Woods truly seems like a delightful oasis. The community amenities and beautiful natural setting make it sound like an ideal place to settle down and enjoy an active, fulfilled life. Kudos to the residents for their strong community spirit and successful efforts to shape their city’s future!