San Juan Capistrano, CA

San Juan Capistrano, California

Introduction to San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano, California, in Orange county, is 3 miles SE of Laguna Niguel, California (center to center) and 20 miles SE of Santa Ana, California. The city was established near the Mission San Juan Capistrano. A large number of houses and strip malls have Spanish style architecture. There is a wide variety of homes, including multi-million dollar mansions in gated communities, homes constructed before 1900, 18th century adobes and ranches situated in the foothills.

Los Rios is regarded as one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in California. The city is well known for the yearly migration of the Cliff Swallows from Argentina to Mission San Juan Capistrano. Approximately 40% of the land is open space and parkland.

San Juan Capistrano History

The Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776. During this time the Acjachemen Indians lived in the region. The mission was established as part of a plan to colonize California and to bring the Indians into the Spanish culture. After the mission was constructed, cultivated fields and granaries were established and ceramics, bricks and tiles were produced. The area had the first vineyard and winery in California. During the 1850's the community was a popular stopping location for pioneers and gold prospectors.

San Juan Capistrano Attractions

The Mission San Juan Capistrano has been ranked as a Minor Basilica. Approximately half a million people visit the mission each year. It's well known for the "Return of the Swallows" which is observed every year on March 19th. The mission has been a subject for prominent artists and has been mentioned in numerous books and shown in films. A modern church complex is located near the old mission. The city has numerous other attractions including:

• Mission Basilica church is an impressive building and has the design of the historic mission's stone church, which was destroyed during an earthquake.
• The Swallow's Day Parade is a yearly event.
• The Swallows Festival celebrates the return of the swallows and lasts for two months.
• Manuel Garcia Adobe is a Mission-Revival Style adobe.
• Camino Real Playhouse.
• The Los Rios Historic District features numerous notable structures and is a popular tourist destination.
• The O'Neill Museum is a rustic wooden building and one of the initial homes in the city. The museum offers a look at life in the early days of San Juan Capistrano.
• The Blas Aguilar Adobe was constructed in 1794.
• Capistrano Depot.
• Montanez Adobe is from the Spanish era.
• Eagan House.
• Esslinger Building.
• Historic Town Center Archaeological Park Site.
• Avila Adobe is from the Mexican Rancho era.
• Stroschein House.
• Old Capristrano Union High School.
• Zoomars Petting Zoo & Bird Park.

San Juan Capistrano Activities

The Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is a large acreage, located among the river terraces and canyons in the Santa Ana Mountains. The park features hiking and equestrian trails and picnic areas. The scenic Cleveland National Forest has numerous hiking trails and campgrounds.

Doheny State Beach offers camping areas and is popular for surf fishing. The close by San Clemente Beach is used for a variety of activities and includes hiking trails on the bluffs. The Dana Point Harbor and San Clemente pier are nearby. There are numerous quality golf courses in the area.

High Points

San Juan Capistrano strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in California):

Category	Trophy
Low Property Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 7%

Comparative Profile of San Juan Capistrano, CA

Comparing San Juan Capistrano to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in California (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Well-Paid Single Men
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Women
Age of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Senior Citizens
Racial Diversity
Female Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Median Family Income
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Working at Home
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Property Taxes
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Rents

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

San Juan Capistrano Almanac

San Juan Capistrano Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

San Juan Capistrano Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, San Juan Capistrano, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Starbucks in San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano High Schools (2004)

JUNIPERO SERRA HIGH
31422 CAMINO CAPISTRANO
949-489-7216
A Non-traditional School
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 140 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 18.4

BRIDGES COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL
31576 EL CAMINO REAL
949-489-7108
A Non-traditional School
Serves 10 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 8.3

San Juan Capistrano Colleges

(List of All California Colleges)

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