The History of Leisure World Seal Beach
In the late 1950's there was, in Southern California, a real esate visionary.
That man was Ross W. Cortese. Mr. Cortese, who was born in 1916, was
involved in the development of northwest Orange County, like no one else.
His vision was to develop a retirement community for seniors, which would
not only be affordable, but would provide safety, security as well as a high
standard of living for its occupants. That vision led to the development of
Leisure World Seal Beach.
Set on approximately one square mile of land, one and one-half miles from
the shoreline of Seal Beach, California, it may be Mr. Cortese's finest
development. With real estate prices always strong in California, this
property is not only the most affordable in Seal Beach, but also the best
bargain. Available to people 55 years or older, the community consists of
16 Mutuals, each Mutual is a Corporation.
Leisure World has an array of clubs, activities and services. A few of these
include three guard-gated entry gates. The main gate is open 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, including holidays allowing only residents, authorized
employees, or guests to enter. Further ensuring that the complex is secure,
roving street patrols are manning vehicles to respond immediately. In this
tight knitted community, Neighborhood Watch is a standard practice.
Greenbelts, expansive lawn areas, trees, shrubs and well maintained
exteriors are some of the hallmarks of the development. Six clubhouses, a
nine-hole golf course, exercise room, art, ceramic and lapidary rooms, sewing
room, library, large swimming pool and spa are open to all residents.
A community amphitheather provides free concerts to the residents
throughout the sumer on Thursday nights.
Instantly recognizable by its massive steel globe of the earth rotating as
you approach the main gate on Seal Beach Blvd, the community is a place
where the active retiree can feel proud to reside. Numerous clubs hold
weekly meetings whether its a card club, wood working group or a group
learning to play the ukulele. If you like to travel, there are day trips and
some extended trips available thru outside companies at group rates.
Though many people opt ot walk their way around the community or use the
communities "free" bus service, a carport with storage is provided for each
unit. An RV storage area is set aside for those who have a trailer or RV at
affordable monthly rates.
By the time Ross Cortese passed away in 1991, his diligence and hard work
had created seven Leisure Worlds from Seal Beach, California to Silver
Spring, Maryland. He looked into a crystal ball and saw a community with a
future; perhaps you can find your future here as well.