With over just 35,000 residents, San Juan Capistrano is relatively small compared to 25 other cities in Orange County. However, homebuyers will be pleasantly surprised to find out that at 14.43 square miles, San Juan Capistrano is a bustling community that runs high on its history as one of the oldest cities in California with an inventory of extraordinary luxury homes.
The city is situated roughly midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, making it part of the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area while still maintaining its own distinct identity. The city is bordered by other Orange County communities such as Dana Point, San Clemente, and Laguna Niguel.
Like Los Angeles, San Juan Capistrano enjoys a semi-arid climate. Temps are at their highest in August, which average 77 degrees, and are at their lowest in February at around 63 degrees. Thus, outdoor activities like hiking, biking, hitting the beach, playing golf, and riding horses are ideal here. The mild temperatures also encourage residents to spend time in the outdoor spaces of their luxury homes – in patios, decks, pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, entertainment areas, lush gardens, and sports courts.
LUXURY HOMES FOR SALE IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA
Luxury homes for sale in San Juan Capistrano come in a range of property types to suit a surprisingly wide range of lifestyle preferences. They include:
- Single-family homes in a variety of sizes and architectural styles
- Condominiums for buyers seeking lower-maintenance living along with shared recreational facilities, swimming pools, and landscaped grounds
- Equestrian properties for horse owners looking for features like barns, stables, riding arenas, and pastures
- Gated communities ensuring higher levels of security and privacy, as well as perks like golf courses, clubhouses, or walking trails
- Custom homes to suit specific preferences
- Historic homes found in and around Mission San Juan Capistrano (est. 1776) and the Los Rios Historic District (est. 1794) may offer unique architectural features and cultural and recreational amenities
- Luxury estates boast expansive floor plans, premium finishes, luxurious amenities, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape
As for home prices, in March 2024, the median listing price for homes for sale in San Juan Capistrano was $2.5 million, according to Realtor.com. The median listing price per square foot was $702.
One of the highest-priced homes for sale in San Juan Capistrano was an elegant Spanish revival property featuring 5 en-suite bedrooms and 4.5 baths in 8,685 square feet of living space. It featured a wine room, a home gym, a home theater, a pub-like bar, an elevator to the second level, and so much more. Sprawling grounds featured a pool and spa, a full-featured outdoor kitchen, and a 5-car garage.
Condos are just as luxurious. A 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 3-story condo with 3,054 square feet of living space sits in a gated community. Moreover, it features a sprawling rooftop deck with 180-degree views stretching from the shimmering coastline to the majestic mountains. It’s an amazing space to host social occasions guests won’t soon forget.
Inquire about luxury condos and single-family homes for sale in San Juan Capistrano
THE MOST AFFLUENT NEIGHBORHOODS IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
This 5-bed, 5.5-bath luxury home for sale in the Hunt Club neighborhood of San Juan Capistrano features dramatic semi-circular staircases in the double-height foyer.
Inquire for details
To find the best luxury homes for sale in San Juan Capistrano, explore its upscale residential areas. While some of these places are full-fledged neighborhoods, others are approximations of their location within the community.
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Hunt Club
What it is: A prestigious gated community known for its spacious estates and equestrian facilities.
Where it’s located. Near the intersection of Camino Las Ramblas and Ortega Highway (State Route 74), just southeast of downtown San Juan Capistrano.
What it offers. Large custom-built homes on expansive lots, often with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and countryside.
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Marbella
What it is: An exclusive gated community close to the Marbella Country Club
Where it’s located. Near the intersection of Ortega Highway (State Route 74) and Rancho Viejo Road, just north of downtown San Juan Capistrano
What it offers. Luxury estates and custom-built homes with upscale amenities such as golf course views, private pools, and beautifully landscaped grounds
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Peppertree Bend
What it is: A desirable area known for its privacy and serene natural surroundings
Where it’s located. Along Peppertree-Bend Road, which winds through the hillsides of southern San Juan Capistrano
What it offers. Sprawling estates and luxury properties on large lots with panoramic views. Expect grand architecture, private gated entrances, and resort-style amenities.
