Are you looking for a peaceful beach town with a rich history and beautiful architecture? If so, you should consider moving to San Juan Capistrano. San Juan Capistrano is a city in Southern Orange County offering sunshine and historic attractions.
Living in San Juan Capistrano offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Known for its iconic Mission San Juan Capistrano, this city features a quaint downtown, excellent schools, and numerous parks. Residents enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, diverse dining options, and various cultural events. The community is family-friendly, with a strong sense of heritage and easy access to beaches and major cities.
The city's founding dates back to 1776, when a Spanish Catholic priest named Junipero Serra founded the Mission San Juan Capistrano, named after Saint John of Capistrano. It was mostly a rural community until the 1920s, when a revitalization of the mission turned it into a tourist destination. It was formally incorporated as a city in 1961.
San Juan Capistrano is known for its historic mission and annual Return of the Swallows festival, which attracts about 300,000 visitors per year. It's a good place to live for families and young people who want great weather, an interesting cultural scene, and easy access to the beach. To help you decide if living in San Juan Capistrano is a good fit, here is everything you should know before moving.
Where Is San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano is in Orange County in Southern California. It's bisected by I-5, which offers access to both Los Angeles and San Diego. Although not directly located on the coast, it's minutes from the Pacific Ocean at Doheny Beach.
It's also home to Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park. Cities near San Juan Capistrano include Dana Point, San Clemente, Rancho Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, and Laguna Niguel.
San Juan Capistrano is 66 miles or 1 hour and 30 minutes from San Diego and 61 miles or a 1 hour and 30 minute drive from Los Angeles.
San Juan Capistrano Population & Demographics
The San Juan Capistrano population is 35,196. It has a sparse suburban atmosphere, and the population density is 2,439 incidents per 100,000 people. The population of San Juan Capistrano, CA, has remained relatively consistent and only increased by about 1.7% between 2010 and 2020.
It's a diverse community home to many growing families. About 23% of residents living in San Juan Capistrano are under 18, and married couples make up 75% of households. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 64.9% white (53.1% white, non-Hispanic), 38.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.9% Asian, 0.6% Black or African American, and 16.2% two or more races.
Other San Juan Capistrano demographics
- The median household income is $123,474, which is 30% higher than the rest of California
- 52% of residents are female and 48% are male
- 85% of residents have a high school diploma, while 40.6% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 21.4%
San Juan Capistrano is safe. In fact, it’s one of the safest cities in Orange County. The overall San Juan Capistrano crime rate is 1,453 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 48% lower than the rest of California and 38% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate is 44% lower, while property crime is 36% lower.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department handles crime in San Juan Capistrano with the assistance of nearly 4,000 sworn officers and staff across 23 divisions.
Cost of Living in San Juan Capistrano
Living in San Juan Capistrano can be expensive compared to the rest of the US, mainly due to housing prices. A great way to understand the San Juan Capistrano cost of living compared to the rest of the US is to look at the cost of living index.
The COLI for Orange County is 150.3, indicating it's about 50.3% more expensive than the average US city. Judging by the Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute, the average family of four with two parents and two children, would need to earn about $147,022 per year to afford the cost of living in Orange County and San Juan Capistrano.
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $21.50
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.62
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $4.00
- Loaf of fresh white bread: $4.60
- 1 pound of chicken filets: $5.50
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $5.35
- Average monthly San Juan Capistrano utility bill: $191.31
Source: Numbeo
*data taken from the nearby city of Laguna Niguel but will be similar in San Juan Capistrano.
The median home value in Southern California overall is higher than in the rest of the country. The high cost of San Juan Capistrano real estate contributes to a higher cost of living. Data from Redfin shows that the median listing price of homes for sale in San Juan Capistrano is $1.53 million. That makes San Juan Capistrano, CA, real estate about 79% more expensive than the rest of California. The median price per square foot of homes for sale in San Juan Capistrano, CA, is $659.
The majority of residents are homeowners, and 76% of properties are owner-occupied, while 24% are rented out. However, tenants will find a variety of housing options as well. Rentcafe reveals that the average rent is $3,172. Rental prices start around $2400 for a one-bedroom and go up to $3,500 for three or more bedrooms. For flexible stays and upscale short-term options, Casai offers premium furnished rentals in San Juan Capistrano, perfect for remote work or a temporary home base while house hunting.
San Juan Capistrano Neighborhoods
Moving to San Juan Capistrano means low crime and sunny skies no matter where you reside. However, like any community, certain communities are more desirable than others. If you're looking for somewhere to settle down, here are the best places to live.
San Juan Hills | An Upscale Golf Community with a 55+ Section
Located adjacent to the country club and high school of the same name, San Juan Hills is an upscale community with luxurious, Mediterranean-style homes and new developments in San Juan Capistrano, including a section designated for active adults ages 55+
Los Corales | A Well-Established, Family-Friendly Neighborhood
Los Corales is an affordable, family-friendly neighborhood consisting of detached single-family homes in a Spanish architectural style.
