Location - Orange County, California
Median home price - $405,000
Laguna Woods Village is a prominent age-restricted community located in Laguna Woods, California, catering exclusively to individuals aged 55 and older. Originally conceived as Leisure World, the community was founded by Ross Cortese, a former fruit stand owner who later became a visionary developer in senior housing. Cortese’s pioneering work began in 1961 with the creation of Leisure World in Seal Beach, California, which served as a model for large-scale retirement communities in the United States.
Building on this early success, Cortese acquired multiple sites nationwide, eventually securing 3,500 acres (approximately 14 km²) of rural land known as the Moulton Ranch, situated in the scenic Saddleback Valley of southern Orange County. His vision was to develop a comprehensive, self-contained community that offered seniors a comfortable, socially engaging, and secure environment, blending residential living with recreational and cultural amenities.
The Laguna Woods Village project officially commenced in 1963 with an initial construction phase of 530 residential units. These homes were designed to meet the lifestyle needs of retirees, incorporating modern conveniences alongside communal facilities such as clubhouses, recreational centers, and landscaped open spaces. On September 10, 1964, the first ten residents moved into the community, marking the beginning of what would grow into one of the largest and most well-known retirement communities in the United States. Today, Laguna Woods Village continues to exemplify Cortese’s innovative approach to senior living, emphasizing both independence and a strong sense of community for its residents.