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Connemara By The Sea
What it is: A guard-gated oceanfront community known for upscale living, beautiful surroundings, and convenient access to Dana Point Harbor
Where it’s located. On terraced hills above Dana Point Harbor
What it offers. Luxurious homes with direct access to the beach and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean
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Hilltop
What it is: An upscale residential area with picturesque views of the surrounding hillsides, city lights, and sometimes even ocean vistas
Where it’s located. In the southeastern part of San Juan Capistrano, primarily along Avenida California, Camino Capistrano, and Camino Las Ramblas
What it offers. Homes ranging from elegant Mediterranean villas to modern estates featuring high-end finishes, spacious floor plans, and outdoor living spaces
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San Juan Hills Estates
What it is: A prestigious community known for its upscale living, serene atmosphere, and convenient access to recreational amenities such as golfing, hiking, and equestrian trails
Where it’s located. In the southeastern part of the city, near the San Juan Hills Golf Club.
What it offers. Custom-built homes on spacious lots, often with views of the surrounding hillsides or the golf course
Inquire about available homes for sale in these areas
MORE REASONS TO MOVE TO SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA
Mission San Juan Capistrano, erected in 1776, played a key role in the colonization and missionary efforts in California. It was also the birthplace of Orange County.
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San Juan Capistrano has a rich cultural heritage
San Juan Capistrano has a plethora of cultural establishments that pay homage to the city’s deep history. They include:
- Mission San Juan Capistrano is often called the “Jewel of the California Missions” because of its historical significance, distinctive architecture (adobe walls, red-tile roofs, and arched colonnades), and a cultural heritage spanning centuries. Established in 1776, it introduced Christianity to California and became the birthplace of Orange County. The mission’s centerpiece, the Chapel of the Serra, with its famous bell tower, remains a striking example of Spanish colonial architecture. It eventually became the site of numerous cultural events, religious ceremonies, and traditions, including the annual return of the cliff swallows, which migrate from Argentina to nest in the mission’s ruins each spring.
- The Los Rios Historic District is the oldest neighborhood in California, originally housing the people who worked in the mission. Over time, it grew into a vibrant community with homes, businesses, and cultural institutions. Today, the Los Rios Historic District lures visitors because of buildings that have been meticulously preserved and restored on quaint, tree-lined streets with colorful gardens. The district is also home to cultural attractions like the Montanez Adobe, the Rios Adobe, and the O’Neill Museum, which provide insight into the area’s history and heritage.
- The O’Neill Museum-Pryor House. What was once known as the Garcia/Pryor residence is currently the official home of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. It’s the center for all of San Juan Capistrano’s archives, from documents, maps, photos, and genealogical records,
- Ortega’s Capistrano Trading Post is renowned for Native American art, souvenirs, and crafts. It’s a must-visit when shopping in San Juan Capistrano.
- Camino Real Playhouse and The Coach House are venues for live shows. The Camino Real Playhouse stages theatrical productions year-round, including comedies, musicals, and stand-up comedy. The Coach House has been around since the 1970s, hosting a diverse range of live music performances, including rock, blues, country, jazz, and more. B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, the Black Crowes, Chris Isaak, Tom Jones, and Tori Amos have played the venue.
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San Juan Capistrano has excellent schools
San Juan Capistrano is home to some of the best schools in the country, ranking in the top 10% of the best schools in California and placing in the top 15% of suburbs with the best public schools. The Capistrano Unified School District also ranked 6th best in Orange County. The community has a total of 93 public, private, and charter schools serving preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students.
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San Juan Capistrano satisfies every craving
From delightful cafes and tea houses to wine bars and dinners by the vintage train tracks, San Juan Capistrano pulls out all the stops when it comes to memorable dining experiences.
Here are some that stand out:
- El Adobe De Capistrano is nationally recognized as a California State Historical Landmark. It also houses a restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine.
