Neighborhood Spotlight: San Clemente, CA

December 18, 2021

Situated at the southern tip of Orange County, California, San Clemente is truly a charming place to live. Known as “The Spanish Village by the Sea”, San Clemente boasts a stunning coastline with pristine beaches and perfect waves. It’s also famous as the home of the “Western White House”, a Spanish-style mansion that President Richard Nixon purchased in 1969 and which served as the site of several historical meetings.

San Clemente at a glance

San Clemente is located along the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Orange County, California. It has a current population of approximately 64,000 and is situated about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. The city boasts a temperate Mediterranean climate with 310 days of sunshine a year on average. It’s also famous for its excellent surfing conditions and has many sites throughout the city to catch a tasty wave.

San Clemente real estate and neighborhoods

San Clemente is famous for its Spanish-style architecture. Here you’ll find homes with red tile roofs, stucco walls, and wooden doors and windows. While this is the most prominent style found in the city, you can also find homes in a range of other styles to suit your needs. The median home price in San Clemente is approximately $930,000.

The city is home to a wide variety of neighborhoods, each with a unique character. Some of the most popular communities in San Clemente include:

San Clemente history

Few people were inclined to build on the land that is now San Clemente until 1925, when Ole Hanson, the former mayor of Seattle and land developer, purchased the land. He hoped the pleasant climate, fertile soil, and beautiful beaches would be a siren call to Angelenos tired of the city. He imagined it to be a resort town and succeeded in selling property — the city was officially incorporated in 1928.

San Clemente amenities

San Clemente has a small-town feel that oozes charm. One of the most historic places in town is Casa Romantica. It was originally the home of founder Ole Hanson; today, it is a cultural center and is also available for rent for private events. The San Clemente Pier is also an iconic landmark. The 1,200-foot pier is home to Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar where you can dine while watching the waves crash below.

San Clemente’s enviable coastal location means residents can enjoy miles of beautiful sandy beaches. Surfing is a popular pastime, and some of the best surfing beaches include Trestles, Calafia Beach Park, and North Beach. The city is also an exceptional place for shopping and dining. The quaint and charming Downtown San Clemente is the heart of the city where you’ll find the farmers market, eclectic boutiques, and trend-setting cafes and restaurants.

San Clemente schools

Students in San Clemente are served by the highly-rated Capistrano Unified School District. Many schools in the district have received an A rating on Niche including San Juan Hills High San Clemente High School. Students at this high school have received many accolades including award-winning orchestras, dance teams, and vocal groups, some of which have been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. They also have one of the best athletic programs in the country, including an excellent surfing program. The team has won six of the last seven national surfing titles.

Explore San Clemente today!

Are you dreaming about exploring the sun-soaked shores of this beautiful beachside village? Then view available properties in San Clemente and schedule your private showing today!