City, Orange County
© McCormack's Guides
Zip Code: 92637
A city for
the retired and the elderly,
18,442 residents, median age 78. In 1999, residents voted to incorporate
Leisure World, a gated retirement community, into the legal city of Laguna
Woods. To live in Leisure World, you or your mate must be at least 55 years
old. www.mccormacks.com
Leisure
World made itself a city to get political leverage in fight over El Toro,
located just east of the city. Many in county wanted to convert the
Marine Corps air base at El Toro into a large commercial airport. Many opposed,
including residents of Laguna Woods. In the end, a large park and housing; no
airport.
State in
2008 counted 13,629 housing units, of which 727 were single detached, 4,012
single attached, 8,864 multiples and 26 mobile homes.
Click for regional or detailed map
Within
Leisure World are two golf courses, eight tennis courts, five swimming pools, a
theater with 844 seats, spas, bowling greens and shuffleboard courts. Many
activities, including a seniors Ping-Pong tournament.
Most of the governing is done by the Leisure World
homeowners' association, which has an annual budget of over $70 million. Owner-occupied
units account for 85 percent of the total; rentals 15.
Just
outside Leisure World are a few public streets and about 60 businesses. Hospitals and medical facilities are
located nearby. Also nearby: movies, a large mall — Macys, Penney's,
Sears. On its west side, Laguna Woods is bordered by a large wilderness park.
Plenty of greenery.
With
incorporation, Laguna Woods has been able to capture revenue that the state
distributes to all cities. No taxes have been raised or imposed. The city
sweeps the streets weekly (instead of monthly), puts more sheriffs' deputies on
patrol and improves trails and golf-cart crossings. New city hall. www.mccormacks.com
Zero homicides between 2005 and 2000.
County's lowest crime rate and, among cities in the state over 10,000
population, lowest rate or near the lowest. See Crime.
No
surprise. Basically, this is walled city of septuagenarians and octogenarians.
Most are affluent. Wild and crazy, they are not — with exceptions.
City hall
in 2007 reported that golf carters on their way to Clubhouse 7 were whizzing
along at 3 to 7 miles over the speed limit of 10 mph. The government may
install speed bumps or Bott’s Dots. Many residents get around in golf carts.
• Secrets
of long life. A study, released in 2002, examined the lives of Leisure World
residents over age 90. Most were slim, ate healthy meals and took few
prescription drugs. About four in ten had an alcoholic drink every day. Most
important: exercise. The “magic elixir,” one researcher called it.
• Leisure
World is dropping its name and switching to Laguna Woods. Makes sense. www.mccormacks.com
• At its
start Leisure World got its security guards deputized so they could carry guns.
With incorporation, the town contracted with the sheriff for police protection.
In 2006, the security guards gave up their guns.
City web
site: www.lagunawoodscity.org
