Questions on Laguna Woods (Huntington Beach, Orange: real estate, leasing, HOA fees)

[Avalon08]

I am from the Philly area but lived in Huntington Beach from '99-'01. I moved back because I missed some aspects of the East Coast, but now the weather is really getting on my nerves. It used to be hot/humid occasionally in the summer; now it's like ALL summer. I can't stand the humidity, and really miss the gorgeous weather I enjoyed when I lived in SoCal. I know housing will be too expensive for me to move back in that direction, BUT, I have noticed affordable housing in Laguna Woods. I am 58 so I'd now meet the age requirement. But I do have a few questions:

Why are some of the places there so "affordable" in relation to other SoCal housing? Is it because they're old and dumpy? Or tiny? Or is it because the condo fees are exorbitant?

Are there any residents my age? Or do they tend to be really elderly? Would I be out-of-place there? Are the people friendly or cliquish?

What is the religious, political and educational mix there? I know OC is generally conservative Republican but that is not my style at all. I also don't want to be in the middle of a "born-again Christian" crowd. I'd like to live among intelligent, tasteful people but not the phony Real Housewives types.

What's the weather like there? I lived near the ocean so it was always moderate (I didn't even need AC) but I was wondering how much hotter it is being inland a few miles.

Is the cost-of-living much more expensive out there? (I know gas is higher, but I also found utilities were lower because of the more moderate climate.) Is the traffic much worse since I lived in OC in '01?

Any other info/suggestions you can provide would be appreciated. I'm also curious about the Seal Beach Leisure World as well, though the setting didn't look as pretty as the Laguna Woods area. Thanks in advance!

[bhcompy]

laguna woods should be okay climate wise.. seal beach leisure world will be a bit better in that regard. not sure about the real demographics.

pricewise, i would imagine its cheap because demand isnt that high for housing 55+ only and because you're dealing with the elderly, units have a much higher turnover rate. ive heard of high hoa fees for laguna woods, but im not sure about seal beach. seal beach has a lot of single family homes, not condos.

[L-88]

[quote=Avalon08;4046225] I am from the Philly area but lived in Huntington Beach from '99-'01. I moved back because I missed some aspects of the East Coast, but now the weather is really getting on my nerves. It used to be hot/humid occasionally in the summer; now it's like ALL summer. I can't stand the humidity, and really miss the gorgeous weather I enjoyed when I lived in SoCal. I know housing will be too expensive for me to move back in that direction, BUT, I have noticed affordable housing in Laguna Woods. I am 58 so I'd now meet the age requirement. But I do have a few questions:

Originally Posted by Avalon08

Why are some of the places there so "affordable" in relation to other SoCal housing? Is it because they're old and dumpy? Or tiny? Or is it because the condo fees are exorbitant?

Some are 40 years old, but none are "dumpy." Price depends a whole lot on what kind of unit it is and where in the Village it is located. There are 12,000 units....the price is lower because there is a limited market. The 55 or over age limit does have an impact on the price of a home.

Originally Posted by Avalon08

Are there any residents my age? Or do they tend to be really elderly? Would I be out-of-place there? Are the people friendly or cliquish?

Yes, there are residents your age, and some are much younger...spouses don't have to be 55. When my wife and I moved here in 1998, I was 55, and my wife was 45. There are 18,000 people, and so many clubs and activities you could find your place. We don't have much to do with LW proper other than we own two homes...we rent one. People pretty much keep to themselves and allow other to do the same. You can immerse yourself into the social aspects of the community as deeply as you wish. Although we don't participate in many of the social activities, we love living here.

Originally Posted by Avalon08

What is the religious, political and educational mix there? I know OC is generally conservative Republican but that is not my style at all. I also don't want to be in the middle of a "born-again Christian" crowd. I'd like to live among intelligent, tasteful people but not the phony Real Housewives types.

There is a terrific mix of all religions, nationalities, educational levels, and political bents. No it isn't a born again crowd. Think of a city of 18,000 people....it's not a great deal different except most are 55 or older.

Originally Posted by Avalon08

What's the weather like there? I lived near the ocean so it was always moderate (I didn't even need AC) but I was wondering how much hotter it is being inland a few miles.

The weather is perfect southern California weather. It doesn't get below 40 degrees at night during the winter, but it can get quite warm during the summer. We use our heat for a couple hours during winter mornings, but I don't think we have used the AC for several years...there is no humidity, and fans work quite well. At the hottest part of the day, it may be 10 degrees higher inland.

Originally Posted by Avalon08

Is the cost-of-living much more expensive out there? (I know gas is higher, but I also found utilities were lower because of the more moderate climate.) Is the traffic much worse since I lived in OC in '01?

Cost of living is higher..traffic is heavy, but you are correct. Because of the weather you don't need to pay high heating costs. For what it's worth, everything you will need is within walking distance if you choose to walk. There are also LW busses that take you everywhere in the area at no cost, and the OC Transpotation Authority has great bus service to points all over the county.

Originally Posted by Avalon08

Any other info/suggestions you can provide would be appreciated. I'm also curious about the Seal Beach Leisure World as well, though the setting didn't look as pretty as the Laguna Woods area. Thanks in advance!

Seal Beach isn't as desirable as the Village here in Laguna Woods, but be prepared to pay about $550 monthly maintenance charges. That includes your water, cable TV, and all landscaping and outside building maintenance.

The Village is an excellent place to live, and unlike most of the home and condos being built around here now, we have lots of green space and other open space. The Village itself is quiet, but the roads can get busy during the day. Pets are allowed, but if they become a nuisance, the owners must take appropriate measures to ensure their animals don't bother others.

Living here provides a base of operations from which you can explore many many other areas. Once you move to the Village, you won't regret it....there is more to do here than you could ever imagine.

[Avalon08]

L, thank you so much, I was hoping you would respond as I've seen a few other posts of yours and I knew you lived in LW. I had no idea it was that large! It sounds beautiful. When I lived out there, I was hoping to move my mother out and I remember we took a drive through the area. I recall a lot of trees and hills...much different from the HB and SB areas. But anyway, as it turned out, Mom stayed in FL and I moved back to PA.

I am considering a visit to CA next month. I was wondering if there are any agencies that provide tours for prospective residents, or do you just have to find a realtor? I'd hate to tie up a realtor when I'm not prepared to move out there in the immediate future, but I would like to take a tour for mid-range planning purposes.

Also, I understand there are income requirements? Do they vary by community within LW, or the same across-the-board? Are there units for rent (it sounds like there are from your post) and is there a central source for rentals? Is there an income requirement for residents who rent? (I am a homeowner for over 20 years and am not crazy about the idea of renting, but sometimes think I should because I get antsy and move so frequently. I'm also "OK" financially but not "affluent", so I wasn't sure if I'd meet the income requirement.) Sorry to pepper you with more questions, and thank you again for all your help!

[L-88]

Originally Posted by Avalon08

L, thank you so much, I was hoping you would respond as I've seen a few other posts of yours and I knew you lived in LW. I had no idea it was that large! It sounds beautiful. When I lived out there, I was hoping to move my mother out and I remember we took a drive through the area. I recall a lot of trees and hills...much different from the HB and SB areas. But anyway, as it turned out, Mom stayed in FL and I moved back to PA.

I am considering a visit to CA next month. I was wondering if there are any agencies that provide tours for prospective residents, or do you just have to find a realtor? I'd hate to tie up a realtor when I'm not prepared to move out there in the immediate future, but I would like to take a tour for mid-range planning purposes.

You could call the central switchboard operator at the community center and ask them for the info on tours. 949-597-4369. The operator could transfer you to the appropriate phone. Community Access at 949-597-4443 would also be a good department to call. They are responsible for passes, car decals, etc.