- Ciao Pasta‘s authentic Italian dishes are made from ingredients sourced directly from its place of origin. The famed flavors of Southern Italy’s Puglia region are a specialty. Bestsellers are the Caesar salad, cannoli, and Brasato di Manzo, slow-cooked short ribs using San Marzano tomatoes and a handmade orecchiette pasta derived from a family recipe.
- Ramos House Cafe dates back to 1881 with the new owners committed to serving great American food in such charming surroundings. Try the duck mac and cheese, fried chicken salad with a side of johnnycakes, homemade apple jam, and delectable scones.
- Ricardo’s Place serves award-winning Mexican dishes that have been in the family for five generations. The restaurant was voted Best Taco, Best Salsa, and Best International Eating Place at the 2013 People’s Choice poll conducted by the SJC Dispatch. Other popular eats are the steak fajitas, carne asada, chile verde, and salmon with beans and rice.
- Ellie’s Table has built a reputation for fresh and delectable pastries such as cinnamon rolls and butter croissants, along with breakfast items imbued with the taste of home. Look, too, for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
- Trevor’s At The Tracks is located at San Juan Capistrano’s historic train depot built in the 1800s. Opt for the tranquil courtyard patio to partake of an international selection like the California Board & Bread starter, the Turkish Fig & Fungi flatbread, the Ahi Poke Two Way salad, the Aussie Vegan Burger, the Gulf Stream Gumbo, or the Seoul Bowl.
- Five Vines Wine Bar offers a melange of sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads along with over 65 boutique wines, 15 craft beers, and an amazing array of wine flights to delight your palate. You can also join the bar’s wine and book clubs.
- The Tea House on Los Rios stays true to the aesthetic of the 1911 cottage it’s housed in and its location at the Los Rios Historic District. The millennial granny vibe present in the turquoise, pink, and floral decor reflects the range and delicacy of the green teas, black teas, herbal teas, and caffeine-free Rooibos teas on the menu. Choose from five high tea experiences offered daily, a weekend brunch, as well as an assortment of wines and cocktails.
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San Juan Capistrano has a plethora of outdoor activities
San Juan Capistrano is known for encouraging an active lifestyle, thanks to the plethora of outdoor activities on offer. Vast, open spaces, along with the endless appeal of its sunny weather make it hard to resist the lure of the great outdoors.
- Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park occupies 8,000 acres in the vast canyons of the Santa Ana Mountains. In spite of its sprawl, the park lends itself well to leisurely treks. Bask in the calming beauty of nature – from simple camping activities, guided nature walks, wilderness sightings, and fishing at San Juan Creek. The park is a perfect escape from the urban noise.
- Dana Point, which is adjacent to San Juan Capistrano, provides a blast of salty air, breathtaking views, seaside delights, and every other beachside perk you can think of. Go surfing, join sunset wine cruises, get a luxury spa treatment, enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding, or just be mesmerized by the sound of an endless ocean.
- Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is a nature reserve with over 1,500 acres of majestic canyons, rock formations, and green scenery. This park alone speaks to why buying real estate in San Juan Capistrano is worth every penny. An interpretative or visitor center allows guests to rest while immersing themselves in the cultural and natural history exhibits.
BUY HOMES FOR SALE IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA WITH SHAUNA AND LEITA COVINGTON
Leita and Shauna Covington are the #1 agents in Laguna Beach and are among the Top 100 agents at Berkshire Hathaway
As you explore the sights and splendors of San Juan Capistrano, take it a step further by browsing some of the luxury real estate in San Juan Capistrano. Let Shauna and Leita Covington be your premier guides to the real estate luxury homes that await you. Their exceptional service alongside their recognition among the top half of 1% of Realtors nationwide, showcases their dedication to high-quality service.
Shauna and Leita Covington’s affiliation with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties further displays their commitment to quality, trust, and local knowledge. Their connections within the community, combined with their portfolio of luxury properties, make them ideal partners for those looking to explore real estate in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Discover the possibilities that San Juan Capistrano brings with Shauna and Leita Covington. Contact them at 949.412.8088 or 949.395.3037 or send an email to either Shauna or Leita.
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