Laguna Woods

Laguna Woods is the newest city in Orange County (established in 1999), but it can also be referred to as the oldest. According to the official city website, the median age in this city of 16,000 is 78. This is because most of Laguna Woods encompasses a master planned retirement community formerly known as Leisure World. This community was developed in the 1960s and was a groundbreaking community geared towards people aged 55 and older.

Living in Leisure World has never been cheap. Several of the neighborhoods are gated and have guards to control access. Laguna Woods is filled with well-kept neighborhoods consisting of apartments, condominiums, small houses and larger residences. The design of all the residences is similar, in keeping with the master planned concept. One of the main concepts behind Leisure World was the creation of an active lifestyle for seniors, so there are pools, golf courses, tennis courts, fitness centers and community buildings. Dozens of clubs, classes and social events are available for the residents of the gated Laguna Woods communities.

There are a variety of shopping centers located in Laguna Woods and of course there are an above average number of medical facilities. The Irvine Spectrum is a short drive from Laguna Woods and is a popular destination for dining, shopping and entertainment. Hey, seniors like to have fun, too!

Laguna Woods is primarily a senior citizen community in the Orange County. Most of the city comprises of the Laguna Woods Village, a retirement community. This retirement city is bordered by Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Beach and the Crystal Cove State Park. The median age of their residents is 79 and their median income is about $35,000. Their cost of living is about average when compared to the rest of the nation. Laguna Woods is also home to three other senior citizen communities and some commercial centers.

The residents of Laguna Woods are protected by the Orange County Fire Authority, the Doctor’s Ambulance, Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Laguna Woods Village Security.

Laguna Woods is home to places of interest like the Laguna Woods Equestrian Center. This center offers their residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy horse rides, guided trail rides and horse riding lessons. They also host events like camps, horse shows and cookouts. During summer, one could also enjoy twilight trail rides. The Laguna Woods Village Library is also open to their residents and is operated by the resident volunteers at Laguna Woods Village.

The City of Laguna Woods hosts annual events like the Annual Egg Hunt and Horse Parade during Easter, and many music concerts all through summer.