$1,667,611Average Value$756Average Price per Sq Ft50Homes For Sale
Coastal adjacent, promising beach access and great schools
Established as a Spanish mission in 1776, San Juan Capistrano is a laid-back coastal city of about 35,000 with great schools and a historic downtown. This south Orange County community is around the midpoint between Los Angeles and San Diego, and it offers beach access without the coastal prices of nearby San Clemente and Laguna Beach. Temperate weather and year-round activities contribute to a vacation-like atmosphere. “San Juan Capistrano feels like stepping into a picturesque storybook with a modern twist. The city is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, vibrant seasonal events and dedication to preserving its history while providing contemporary conveniences,” says Director of Operations Benjamin Medina of the Chamber of Commerce. The city is a haven for those seeking a slower-paced, family-friendly environment with easy access to beaches, shopping and dining. "Every day I wake up in San Juan Capistrano, I feel like I won the lottery of life. It's beautiful, the weather is perfect, and we're all very blessed to be here," says Councilmember Howard Hart.
San Juan Capistrano showcases a diverse blend of homes, from historic adobes and charming cottages in Los Rios to luxurious estates in the hills and elegant Spanish-style villas reflecting the city’s rich heritage.
Watching the sun set over the Pacific at Capistrano Beach Park, you can stroll along the sandy shoreline, feel the ocean breeze, and enjoy a peaceful escape with breathtaking coastal views.
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The cliff swallows return each year for Saint Joseph's Day
The city has a robust calendar of seasonal events, such as Saint Joseph’s Day, which is held on March 19. For nearly a century, the day celebrates the return of the cliff swallows, Argentine birds that migrate north of the equator for the spring and summer. In conjunction with their return, the Fiesta de las Golondrinas is usually held on the third Saturday in March. “They shut down downtown for one of the largest nonmotorized parades in the U.S.,” Hart says. “We go all out for this one holiday that can draw over 50,000 from all over California. It’s a big party where a lot of adult beverages are consumed throughout the day, and the shops are all open.”
The Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano is an unforgettable celebration, where vibrant floats, lively music, and equestrian riders fill the streets with excitement, tradition, and community spirit.
The Festival of the Butterflies in San Juan Capistrano is a magical event where vibrant butterflies fill the air, lush gardens bloom, and families enjoy nature walks, hands-on activities, and live music with performers like The Salty Suites.
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Los Rios Historic District is the oldest neighborhood in the state
In early 2025, the median home price was around $1.6 million, nearly four times the national number and well above the broader California median of $900,000. Though expensive by any standards, housing prices in nearby San Clemente, Dana Point and Laguna Beach are even higher. There's also a large variety of housing styles in the area. “The city’s housing is diverse, from historic adobe homes to modern estates and equestrian properties,” Medina says. “Development is carefully planned to maintain the city’s character; we emphasize preserving open spaces and blending new builds with the surrounding environment.”
The Los Rios Historic District, the oldest neighborhood in California, has a charming atmosphere and is known for smaller, unique properties. Luxury areas like Marbella Country Club and Hunt Club are known for their contemporary homes and proximity to amenities like golf courses and equestrian facilities. Homes are priced between $800,000 for something small and vintage and upwards of $9 million for a hilltop estate home with a view. Though San Juan Capistrano is primarily single-family, there are clusters of condos and townhomes near the town center. Condos and townhomes are priced between $450,000 and $3 million.
Upscale Mediterranean-style homes can be found in gated communities like the Marbella Country Club, in San Juan Capistrano.
The smaller properties in the Los Rios Historic District exude charm with their rustic adobe walls, lush gardens, and inviting porches, creating a warm, storybook-like atmosphere in California’s oldest neighborhood.
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One of the best public school districts in Orange County
Schools in San Juan Capistrano are excellent and a draw to homebuyers with children. Capistrano Unified School District is graded A-plus by Niche. The district operates 64 schools and programs serving over 40,000 students regionally across multiple cities. “Capistrano Unified is recognized for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers and extracurricular opportunities,” Medina says. “The district emphasizes STEM education, arts, and athletics, fostering well-rounded students.”
San Juan Hills High School in San Juan Capistrano serves 9-12 grade students.
Marco Forster Middle School's vision is to ensure achievement for all.
