A luxurious 55-plus community with nonstop entertainment
Formerly known as “Leisure World,” the 55-plus community of Laguna Woods became an official Orange County city in 1999. The Orange County enclave offers a lifestyle of ease and endless recreation within a gated setting exclusive to residents. Its resort-style amenities include an amphitheater, an equestrian center and two golf courses. “It’s like country club living in a 55-plus community. You can't go wrong. I’ve been there for 27 years,” says Realtor Jennifer Heflin, who works with Laguna Premier Realty Inc. and has about three decades of experience in the area. With a full schedule of events and activities, it’s no surprise that in 2024 the Orange County Register ranked Laguna Woods as one of the best senior living communities in Orange County.
Residents of Laguna Woods Village have access to its variety amenities.
Laguna Woods residents take golf carts to the driving range to practice their swings.
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Laguna Woods Golf Club and many recreation options
In the heart of the community, the Laguna Woods Golf Club has two golf courses, a 27-holer and a 9-holer, both with panoramic views of the Santa Ana Mountains. At the club’s Mediterranean clubhouse, locals can book private parties or relax on the patio. The community has even more sports facilities: 10 tennis courts, seven pickleball courts and five pools. At the equestrian center, there are riding and training lessons in the middle of town. Bordering the neighborhood’s west side, Crystal Cove State Park has 18 miles of hiking trails, which lead over hilly bluffs and 3 miles of beach.
Anytime Fitness is at 24/7 gym that Laguna Woods residents can get their workout in.
Laguna Woods residents can play a round of golf at the Laguna Woods Golf Club.
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Events like the New Year’s Eve Gala and tribute bands
The Recreation and Special Events Department helps organize celebrations throughout the year like the New Year’s Eve Gala, which has live music and dancing, plus champagne to ring in the new year. In the summertime, there are outdoor concerts at Clubhouse 2. “They have quite a few tribute bands in Laguna Woods for Elton John, The Eagles and The Beatles. They always have entertainment,” Heflin says. Offering over 250 clubs, the community has activities ranging from bowling to ballroom dance.
Laguna Woods residents can go to the nearby farmer's market and listen to live music.
Explore all of the events in Laguna Woods.
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Mediterranean homes and condos in Laguna Woods
Centered around El Toro Road, the remainder of Laguna Woods is gated and residential. It's composed of winding roads and cul-de-sacs, with parks, pools and clubhouses interspersed between subdivisions. The city's management service does the landscaping, including all residents' yards, often opting for palm trees and other drought-resistant plants. Laguna Woods offers single-family homes, condos and more housing options that cater to specific needs. “There’s a place called the Towers with 14 stories. It’s getting more popular now; it’s one step before assisted living. My mom just moved there,” Heflin says. Most of the architecture is Mediterranean, with some midcentury modern homes. No matter the style of home, the prices often surprise people. “It's the most inexpensive place to live in our county,” Heflin says. The median sales price in Laguna Woods is $420,000, with homes staying on the market for around 34 days, compared to the national average of 45 days. “The market goes fast. During COVID, we only had 60 homes. It’s gone up to maybe 100, so inventory is low but beginning to increase,” Heflin says.
Most single-family homes in Laguna Woods are older, modern-style designs.
Townhomes are also an available option for Laguna Woods residents.
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Strip malls on El Toro Road and more retail
El Toro Road is the city’s main thoroughfare and retail hub, running east to west through the middle of the city. The road has multiple strip malls, including Willow Tree Shopping Center, where locals can find a grocery store, cafes and places to run errands. In the other strip malls, there are restaurants and more grocery shopping. At the Laguna Woods Golf Club, there’s a residents-only restaurant, featuring a covered patio with mountain views. Irvine Spectrum Center, a massive open-air mall, is only 5 miles away for more retail.
Reborn Coffee is a popular spot in Laguna Woods.
Stater Bros has fresh produce for Laguna Woods residents.
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A 6-mile drive to Laguna Beach
Laguna Woods is fairly walkable, but those with mobility issues can take specialized transit throughout the city. “It has a bus service that’s ongoing and included in their association payment,” Heflin says. The city is about 50 miles from downtown Los Angeles via Interstate 405, but it's very close to other Orange County hot spots. “It's a convenient location to Laguna Beach — only 6 miles away,” Heflin says. To get outside of Laguna Woods, residents can use the Orange County Transit Authority bus system. For medical services, there’s Kaiser Permanente Orange County - Irvine Medical Center, located about 5 miles away. The closest airport is the John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, about 15 miles from Laguna Woods.
Saddleback Valley Unified public schools
Residents with school-age children are not allowed to live in Laguna Woods, although exceptions are made for those with older children with disabilities or who are unable to live on their own. Saddleback Valley Unified School District serves the community and has an A rating on Niche. The district also has an A-plus for college prep, plus A ratings for academics and diversity. With approximately 24,000 students, the district has a student-teacher ratio of 23-to-1. Residents in the 55-plus age range have access to over 200 classes through the Saddleback College Emeritus Institute, with courses including theater, design and Italian.
San Joaquin Elementary School in Laguna Woods is a California Distinguished School.
Aliso Viejo Middle School is part of the Capistrano Unified School District in Laguna Woods.
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Crime rates and weather in Laguna Woods
According to the Orange County Sheriff's Department, the violent and property crime rates in Laguna Woods are among the lowest in Orange County. As a gated community, the city has minimal through traffic and outside visitors in its residential areas.
Laguna Woods has a mild climate with two seasons: a warm season from summer to fall and a cool season from winter through spring. It has moderate air quality and heat risks, with an average high of around 80 degrees in August.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
