Gavilán is Rancho Mission Viejo’s active-adult (55+) community, thoughtfully integrated within each RMV village rather than isolated into a single location. This design allows Gavilán residents to enjoy a quieter, age-qualified living environment while remaining fully connected to the broader Ranch lifestyle.

Gavilán neighborhoods are located within Sendero, Esencia, and Rienda, each offering its own dedicated 55+ amenities and social hubs.

Importantly, the only gated Gavilán neighborhood in Rancho Mission Viejo is located in Sendero. Gavilán communities in Esencia and Rienda are non-gated, emphasizing openness, walkability, and connection to surrounding village amenities.

Gavilán Home Counts by Village

At full build-out, Gavilán includes thousands of active-adult residences across RMV:

• Gavilán Sendero: 286 homes
  
• Gavilán Esencia: 730 homes
  
• Gavilán Rienda: 826 homes

Homes are primarily single-level or low-maintenance designs, appealing to downsizers, retirees, and active adults who want lifestyle convenience without giving up space, privacy, or community.

Gavilán Sendero (Gated 55+ Community)

The Hacienda is the exclusive clubhouse for Gavilán Sendero residents and the only gated 55+ enclave in RMV. This resort-style hub is designed specifically for active adults and social connection.

Amenities include a staffed Palomino Bar, swimming pool, spa and cabanas, fitness center, workout and recreation studios, lending library, BBQ patio, fire pit gathering areas, and three lighted bocce ball courts. The Hacienda serves as both a daily-use wellness center and a social anchor for events and gatherings.

Gavilán Esencia (55+ Neighborhoods)

Gavilán Esencia offers multiple village-specific 55+ amenities, each designed around outdoor living and social engagement.

• The BBQ Barn
  An indoor-outdoor barn retreat with an outdoor kitchen and BBQ, bocce courts, and fire pit areas.
  
• The Getaway
  A relaxed social hub featuring a clubroom for games and meetings, covered picnic areas, BBQ patio, grassy picnic space, fire pits, pond and water feature, and a small lending library.
  
• The Outlook
  An open-air retreat with a covered outdoor Great Room, lap pool, spa and cabanas, outdoor dining with BBQ, and fire pit seating designed for sunset gatherings.
  

Together, these amenities support a highly social, resort-style lifestyle without the feel of a traditional retirement community.

Gavilán Rienda (Newest 55+ Communities)

Gavilán Rienda represents the newest generation of active-adult living in RMV, with amenities designed for flexibility, fitness, and future growth.

• The Perch
  The Ranch’s newest 55+ exclusive amenity, featuring a pool with lap lanes, spa, fire pit, cabanas, outdoor dining patio with BBQ, and an indoor-outdoor entertaining room designed for resident gatherings and events.
  
• The Club at Gavilán Ridge (Coming Summer 2026)
  A new social hub centered around a scenic courtyard with panoramic hillside views. Planned amenities include a lap pool, fitness center, pickleball courts, bocce courts, ballroom and meeting spaces, club bar, creative programming spaces, and fire pit lounges.

In addition, eight new all-age pickleball courts are planned at Gavilán Ridge, expanding recreational options and social connection opportunities for 55+ residents.

A Unique Advantage of Gavilán Living

One of the most important benefits of Gavilán is that all Gavilán residents also enjoy full access to Rancho Mission Viejo’s all-ages amenities. When family or grandchildren visit, residents can use the pools, parks, trails, clubhouses, and recreation facilities throughout Sendero, Esencia, and Rienda.

This dual-access model allows Gavilán residents to enjoy:

• Quiet, age-qualified living day to day
  
• Full community participation when desired
  
• A lifestyle that adapts to family, friends, and changing needs
  

Who Gavilán Is Best For

Gavilán is an ideal fit if you want:

• A 55+ lifestyle integrated into a larger community
  
• Single-level or low-maintenance homes
  
• Dedicated active-adult amenities without isolation
  
• Access to all RMV amenities for family visits
  
• Multiple village options with different atmospheres
  

Gavilán stands apart as one of Southern California’s most thoughtfully designed active-adult communities, offering flexibility, connection, and long-term livability across every stage of retirement.