Marbella Estates | A Gated Golf Community with Luxury Homes
Marbella Estates is a high-end, gated community with about 250 homes and 100 villas that is home to the Marbella Country Club.
San Juan Capistrano Weather & Climate
The perfect weather in San Juan Capistrano, California, is mild throughout the year. According to the Koppen Classification System, the San Juan Capistrano climate is warm Mediterranean, which means warm, arid summers and long, cool winters.
The best time to visit is usually from June through October. The temperature in San Juan Capistrano usually stays between 49°F and 78°F, although it can get down to about 43°F or up to 85°F. While snow won't be a major concern, pack an umbrella if you plan on moving to San Juan Capistrano because it averages about 14 inches of rain annually.
Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano
From historic missions to petting zoos, there is a wide range of fun things to do in San Juan Capistrano. You'll find plenty of shops, local businesses, urgent care centers, and restaurants all over downtown San Juan Capistrano, CA, at the Plaza Del Obispo Shopping Plaza, Mission Promenade, or the Plaza Del Rio Shopping Center. Here are some of the top attractions and interesting facts about San Juan Capistrano.
Founded over 250 years ago, the Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that hosts regular tours and community events.
26801 Old Mission Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 234-1300
Zoomars at River Street Ranch is one of the best things to do in San Juan Capistrano with kids. It features petting zoos, train rides, summer camps, playgrounds, and other kid-friendly attractions.
31791 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 831-6550
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is a massive, 8,000-acre nature preserve and one of the best places in San Juan Capistrano for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and picnicking.
33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 923-2210
Additional San Juan Capistrano Attractions
The Parks, Equestrian, and Community Services Commission is a great resource for finding more things to do in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
San Juan Capistrano Restaurants
Anyone looking for food near San Juan Capistrano, CA, will find plenty of options from French cuisine to Southern cooking. Here are a few of the best places to eat in San Juan Capistrano.
Ramos House Cafe is one of the best San Juan Capistrano restaurants if you're in the mood for classic Southern cooking like biscuits and gravy or crab hash with smoked bacon.
31752 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 443-1342
L'Hirondelle is a family-owned French restaurant in San Juan Capistrano serving unique entrees like tarragon chicken and beef bourguignon in a romantic setting across from the mission.
31631 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 661-0425
For those who want Southern Italian food, Ciao Pasta Trattoria is a fantastic San Juan Capistrano, CA restaurant serving a refined selection of pasta, pizza, and entrees in a rustic dining room with a wood-beamed ceiling.
31661 Camino Capistrano #205, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 496-5002
Jobs in San Juan Capistrano
Moving to San Juan Capistrano offers a strong economy. The city is home to over 1700 businesses. The largest industries are retail, health care, social assistance, and manufacturing. Most jobs in San Juan Capistrano are in sales, management, or office and administrative support occupations.
According to the city's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers are:
Employment seekers will find an impressive range of interesting San Juan Capistrano jobs in roles such as operations manager or locksmith. Not to mention, you'll also find a variety of great city of San Juan Capistrano jobs offering competitive pay and benefits.
San Juan Capistrano Schools
If you're moving to San Juan Capistrano with kids, you'll likely want to know about the quality of the public schools. The Capistrano Unified School District handles public education.
There are four elementary schools in San Juan Capistrano, serving grades K-5: Del Obispo Elementary School, Harold Ambuehl Elementary School, Kinoshita Elementary School, and San Juan Elementary School. Marco Foster Middle School serves students in grades 6-8.
San Juan Hills High School is the sole high school in San Juan Capistrano, CA, which is very well respected. It's not only the number one San Juan Capistrano high school but also ranks 140th in the state and 1044th in the US, with a 98% graduation rate and 62% AP participation rate. However, some students will attend schools in neighboring cities within the district, such as Capistrano Valley High School, which is situated just south of the city.
There are six non-secular private schools in San Juan Capistrano, CA:
- St. Margaret's Episcopal School (K-12)
- JSerra Catholic High School (9-12)
- Mission Basilica School (K-8)
- Capistrano Valley Christian Schools (K-12)
- Saddleback Valley Christian School (pre-K - 12)
- Rancho Capistrano Christian School (K-8)
Fairmont School, a private, secular K-12 school, is also in San Juan Capistrano. The San Juan Capistrano branch of the Orange County Public Library System is also open to residents.
San Juan Capistrano Statistics & Information
- San Juan Capistrano County: Orange County
- San Juan Capistrano area: 14.43 square miles
- San Juan Capistrano zip code: 92675
- San Juan Capistrano area code: 949
- San Juan Capistrano elevation: 121 ft
- San Juan Capistrano time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest San Juan Capistrano airport: The John Wayne International Airport (SNA) is 20 miles away.
San Juan Capistrano, CA Map
Explore more restaurants, attractions, and fun things to do in San Juan Capistrano with this map.
Planning a relocation to this amazing city? Trust the award-winning San Juan Capistrano movers at Daly Movers to make your next move efficient and affordable. Call 800-395-6683 for a free moving quote.
