Right Where They’re Meant to Be
Couple Says They’re “Right Where They’re Meant to Be” at Gavilán Ridge
Rancho Mission Viejo, CA (March 5, 2026) – Rae Ann and Dave McKeating recently began an exciting chapter living in the newest 55+ village in Rancho Mission Viejo, Gavilán Ridge. With breathtaking views, a new clubhouse on the horizon and family nearby, they knew they had found something special.
The McKeatings love the area, as they have spent the last three years living in the all-age Village of Sendero, but were seeking a single-level living home with enough space for their friends, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughters to visit. They knew they didn’t want to move far, and just as they began their search, they learned about the opening of Gavilán Ridge. Moving within Rancho Mission Viejo also meant they could continue to enjoy the community’s uniquely intergenerational lifestyle while gaining access to even more amenities and clubs and moving into a home designed for residents 55 and older.
“One day we got a call from our realtor about 55+ homes being built in Rienda right across from a brand-new clubhouse,” said Rae. “We went to see the Lennar model homes at the Nova neighborhood and just fell in love. The stars aligned.”
Gavilán Ridge consists of 326 single-level living homes in three different neighborhoods designed exclusively for people 55 and older. Homes contain features like wider doorways and zero-step entrance assist with everyday living, whole home mesh Wi-Fi, and the luxury of a lock and leave lifestyle thanks to less yard space and maintenance.
Shortly after seeing the models, the McKeating’s found the perfect home at Nova shortly after beginning their search and were settling in almost immediately after closing. The couple enjoys the thoughtfully designed layout with main living spaces downstairs and a spacious upstairs area.
“Our grandchildren loved having an upstairs at our old place so now they have their own big room up there, with a bathroom and shower and even a little bar area with a refrigerator where we stock their favorite kid friendly drinks,” said Rae.
Located directly across from the new five-acre amenity site, The Club at Gavilán Ridge, slated to open in Summer 2026, the McKeatings are especially excited about what’s to come.
“We’ve seen the renderings, and it looks like it’s going to be a flagship clubhouse for Orange County,” said Rae. “We’ll be able to walk across the street to the gym, to events, and really to everything.”
All Gavilán residents on The Ranch will have exclusive access to The Club at Gavilán Ridge, which will consist of a club bar, game room, garden patio with sunset terrace, BBQ patio, lap pool and spa, bocce ball courts, and main clubhouse with a fitness center and ballroom. All residents on The Ranch will also have access to brand new pickleball courts adjacent to The Club.
Even before fully unpacking, the couple dove headfirst into community life. The night they received the keys to their new home they activated their 55+ badges and joined five resident- led clubs online. Dave, an avid golfer, quickly signed up for two golf groups that play at courses throughout South Orange County, including Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course and San Clemente Municipal Golf Course.
“It’s like living at Disneyland for adults. There’s just so much to do,” said Dave. For Rae, walking is her favorite pastime. She looks forward to long neighborhood strolls, taking in the expansive views and nature trails of The Ranch.
“We got so lucky with our view,” said Rae. “I never thought we’d be able to find something like this in Southern California. It’s beautiful up here.”
The couple has also taken advantage of The Ranch’s amenities and programs – participating in guided hikes through The Nature Reserve and enjoying easy transportation to community outings through RanchRide.
“There’s just so much to do. And you don’t even have to worry about driving with RanchRide,” Rae added. Perhaps most meaningful is how seamlessly their new home integrates with family life. Their granddaughters frequently visit to swim, attend community events and explore community- wide kid-friendly programming like the Rienda Art Walk and Children’s Entrepreneur Market.
“It’s nice to have pockets where we can enjoy being part of a 55+ community but still be part of the larger Ranch community. It feels really good.”
What stands out most to Rae about The Ranch is its thoughtful planning and preservation of open space. “I love that they’re preserving nature in this very compact and beautiful county. We can walk for miles, enjoy the views, and pick oranges when they’re ready. It’s special.”
The McKeatings describe their move to Gavilán Ridge as “something meant to be.” “We’re extremely grateful. Even with the stress of moving, everything has fallen into place. It just feels right.”
For more information about Gavilán Ridge 55+ neighborhoods currently selling, visit:
