Laguna Woods, California

History

In 1962, Ross Cortese, a young and energetic developer whose previous projects included Rossmoor and Leisure World Seal Beach, purchased 3,500 acres of Moulton Ranch. His goal was to create a second Leisure World community, “to supply the basic needs of life for people aged 52 and older; create a serene atmosphere of beauty; and provide security, recreation, and religious facilities – then leave the living to the individual.” His dream materialized and on September 10, 1964, Leisure World Laguna Hills (now called Laguna Woods Village) received its first ten residents. Since then, Laguna Woods Village has grown to be one of the world’s premier retirement communities for active adults. It offers over two hundred clubs and organizations, seven clubhouses, five swimming pools, twenty-seven golf holes, tennis courts, an equestrian center, a performing arts center, and more. It also has its own bus system, security service, library, and newspaper. Leisure World Laguna Hills was originally an unincorporated area of Orange County under the jurisdiction of the County Board of Supervisors. However, in 1971, the neighboring community of Laguna Hills incorporated as a city and annexed Leisure World as part of its territory. This meant that Leisure World residents had to pay city taxes and fees without having any representation or control over city affairs. For many years, Leisure World residents tried to gain more autonomy and influence over their community by forming various committees and associations. They also explored the possibility of forming their own city or becoming a special district. However, these efforts were met with resistance from both the County and the City of Laguna Hills. The situation changed in the late 1990s when two key issues arose that threatened the quality of life and security of Leisure World residents: the potential reduction of municipal services provided by the County due to budget cuts and the possibility of a commercial airport at the site of the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. These concerns galvanized Leisure World residents to pursue cityhood to protect their interests and have a stronger voice in regional matters. Cityhood proponents were successful in gaining the necessary approvals to place the issue of incorporation on the ballot for a special election on March 2, 1999. The measure passed with 86% of the votes in favor. On March 24, 1999, Laguna Woods officially became a city. It was Orange County’s 32nd city and one of California’s safest cities. Laguna Woods is unique in that about ninety percent of its land area consists of Laguna Woods Village, which is still a private gated community governed by its own boards and corporations. The other ten percent consists of businesses, some homes, and the city hall, which are accessible to the public. The city provides basic services such as public safety, animal control, street maintenance, code enforcement, and recreation programs. The city also participates in regional issues such as transportation planning, environmental protection, and emergency preparedness. Laguna Woods is a city with a rich history and a vibrant community. It has evolved from a rural ranch land to a world-class retirement destination to a self-governing city with its own identity and vision. It is a place where seniors can enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle with many opportunities for socialization, recreation, education, and culture. It is also a place where residents can have a say in their own affairs and make a difference in their surroundings. Laguna Woods is a city that celebrates its past, embraces its present, and looks forward to its future. Laguna Woods is a city in Orange County, California, that occupies approximately four-square miles of land that was once part of the Moulton Ranch. The city is known for being one of the world's premier retirement communities for active adults, with an average age of 73 among its 18,000 residents.

Things To Do

If you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, you might want to consider visiting Laguna Woods. One of the main attractions of Laguna Woods is the Laguna Woods Village, a gated community that offers a variety of amenities and services for its residents. The Village has seven clubhouses, five swimming pools, two fitness centers, a library, a theater, and more than 200 clubs and organizations. You can join any of the clubs that suit your interests, such as arts and crafts, gardening, music, sports, or travel. You can also participate in classes and workshops offered by the Village's own educational institution, the Emeritus Institute. The Village also hosts regular events and shows, such as concerts, dances, movies, and lectures. Another thing you can do in Laguna Woods is to play golf. The Village has 27 holes of golf that are open to the public, as well as a 9-hole executive course that is exclusive to residents. The golf courses are well-maintained and offer scenic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. You can also enjoy a meal or a drink at the 19 Restaurant and Lounge, which overlooks the golf course and offers a variety of dishes and beverages. If you are interested in culture and history, you can visit the Laguna Woods History Center, a museum that showcases the history and development of Laguna Woods and its surrounding areas. The History Center has exhibits that display artifacts, photographs, documents, and memorabilia related to the history of the community. You can also watch videos and listen to oral histories that tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in Laguna Woods. The History Center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or by appointment.

Schools

Demographics

The demographics of Laguna Woods are unique in several ways. First of all, the city has a very high median age of 77 years, compared to the national median of 38 years. This reflects the fact that the village is restricted to people aged 55 and older, with some exceptions for spouses and caregivers. Population Is home to one of the largest and most active senior communities in the country. The city was incorporated in 1999 and has a population of about 17,192 people, according to the 2022 census. Veterans, 2018-2022 1,784 Foreign born persons, percent, 2018-2022 31.5% Age and Sex 18+ and about 95% of the city's population is over 65 years old, making it one of the oldest cities in the nation. Persons under 5 years, percent 0.0% Persons under 18 years, percent 0.3% Persons 65 years and over, percent 82.6% Female persons, percent 60.6% Race and Ethnicity City has a very low racial and ethnic diversity. White alone, percent 70.3%. Black or African American alone, percent(a) 0.7%. American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent(a) 0.9%. Asian alone, percent(a) 22.5%. Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, percent(a) 0.2%. Two or More Races, percent 3.1%. Hispanic or Latino, percent(b) 5.4%. White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent 68.7%. The city also has a low percentage of foreign-born residents (11%), compared to the county (31%) and the state (27%). Education City has a relatively high educational attainment and income level. About 51% of the residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the county (40%) and the state (34%). High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age is 25 years+, 2018-2022 96.4%. Bachelor's degree or higher, percent of persons age is25 years+, 2018-2022 50.7%. Income and Poverty The median household income in the city is $56,928, which is slightly lower than the county ($81,000) and the state ($75,000). Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018-2022 $56,928. Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2022 dollars), 2018-2022 $52,877. Persons in poverty, percent 10.7%. The demographics of Laguna Woods reflect its history and its appeal as a retirement destination for seniors who value an active and social lifestyle. The city faces some challenges in terms of aging infrastructure, limited land use, and rising costs of living. However, it also offers many opportunities for civic engagement, cultural enrichment, and personal fulfillment for its residents. Sources U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts City of Laguna Woods, Demographics World Population Review, Laguna Woods, California Population 2022 Biggest US Cities, Laguna Woods, California Population History Data USA, Laguna Woods, CA