The Community People Hope For

“Rancho Mission Viejo is the Community that People Hope for But Don’t Always Find,” Says Gavilán 55+ Resident and Ambassador.

Rancho Mission Viejo, CA (February 2, 2026) - Wendy Gubman and her husband moved to Rancho Mission Viejo’s Village of Sendero during a time when connection mattered more than ever, the beginning of the pandemic. She had moved from neighboring city, Mission Viejo, and had looked at two other large 55+ communities in Southern California, but something was missing. “They just didn’t feel the same. From the start, The Ranch felt different.”

Even during Covid, the community found ways to connect. “I honestly wondered how long it would be before I met anyone and I thought I might never be active because of the timing. But the pool was always open, and that’s how we met our friends from day one,” Wendy shared.

“Everyone was warm and welcoming. I expected a place to live, but what I found was a genuine sense of belonging.” Not long after moving in, Wendy retired and knew she wanted to get more involved. “I’ve always loved games like mahjong and just being neighborly,” she said. “I started getting together with my fellow 55+ Gavilán neighbors and realized someone needed to step up and create more clubs, so that’s what I did!”

That spark turned into action. Wendy has since started five different clubs, intentionally scheduling them in the evenings to ensure working residents can participate and that everyone feels included. “The interest was huge. We usually have 20 to 35 people at each gathering,” she said.

Her clubs meet at various places throughout The Ranch, creating connection across all of the different neighborhoods. Circle of Jewish Women meets once a month in The Garage in Esencia. Left Center Right started with eight people and now draws nearly 40. Bunco meets at The Hacienda in Sendero, Yahtzee on Williams Way in Rienda, and Pony Canasta brings neighbors together in yet another setting.

“People want to be engaged,” Wendy said. “There’s a true feeling of connection here, and there is such an openness to new ideas and new activities. The Ranch really supports what we do as neighbors. They listen. You feel like you’re part of The Ranch, not just someone who owns a home here.”

For Wendy, that support makes all the difference. “There’s always something to do, whether it’s organized or spontaneous,” she said. “You can be as involved as you want. I love including people, and I genuinely get excited when someone new wants to join a club. As we age, one of the hardest things we struggle with is feeling isolated. The Ranch encourages you to get out there, connect, and do wonderful things together.”

Gavilán Ridge is The Ranch’s newest village exclusively for residents 55+, grand opened in early January. The village offers 326 single-level living homes for sale from various nationally recognized homebuilders. The Club at Gavilán Ridge, a 55+ community hub, is scheduled to open in June 2026.

Additionally, The Ranch’s Gavilán Ambassador program consists of current residents who share their positive experiences, promote the active adult (55+) lifestyle, and showcase the amenities that make The Ranch such a great place to live. These ambassadors also help highlight the community's focus on wellness and social connection.

For Wendy, becoming a Gavilán Ambassador felt like a natural extension of her involvement on The Ranch. “When I showed up to the first introductory meeting, I already knew almost everyone,” Wendy laughed. “We see each other all the time at Ranch events.” And at the

Gavilán Ridge Grand Opening in early January, she met many new resident’s eager to learn more. “They were asking, ‘What is there to do here?’ ‘How do you like living here?’ ‘What are the neighbors like?’”

Wendy understands the value in being a real, approachable presence for prospective homebuyers and future residents. “It’s so important that potential residents don’t just see one small part of the community, that they see The Ranch as a whole. I tell them that living in a Gavilán 55+ neighborhood never feels isolating. This place turns neighbors into friends, and it’s incredibly active.”

She especially looks forward to spending more one-on-one time with future residents. “I’ve been asked to take couples around and really show them what life is like here. I hope to continue to connect with interested buyers, because seeing it through a resident’s eyes makes such a difference.”

Reflecting on her experience living on The Ranch and in a Gavilán neighborhood, Wendy said it best herself: “This is the kind of community that people hope for but don’t always find. My husband and I are so lucky to call The Ranch home. Living here for five years has genuinely improved the quality of our lives.”