Originally Posted by Avalon08

Also, I understand there are income requirements? Do they vary by community within LW, or the same across-the-board? Are there units for rent (it sounds like there are from your post) and is there a central source for rentals? Is there an income requirement for residents who rent? (I am a homeowner for over 20 years and am not crazy about the idea of renting, but sometimes think I should because I get antsy and move so frequently. I'm also "OK" financially but not "affluent", so I wasn't sure if I'd meet the income requirement.) Sorry to pepper you with more questions, and thank you again for all your help

There are income requirements, and yes there are units for rent. I rent a 1,000 sq ft, 2br 2 bath condo for $1415 a month to a lady. That amount includes the monthly maintenance costs, and she gets get full use of everything a resident owner gets as well as her cable and covered parking. I think there is a $60 lease renewal fee she must pay every year.

That's not a bad rental rate considering what is available for the tenant and considering comparable rentals outside LW. Other units can go for a much higher rental rate. There are no income requirements for renters.

I am not quite sure, but Third Mutual....the area where I live now requires about $40K a year income and assets other than your home to be $100K.
You might call the Finance office at 949-597-4221 for more information.

Here is the link to the Orange County Register Laguna Woods section. It is all the local news from The Village (it is no longer called Leisure World).

News - Local news - Laguna Woods - The Orange County Register

[flaglerwrangler]

Avalon,
The below should be of interest to you. I am familiar with it on account of just inheriting a Condo and am in process of applying for rsidency. My 60 year old wife and I are driving out on the 4th of July to spend 2-3 weeks on site, and are anticipating finding life there as L-88 says it is . If so, we'll come back to Florida, pack up and move on in. We are excited about what we feel LWV has to offer. I'm pretty easy to please, just give me golf course and I'm a happy guy, at this point in time.

I'm trying to research Health Insurance, a medicare supplement/Advantage Plan for myself and a policy for my wife. Also will need to find who does a good job of remodeling what will be our 38 year old Condo.

Laguna Woods Village

Home > Prospective Residents Welcome to Laguna Woods Village
If you are interested in exploring ownership or leasing opportunities here at Laguna Woods Village, please contact any of the qualified independent real estate professional that specializes in Laguna Woods Village Properties in the Laguna Woods area. Many can be found by performing an internet search. See links below for further details regarding our community:
Community Fact Sheet
Laguna Woods Village Resale Information
Lease Information


How can I tour Laguna Woods Village prior to purchasing?
Laguna Woods Village Historical Society Docents offer a tour of the community on the first three Thursdays of every month. Contact Community Services at 597-4360 or the Reception Desk at 268-2271 to schedule a tour.

Or, you can take a Visual Tour of Laguna Woods Village on your computer! Click here to download:

Visual Tour of Laguna Woods Village

Income of $42000 and assets of $125000 over and above the value of condo being purchased are the Condo requirements. Coops require $36000 income and $100000 in assets.

[Avalon08]

Flagler, thank you so much for that info! Sorry for your loss but wow, that's awesome that you inherited a condo out there. I am hoping to plan a trip out there in July and if I do, I'll definitely try to do that Thurs. tour. My Mom lives in an over-55 in FL (Bradenton) but it's nowhere near the size of LW. I really like the idea of all the activities and pools, all within the village. And of course, the SoCal weather can't be beat. Please promise to post an update after your visit; I'm anxious to get your impressions. Good luck!

[Unkllars]

If you don't want to bother a Realtor, try scheduling a tour through Leisure World. They can take you on their air conditioned shuttles and take you around. I assume that's what they can do, I'm not to 55 yet

[L-88]

Originally Posted by Unkllars

If you don't want to bother a Realtor, try scheduling a tour through Leisure World. They can take you on their air conditioned shuttles and take you around. I assume that's what they can do, I'm not to 55 yet

Guys, let's come up to date. Leisure World is no longer the name of the Village at Laguna Woods. It hasn't been known as Leisure World for several years.

I believe tours can be arranged through community services.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by L-88

Guys, let's come up to date. Leisure World is no longer the name of the Village at Laguna Woods. It hasn't been known as Leisure World for several years.

Old habits are hard to break. I was living in that area when they broke ground for the first "manors", as they used to call them. It was Leisure World for some 40 years, kind of hard to get out of that rut. Same goes for calling El Toro "Lake Forest". It'll always be El Toro to me.