Laguna Woods grew from ranch land into a city built around later life

Laguna Woods has an unusual city story because it was shaped so strongly around later life. Before the city, the land was part of Moulton Ranch, with dry farming, cattle grazing, and open hills in south Orange County.

The big change came in the 1960s. Developer Ross Cortese bought thousands of acres and planned Leisure World Laguna Hills, a community for people age 52 and older. The first residents arrived in 1964. The idea was to build homes and daily life around recreation, safety, services, clubs, and shared spaces.

Cityhood came later. The question of incorporation came up for years, then became more urgent in the 1990s as residents thought about county services and plans near the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. Voters approved incorporation in 1999, and Laguna Woods became Orange County’s 32nd city.

Laguna Woods grew differently from many nearby cities. It did not grow from a railroad stop, mission road, beach town, or old downtown. It grew from ranch land into a planned retirement community, then into a city with its own voice.