Neighborhood Spotlight: San Juan Capistrano, CA

September 9, 2021

If you’re looking for charm, then you’ll find it in abundance in San Juan Capistrano. Located in Orange County in Southern California, San Juan Capistrano is full of history, culture, art, music, eclectic shopping, and delicious eats.

San Juan Capistrano at a glance

San Juan Capistrano began as the site of a Catholic Mission, Mission San Juan Capistrano. It has a population of approximately 35,000 and is developed around the historic Capistrano Depot. Traveling to and from San Juan Capistrano via train is easy and feels like stepping back in time.

San Juan Capistrano real estate and neighborhoods

Many of the homes in San Juan Capistrano are modeled after the Spanish style of the Mission, but there are still a wide variety of homes available in the city — including equestrian properties. The median home price in the city is approximately $782,500. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in San Juan Capistrano include:

San Juan Capistrano history

The modern history of San Juan Capistrano began in 1776 when the Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded by Franciscan Missionaries. It was the seventh mission in the California chain. A new era began in 1821 with Mexican independence, and in 1833 the Mission San Juan Capistrano started to decline as a result of the Secularization Act, which divested Mission lands. In 1848, San Juan Capistrano became part of the new state of California and was a popular spot for squatters and bandits. However, once gold was discovered in California, the town became an overnight stage stop and lead to rapid growth. Stability came to San Juan Capistrano after 1900 and in 1910 the Mission was restored. Development in the 1970s caused the enactment of a new General Plan to preserve open spaces and historic resources. Today, San Juan Capistrano is a thriving and popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

San Juan Capistrano amenities

The most popular attraction in San Juan Capistrano is Mission San Juan Capistrano. It is now a historic landmark, chapel, museum, and gardens and welcomes visitors Tuesdays through Sundays. Famous for the annual return of its cliff swallows, the Mission attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year.

To feel like a time traveler, be sure to visit the Los Rios Historic District. It is the oldest neighborhood in California and lies directly across from the train station. The neighborhood is home to 40 residences, including three original adobe structures. There are many enchanting shops and restaurants in the neighborhood. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon stroll under the willow, eucalyptus, and palm trees.

There are many opportunities to experience culture in San Juan Capistrano, too. Take the San Juan Capistrano Architectural Walking Tour to see more than 200 years of adobes, Spanish-era structures, and modern buildings. San Juan Summer Nights is a free monthly concert series happening from June through September. Or enjoy a live stage production at the Camino Real Playhouse. Another popular event is the Annual Swallow Day Parade and Mercado, which welcomes the annual return of the Mission’s swallows from their winter-over in Argentina. It includes three weeks of parades and celebrations!

San Juan Capistrano schools

Students in San Juan Capistrano are served by the highly-rated Capistrano School District, the second-largest school district in Orange County. Two schools in the district have received A+ ratings on Niche — San Juan Hills High School and Capistrano High School. There are also several excellent private schools in the community including Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, Mission Basilica School, and Fairmont School.

Explore San Juan Capistrano today!

History, culture, food, nature — there’s so much to discover and enjoy in this Orange County city! If you’re ready to explore this charming enclave, then view available properties in San Juan Capistrano and schedule your private showing today!