All Roads Led to Rienda at Rancho Mission Viejo for Active Adult Couple

Rancho Mission Viejo (June 21, 2024) - After a year of travel to 91 cities in 41 countries on five continents, Bruce and Karen Winters were ready to settle down. They had a whole world from which to choose and certainly, a pretty good background from which to make their decision.

“After living all of our lives on the East Coast, we had lived for six years in the Newport Beach area when we sold everything and traveled for a year,” Bruce said.

With all that was available to the retired couple, they chose the brand-new Haven Gavilán 55+ neighborhood by Lennar at Rancho Mission Viejo’s new Village of Rienda. Southern California had become home, and all roads led to South Orange County.

Gavilán neighborhoods, The Ranch’s brand for the unique 55+ lifestyle, allow residents to stay connected to every generation while enjoying exclusive access to resort-style amenities, events, and activities designed for those who enjoy a vibrant lifestyle.

“While we loved the weather and being near the water in Newport Beach, homebuying was not feasible with limited new home inventory and most of the resale homes needing too much remodeling work,” said Karen. “We were eventually introduced to Rancho Mission Viejo by a realtor friend and it’s the best thing that could have happened.”

After touring model homes at Pearl, the couple realized that the home checked several important boxes such as a first-floor primary bedroom, proximity to the ocean, a beautiful view of the mountains as well as other South Orange County cities. But it was the comradery and community on The Ranch that sealed the deal.

“We absolutely love our neighbors. We have gotten to know them, share similar interests, and have learned and grown as new homeowners together. That has been one of the best parts about moving to The Ranch,” said Bruce.

And then there is the vast array of amenities and activities, with more coming all the time. Bruce and Karen just recently discovered the Outpost Tiki Bar, which opened just in time for summer.

Bruce has also picked up pickleball, goes spinning three times a week, and joined a group of men who meet monthly. Meanwhile, Karen is part of a new “puzzlers” group and meeting one-on-one with new neighbors over coffee.

“Where some communities might have 10 things to do, there are what seems like 100 on The Ranch,” Karen said. “It’s been nice to try out new hobbies.”

The two also enjoy attending Taco Tuesday, Thirsty Thursday, organized hikes, and visiting the Gavilán 55+ exclusive amenity in Rienda called The Perch, for its state-of-the-art pool and clubhouse, making it a great meeting place for daily get-togethers or evening drinks.

Additionally, the couple enjoys volunteering and gardening at one of three community farms on The Ranch.

“It’s meditative and physical and a nice surprise when we get to dig our hands in the dirt and spend time in nature,” said Bruce, who enjoys taking home farm bags with fresh produce bearing the ‘fruit of his labors.’ “We have community farms on The Ranch instead of golf, and we couldn’t be happier about it.”

Since moving in, the Winters have become The Ranch’s biggest cheerleaders. Not only have they recommended it to their friends, but they have also become unofficial tour guides, joking that The Ranch should hire them.

“We’ve hosted friends and out-of-town visitors and take them on tours of The Ranch to show them all of the reasons that we love living here,” Karen said.

Among their favorite stops is Ranch Camp, Rienda’s newest destination for fun with its 20,000-square-foot lagoon-style pool, indoor/outdoor gym, and The Nature House, which brings the community’s Nature Reserve closer to home with interactive classes on local flora and fauna.

“Ranch Camp is incredible,” Karen said. “Part of the true allure of The Ranch is the whole community and life experiences it offers.”

Bruce says many drivers may cruise nearby on Antonio Parkway and not realize what’s next door. “But people quickly understand what is here once they come to the community,” he said.

Bruce and Karen just hosted a party for about 60 friends and won’t be surprised if a number of them become neighbors in the not-too-distant future.

“We are constantly showing off the community,” Karen said. “The Ranch is a hidden gem.”