$1,911,124Average Value$1,087Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
Downtown retail next to the ocean in Central San Clemente
Central San Clemente’s downtown area brings the city’s nickname to life, fully embodying the spirit of the “Spanish Village by The Sea.” Many local businesses and homes have Mediterranean architecture, so red tile roofs add a splash of color throughout the neighborhood. “I'd say one of the biggest things that stands out is that downtown isn't built up like some other oceanfront downtowns. It has a historic Spanish village feel. Downtown reaches all the way to the beach, which is really nice too,” says Realtor Christian Wach, who works with Talavera Real Estate and has over two decades of experience in the area. The neighborhood features the city’s most popular beach and the San Clemente Pier, making it perfect for daily strolls to the cerulean surf of the Pacific Ocean.
Downtown San Clemente shops and restaurants
Central San Clemente’s downtown is concentrated around Avenida Del Mar, a walkable retail district lined with local restaurants. “There are a lot of good options honestly, which makes it so fun to be down here. We walk there from our office every day,” Wach says. Dining spots range from South of Nick’s, an upscale Mexican restaurant, to Pronto Cucina Italia, an authentic Italian deli and bakery. Vine Restaurant & Bar provides an elegant wine bar setting, known for bringing in regulars. “I would say Vine is the local quaint restaurant. It has a ‘Cheers’ feeling,” says Realtor Katrina Crane, who works with Luxre Realty and has over a decade of experience in the area. The locally owned shops include Beach Town Books, which has new and used books, and the boutique Daisy Lane. Less than a mile west of the retail district, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is one of the city’s main attractions, with tours of a grand estate, once the home of San Clemente’s founder Ole Hanson. The closest supermarket is Ralphs, which borders the area’s east side.
South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features classic Mexican favorites.
Central San Clemente has great shopping mostly centralized in Old Town San Clemente.
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Access to the San Clemente Beach Trail and San Clemente Pier Beach
“There’s easy walkability to the beach and beach access. You can also get onto the beach trail really easily from downtown area,” Wach says. On the west side of the community, the San Clemente Beach Trail runs for 2.3 miles — the paved pathway is an ideal place for biking and jogging next to overlooks of the Pacific Ocean. The path also has access to multiple beaches, including San Clemente Pier Beach, the city’s most famous beach. From sunbathing to surfing, this area brims with water recreation in a lively setting. It’s also home to San Clemente Pier, where visitors can fish, take walks at sunset or dine at the Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar, a laidback seafood eatery. On the east side of the neighborhood, there’s an entrance to the 6-mile Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail for views of the city, the coastline and the Santa Ana Mountains.
Walk along the beautiful cliffs and soak up the fresh ocean air in Central San Clemente.
San Clemente Pier is a popular spot for walking, fishing and catching the sunset.
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Condos, Mediterranean homes and contemporary homes
With downtown as its centerpiece, Central San Clemente is otherwise residential, made up of winding streets lined with tall palm trees, condos and single-family homes. Much of the housing has ocean scenery, including whitewater views near the west side beachfront to panoramic overlooks from the tops of east side hills. The houses near downtown often don’t have front yards or only have space for boxwood hedges, while homes farther away come with lawns big enough for garden beds, often landscaped with agave plants and flowering frangipani bushes. The architecture for single-family homes includes Mediterranean, contemporary and ranch styles. Condos range from $1.2 million to $4.8 million, while single-family homes range from $1.6 million to $6 million. The higher end is often reserved for some of the historic Mediterranean masterworks from Ole Hanson’s original city plan.
Mediterranean influenced single family homes are common in Central San Clemente.
Central San Clemente has spectacular views from all angles.
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Ocean Festival and Fiesta Music Festival
For nearly 50 years, the annual Ocean Festival has been the biggest event in San Clemente. The activities include a bodysurfing competition, a children’s race and a lifeguard competition. “I remember really enjoying it as a kid when I was a competitive surfer,” Wach says. In August, the Fiesta Music Festival features free concerts as well as booths with food and games.
Enjoy all the amazing characters at the Lunar New Year Celebration at Casa Romantica.
Chinelos, or traditional costumed dancers, are vibrant during the Cinco De Mayo Fiesta.
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Capistrano Unified Schools, including Shorecliffs Middle and San Clemente High
The west side of the community is served by Clarence Lobo Elementary School, which earns an A-minus rating on Niche, while Shorecliffs Middle School has an A rating. The east side is served by Las Palmas Elementary School, which has an A-minus, and A-rated Bernice Ayer Middle School. San Clemente High School serves both areas and has an A rating. In 2024, the high school was lauded for its AVID program, which assists first-generation students in going to college.
A beautiful mural adorns the exterior of Bernice Ayer Middle School.
Las Palmas Elementary School is a K-5 School in San Clemente Providing High-Quality Education.
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20 miles to Irvine and more transportation
Irvine is about 20 miles away via Interstate 5, while Santa Ana is about 30 miles from the community. The neighborhood is located between San Diego and Los Angeles, about 60 miles from both major metropolitan areas. For public transit, Central San Clemente is served by San Clemente Pier train station and the Orange County Transportation Authority bus system. The closest airport with commercial flights is John Wayne Airport, located about 25 miles away.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Central San Clemente neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central San Clemente
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central San Clemente Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central San Clemente, San Clemente sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Central San Clemente, San Clemente over the last 12 months is $1,815,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Positioned atop a secluded bluff overlooking the Pacific, this oceanfront penthouse in San Clemente presents a rare opportunity to experience coastal living with both privacy and architectural distinction. One of only three residences in an intimate building, the home captures sweeping views of whitewater, city lights, and the iconic San Clemente Pier from its elevated vantage point. Spanning
Welcome to your dream coastal retreat — a brand-new custom-built home perched in the hills of San Clemente with panoramic ocean views stretching from Catalina Island to the Dana Point Headlands. This extraordinary residence presents a rare opportunity to own a luxurious ocean-view home without HOA fees and no Mello Roos, just moments from the heart of downtown San Clemente. Imagine starting your
Welcome to 229 West Canada, a charming beach cottage nestled in the heart of San Clemente’s iconic Spanish Village by the Sea. Just steps from the sand, this delightful home captures the essence of coastal living — where you can hear the waves crash, watch whales spout offshore, breathe in the salty air, and feel the ocean breeze on your skin.Enjoy a peek-a-boo ocean view from your living
Experience the best of coastal living in this newer construction home located in highly desirable Southwest San Clemente. Built less than three years ago, this beautifully appointed 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence is offered both furnished or unfurnished and move-in ready.Step inside to discover an open, light-filled floorplan with modern coastal finishes, recessed lighting, and premium designer
One Block to Ocean, Remodeled large 2 bedroom 1 Bath upper rear unit within walking distance to the Pier / Beach / Del Mar and Shopping. New carpet and new vinyl flooring throughout, Gas stove / oven, Refrigerator, Range Hood, Newer Vanity / Sink in Bathroom. Two tone paint throughout, Dual Glazed Vinyl Windows. large rarely used shared back yard in three unit building. Private completely
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