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Shopping, dining and cultural hotspots in historic Los Rios
The oldest neighborhood in the state, Los Rios is the heart of the San Juan Capistrano, known for its shopping, dining, and cultural hotspots, such as the Camino Real Playhouse and the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum. “Dining ranges from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, focusing on farm-to-table and international cuisine,” Medina says. “There is also a mix of boutique shops, antique stores and modern retail centers, like our new River Street Marketplace.” The city has everything it needs, but residents may travel to nearby Mission Viejo or San Clemente for more robust retail outlets or a classic mall experience.
River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano is a vibrant new destination with unique boutiques, artisanal shops, and exciting restaurants, offering a lively atmosphere where shopping and dining meet charm.
San Juan Capistrano’s historic adobes, including the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum, showcase the city’s rich past with preserved architecture, artifacts, and stories that bring early California history to life.
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Over two dozen parks and recreation sites, plus beach access
Though not every resident in San Juan Capistrano is walkable to a community park, the city maintains over two dozen parks and recreation sites. Parks are a top priority for the city, and a minimum of five acres of parkland is required for every 1,000 people in new residential development. Los Rios Park is a community gem situated on four acres across from the railway and the historic downtown area. Residents are a short drive from the many hiking and biking trails that weave in and around the Santa Ana Mountains. “The San Juan Creek Trail and Caspers Wilderness Park, which is my personal favorite, offer everything from easy walks to challenging hikes while traversing through oak trees, running springs and wildlife,” Medina says. Though it doesn’t directly border the coast, the Pacific Ocean is just a few blocks away. “Doheny State Beach and Salt Creek Beach are popular among residents. The rest of the coast is just a short drive or train ride away, with perfect opportunities for surfing, picnics and relaxation,” Medina says.
Families enjoy going to Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano.
Families will enjoy a day at the beach at Salt Creek Beach Bluff Park.
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Direct access to Interstate 5 means traffic congestion at peak hours
San Juan Capistrano is about 50 miles south of Los Angeles and 60 miles north of San Diego. The city has direct access to Interstate 5, which cuts through north-to-south. “Traffic is generally manageable, but like many Southern California cities, it can get congested during peak hours, especially around the downtown area and near the 5,” Medina says. Though car noise can be an issue in some areas, the freeway is walled off from the city’s residential areas. Orange County Transit operates bus routes for those who rely on public transportation, and there is a Metrolink train station in town. “The city also has a network of trails and bike lanes, and efforts are ongoing to improve connectivity and encourage sustainable transportation,” Medina says. John Wayne Airport is the closest, about 20 miles north. The nearest major medical facilities are the Providence Mission Hospitals in nearby Mission Viejo and Laguna Beach.
Orange County Sheriff's Department and wildfire risk in the summer
The climate in San Juan Capistrano is Mediterranean, categorized by warm, arid summers and mild, wet winters. “The coastal breeze keeps the temperatures comfortable year-round. Some say neighboring San Clemente has the best climate in the world, but the swallows still choose to migrate to San Juan,” Medina says.
Due to its proximity to open natural spaces, most of San Juan Capistrano faces a moderate risk of wildfire, with pockets of very high risk on its perimeter. Drought conditions are common in the summer, and the area can experience air quality issues, particularly from wildfire smoke. “Mitigation efforts focus on water conservation and sustainable landscaping. What I can say is that our hydrants are full, pressurized and the Orange County Fire Authority is ready for anything,” Medina says.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department serves San Juan Capistrano, but crime rates for this specific area are not available. “The city collaborates with local law enforcement and community organizations to maintain a low crime rate, emphasizing neighborhood watch programs and proactive policing,” Medina says. “The same goes for the Chamber keeping business engaged with our law enforcement. We are very fortunate in this regard.”
Written By
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in San Juan Capistrano, CA sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in San Juan Capistrano, CA over the last 12 months is $1,370,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover unparalleled luxury living in this meticulously maintained semi-custom estate, ideally situated on a premier 22,000+ sq ft lot within the exclusive gated community of Capistrano Estates. Showcasing timeless Mediterranean architecture, this impressive 4,696 sq ft residence offers exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and effortless indoor-outdoor living. The highly sought-after
Welcome to 30951 Via Bravo, an elegant home situated inside the prestigious guard-gated Marbella Country Club Estates in San Juan Capistrano. Tucked away on a private cul-de-sac corner lot, this residence combines luxury design, comfort, and a premier country club lifestyle. The chef-inspired kitchen stands at the heart of the home, showcasing custom cabinetry, dual prep islands, professional
Freshly renovated is this sophisticated single level gem that feels as if you’re stepping into generational wealth. Rarely on the market the homes this community exude timeless elegance and a setting harking back to early San Juan Capistrano. From the stately cul-de-sac there is a spacious two car driveway that leads to two car garage and a gate which leads into a lush and inviting private entry
WALKSCORE 74!!!Imagine stepping outside your door and strolling or biking to the lively Downtown San Juan Capistrano historical district—where parks, restaurants, coffee shops, antique stores, the train depot, and notable OC landmarks create a vibrant, storybook setting you’ll never tire of exploring.This appealing THREE bedroom, one bath home has been completely remodeled and offers
Impressive and secluded this Hunt Club secluded view home offers approximately 5,644 square feet of upgraded 'livable' living space with five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms to include a bright custom downstairs office and spacious great room that wraps to a Newly Turfed side yard! With over an acre in property, this home offers privacy and an elegant timeless architectural design that
Enjoy breathtaking west-facing views and sunsets from this beautifully updated San Juan Capistrano home, perfectly set in a tranquil, private setting designed for both everyday comfort and effortless entertaining. A sprawling wood deck invites you to relax, dine, and gather while taking in sweeping views and peaceful surroundings. Inside, the home lives large with an open-concept floor plan
This is a 2 acre residential parcel zoned RSF4. It can be subdivided to 9 lots that fit the current minimum lot size per the zoning. The property is hilly with some flat and buildable portions. It has all utilies on site and there is an existing 2000 sq ft home in poor condition. This is a potential coastal housing development in an area with high median home prices and in close proximity to the
Opportunity awaits! This beautiful single family detached home with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with 2 car garage and almost 1,300 square feet located on a larger corner lot. Wood floors, updated kitchen and primary bath with wood and tile flooring throughout, no carpets and no interior steps. Vaulted ceilings, dual pane windows, beautiful French doors lead you to the landscaped side and rear yard
Welcome to your dream retreat in the prestigious gated community of Ocean Pointe. In a highly sought-after neighborhood where opportunities are rare, this well-designed single-level home invites you to own a place in one of the area’s most exclusive enclaves. Perfectly positioned at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac atop a scenic coastal hill, it offers the ideal balance of privacy, space, and
Discover unparalleled luxury living in this meticulously maintained semi-custom estate, ideally situated on a premier 22,000+ sq ft lot within the exclusive gated community of Capistrano Estates. Showcasing timeless Mediterranean architecture, this impressive 4,696 sq ft residence offers exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and effortless indoor-outdoor living. The highly sought-after
Experience the pinnacle of Southern California elegance in this stunning, recently renovated estate located within the prestigious guard-gated community of Marbella Country Club. Set on a quiet cul-de-sac and positioned on an expansive lot of over 10,000 square feet, the home enjoys sweeping golf course views overlooking the 8th fairway. A soaring two-story entry and dramatic high-ceiling living
Welcome to 30951 Via Bravo, an elegant home situated inside the prestigious guard-gated Marbella Country Club Estates in San Juan Capistrano. Tucked away on a private cul-de-sac corner lot, this residence combines luxury design, comfort, and a premier country club lifestyle. The chef-inspired kitchen stands at the heart of the home, showcasing custom cabinetry, dual prep islands, professional
A rare offering within the prestigious, guard-gated enclave of Connemara, this exceptional single-level estate blends refined design, modern upgrades, and breathtaking surroundings. Set on an expansive ~17,600 square foot private corner lot, the residence spans 3,056 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, capturing sweeping mountain and ocean views that define elevated Southern California
San Juan Capistrano meets Italy with this 1225-acre ranch and estate. If you ever dreamed of being a gentleman farmer living in the hills of Italy but didn't want to leave Southern California, you have found your place in the Tuscan sun. Lemon orchards and imported Italian olive trees share the contiguous lots with the Tuscan-inspired ~5,000 sq ft home. Additional residences are nicely sited to
Welcome to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home located in the highly sought-after Village community of San Juan Capistrano. Offering approximately 1,092 square feet, this light-filled home features an unobstructed lake view overlooking one of the community’s serene man-made lakes, surrounded by mature trees, lush landscaping, and abundant wildlife. The home has been thoughtfully
Another masterpiece crafted by renowned architect Ernest Velarde, this exceptional residence is located in the prestigious Peppertree Bend community of San Juan Capistrano. Designed with a refined modern Japanese contemporary fair, the home features an open floor plan that effortlessly harmonizes indoor and outdoor living. Set on a full acre, the grounds are a true work of art. Owners were
Welcome to this beautifully appointed single-story home offering 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,095 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space in the heart of San Juan Capistrano. As you enter through the private gated courtyard, you’re immediately welcomed into a light-filled interior enhanced by wood-tile flooring and abundant natural light throughout. The spacious living room centers
Discover Capistrano Pointe, a contemporary Mediterranean-style community of apartment homes in San Juan Capistrano. Choose a new home from our tastefully designed one and two bedroom apartments, lofts, and townhomes. Enjoy the comforts of dual master suites, a fully equipped kitchen with new countertops and cabinetry, new flooring, a wood-burning fireplace, and in-home washers and dryers.
Set on an expansive 10,200 sq. ft. lot within the gated community of San Juan Hills, this beautifully upgraded home showcases peaceful neighborhood and hillside views. Offering 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a spacious loft, the home provides a versatile layout designed for both comfortable living and entertaining. A grand formal entry welcomes you with soaring ceilings, crown molding, and
Available March 15, 2026 San Juan Capistrano Home to share 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom. Share with current professional female. The living room features vaulted ceiling and is designed for comfort and functionality. The bathroom includes shared laundry. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a refrigerator, oven, and an ice maker, along with a pantry for
Discover luxurious coastal living in this newly constructed detached home in Petra, an exclusive community by the Sandsea Developers in San Juan Capistrano. This contemporary just-under-1,800 square foot residence offers thoughtful design across two levels, featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 well-appointed bathrooms. The upstairs primary suite provides a private retreat, complemented by two
Available 3/15/2026 San Juan Capistrano Home to share 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom.. The living room features vaulted ceiling and is designed for comfort and functionality. The bathroom includes shared laundry. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a refrigerator, oven, and an ice maker, along with a pantry for additional storage. Amenities include heating,
Beautifully furnished detached condo for lease in the desirable Petra Avelina community of San Juan Capistrano, ideally located near Dana Point. This spacious 4-bedroom detached condo offers a modern open floor plan perfect for comfortable living and entertaining.The bright family room features a cozy fireplace and large sliding glass doors that open to a private outdoor patio, creating
REAR UNIT AVAILABLE. RENOVATED 1 BR/1 BA WITH GRANITE COUNTERS IN KITCHEN, WASHER/DRYER UNIT IN KITCHEN, MIRRORED WARDROBE DOORS, DOUBLE PANE WINDOWS, WINDOW BLINDS, AND CEILING FAN IN THE DINING AREA1 CARPORT PARKING SPACE & 1 OPEN SPACE PLUS SMALL STORAGE SHEDOWNER PAYS WATER & TRASH, TENANT PAYS GAS, ELECTRIC, CABLE/INTERNET. ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP AIR-CONDITIONING &
Exceptional Luxury Estate for Lease just Minutes to the Beach and to Highly Acclaimed Private School St. Margarets. Available for lease within the exclusive guard-gated community of Hunt Club Estates, this beautifully renovated fully furnished 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom estate offers approximately 5,000 square feet of sophisticated living space on nearly an acre of private grounds. Framed by
Nestled in the prestigious gated enclave of Rancho Madrina, this stunning furnished residence blends timeless elegance with convenience and comfort. Positioned on a private cul-de-sac, the home features 4 bedrooms plus an office and loft, with 4.5 bathrooms — each bedroom enjoying its own private bath. A highly desirable main level suite enhances its appeal. The layout is ideal for a luxury lease
Welcome to 32187 Via Barrida, a serene retreat in the desirable 55+ community of San Juan Hills East in beautiful San Juan Capistrano. This single-level, no-steps home is perfectly designed for comfort, convenience, and easy living.Offering approximately 1,350 square feet, this residence features 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 well-appointed bathrooms, along with the convenience of inside laundry
In southern Orange County, San Juan Hills comprises a series of private residential communities that surround the state-of-the-art San Juan Hills Golf Club. As a suburb of San Juan Capistrano, the community offers access to both urban and natural amenities. “This neighborhood, surrounded by hills, makes you feel like you’re out in the country,” says Doug Robinett, a local Realtor with First Team Real Estate. “It’s so quiet, yet it’s five minutes from restaurants and activities.” The San Juan Hills Golf Club sits at the center of the neighborhood and features an 18-hole course, the San Juan Hills Sports Bar & Grill and a driving range. “We support the surrounding community whenever possible, and we were recently voted the Best Golf Course in Orange County by readers of the OC Register,” says Ryan Brown, the General Manager of the San Juan Hills Golf Club.
This neighborhood is home to several private subdivisions, all of which are gated and situated around San Juan Hills Golf Club. The five largest communities here include Mesa Vista, Loma Vista, San Juan Hills, San Juan Hills West and San Juan Hills East. Notably, both the San Juan Hills West and East subdivisions are 55-plus only. Single-family homes, condo units and townhomes throughout the entire neighborhood offer similar architectural styles, including a mix of Mediterranean and Spanish-inspired dwellings, as well as a handful of New Traditional properties. Condo units and townhomes in San Juan Hills tend to range between $900,000 and $1.2 million, while most single-family homes sell between $800,000 and $2.5 million. In the neighborhood’s two 55-plus subdivisions, residents can also expect $375 per month in HOA fees.
Adjacent to San Juan Hills is a series of rolling hills that feature numerous hiking trail options, including the Flag Hill and Patriot Trail, which is also referred to as the Flagpole Hike. Residents here often use these trails for biking and horseback riding; Robinett notes that the area’s topography makes it an appealing equestrian town. Several farms and stables can be found in and around the neighborhood, most of which offer boarding and various equine-related amenities. Rancho Mission Viejo Horse Park and 5M Ranch are two popular equestrian training facilities situated just outside the neighborhood. San Juan Hills is also home to San Juan Creek Park, an outdoor recreation spot featuring shaded playground areas, picnic tables and walking paths.
The San Juan Hills Golf Club offers a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances on the weekends and golfing tournaments. The club is also known to host holiday celebrations, wine tastings and themed golfing days. Outside the golf club, residents can also enjoy events put together by the city of San Juan Capistrano. In the summertime, the city hosts San Juan Summer Nites, a series of free live music events at Historic Town Center Park every third Wednesday from June through September.
Less than a mile away from San Juan Hills is the San Juan Capistrano downtown area, which offers plenty of local shopping and dining options. Robinett recommends visiting Los Rios Street. “It’s the oldest street in town with charming shops and several nice restaurants.” Some of the popular spots along Los Rios Street include Ramos House Café and The Tea House on Los Rios, an eclectic restaurant characterized by floral decorations and bright pastel colors. “Trevor’s at the Tracks and Swallow’s Inn are great places, too,” Robinett says. The downtown area is also home to the Mission San Juan Capistrano, a historic landmark and chapel built in the 18th century that now includes a museum and outdoor garden area. Mission San Juan Capistrano attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and has been dubbed the “Jewel of the California Missions.” Along Del Obispo Street is the Plaza Del Obispo Shopping Center, which features a Target, a Marshalls department store and several chain eateries.
Students in this neighborhood are served by the Capistrano Unified School District, which receives an overall A-plus rating from Niche. Young learners in kindergarten through fifth grade can attend Harold Ambuehl Elementary School, an A-minus-rated institution, while students in grades six through eight might head to Marco Foster Middle School, also rated A-minus. San Juan Hills High School receives an A-plus rating and offers students Advanced Placement courses and honors classes. St. Margaret’s Episcopal School is a private and co-ed college preparatory school that receives an A-plus rating and was named the No. 1 Christian high school in the Los Angeles area by Niche in 2024. “St. Margaret’s is a big draw for the area in itself,” Robinett says. “I’ve sold a lot of houses here because kids were accepted to the school.”
Commuters in San Juan Hills have convenient access to Interstate 5, a major thoroughfare that runs through San Juan Capistrano and travels the entire length of the West Coast. Approximately 1 mile outside the neighborhood is the San Juan Capistrano transit station, where locals can access two Metrolink commuter rail lines and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train, which offers daily service between San Diego and Los Angeles. In the downtown San Juan Capistrano area, the Orange County Transportation Authority offers bus service along Route 91, which stretches from Laguna Hills to San Clemente. San Juan Hills has an overall CAP Index score of 2, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Property Mix - Square Feet
San Juan Capistrano Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
34,465
Median Age
44
Population Density
45 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$116,697
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$145,180
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.8%
On par with the national average
89%
College Graduates
39.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.1%
% Population in Labor Force
65.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Moderately friendly
Bike Score®®
60/ 100
Fairly friendly
Walk Score®®
40/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Transit Score®®
20/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
