Local guidesSaddleback ValleyLaguna Woods
Laguna Woods
Laguna Woods is a city in Orange County, California, mostly made up of the Laguna Woods Village retirement community, with a population of 17,644 at the 2020 census.
Where is Laguna Woods, and what is it like?
Laguna Woods is a city in southern Orange County. It is one of the communities that lie partly in the Saddleback Valley. It borders Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo and Laguna Beach, along with Laguna Coast State Park and other open space. The 2020 census counted 17,644 residents, up from 16,192 in 2010.
The city covers 3.34 square miles, almost all of it land. About 90 percent of the city is Laguna Woods Village, a private gated retirement community that was formerly known as Leisure World. The other 10 percent includes businesses, some homes and City Hall.
How did Laguna Woods begin?
Before the 1960s the land was part of the Moulton Ranch and was used for dry farming and cattle grazing. In 1962 the developer Ross Cortese bought part of the ranch. His earlier projects included Rossmoor and Leisure World Seal Beach.
Construction began in the spring of 1963, and the first ten homeowners moved into Leisure World Laguna Hills on September 10, 1964. In October 2005 the community was renamed Laguna Woods Village, to avoid a disagreement over the Leisure World name.
How did Laguna Woods become a city?
Incorporation was first raised in 1971. The push that succeeded was driven by concerns about reduced county services and a proposed commercial airport at the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.
Laguna Woods became Orange County's 32nd city on March 24, 1999, after a special election held on March 2, 1999. The city covers about three square miles that were once part of the Moulton Ranch.
What is Laguna Woods Village?
Laguna Woods Village is an age-restricted community for people 55 and over, with more than 18,000 residents. It has seven clubhouses, a 27-hole golf course and a nine-hole executive course, five swimming pools, three fitness centers and over 250 official clubs.
Homes are owned through housing corporations called mutuals. The Golden Rain Foundation manages the shared amenities and grounds, and a management company called Village Management Services, Inc. runs day-to-day operations. These bodies are separate from the city government.
How is the city run, and what services does it provide?
Laguna Woods is a general law city with a council-manager form of government. Five nonpartisan council members serve four-year terms and are elected citywide. The council appoints a city manager and a city attorney. City Hall is at 24264 El Toro Road.
It is a contract city, with 18.25 full-time equivalent employees. It relies on contract, franchise and joint powers agencies for services such as police and fire. Fire protection comes from the Orange County Fire Authority, law enforcement from the Orange County Sheriff's Department and water from the El Toro Water District.
The city's service list includes building permits, document shredding, notary appointments, animal and wildlife information, and waste collection and recycling.
How do people get around Laguna Woods?
The Orange County Transportation Authority runs bus service throughout the city. The city also lists a Senior Mobility Program, which offers subsidized taxi travel.
The city website also carries a page on golf cart and low-speed vehicle use.
What schools and open space are nearby?
The city has no public schools of its own. It lies within the Capistrano Unified and Saddleback Valley Unified school districts and the South Orange County Community College District. Saddleback College is in nearby Mission Viejo.
Laguna Coast State Park, also called Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, borders the city. The city site lists public facilities and parks under its Living Here menu.
Find a local business in Laguna Woods
Laguna Woods is covered by the Saddleback Valley guide. Start with the businesses in Laguna Woods itself, or look across the whole guide by what they do.
Businesses in Laguna WoodsQuestions about Laguna Woods
- When did Laguna Woods become a city?
- Laguna Woods became Orange County's 32nd city on March 24, 1999, after a special election on March 2, 1999.
- What was Laguna Woods Village called before?
- It was called Leisure World, and was renamed Laguna Woods Village in October 2005.
- How much of Laguna Woods is the Village?
- About 90 percent of the city is Laguna Woods Village. The rest includes businesses, some homes and City Hall.
- Who provides fire and police service in Laguna Woods?
- Fire protection comes from the Orange County Fire Authority and law enforcement from the Orange County Sheriff's Department, under contract with the city.
- Does Laguna Woods have its own schools?
- No. It lies within the Capistrano Unified and Saddleback Valley Unified school districts.
- Is there a local business directory for Laguna Woods?
- Yes. Laguna Woods is covered by the Saddleback Valley guide from Local Business America. It lists local businesses in Laguna Woods and the towns around it, and it is free to read.
- How do I list my business in Laguna Woods?
- Open the Saddleback Valley guide and choose Claim your listing. If your business is not there yet, choose List your business. Claiming is free, and a person checks each claim.
- What does a business listing in Laguna Woods cost?
- Every business has a free listing with opening hours, a map and a link to your website. Essentials is $19 a month and adds a photo gallery, an enquiry form and your Google reviews. Premium is $39 a month and adds a boost to the top of your category and a do-follow link to your website.