About
If you’re looking for small-town coastal charm with an ideal climate and postcard-worthy scenery, then San Clemente is your jam. This adorable “Spanish Village by the Sea” was developed in the 1920s as one of the first master-planned communities. Near perfect weather with mild temperatures, practically year-round sun, geographic isolation, breath-taking hills overlooking the California coastline, and the convenience of being between San Diego and Los Angeles make San Clemente a perfect refuge.
Nestled on the coast at the southern corner of Orange County, San Clemente sits just above Camp Pendleton’s northern gate. If you or your spouse will be commuting to Horno, the School of Infantry (SOI), San Onofre, or Cristianitos areas, this is a great location with a convenient commute. It’s about an hour drive either way from San Clemente to either Los Angeles or San Diego on Interstate 5, and the city is served by several trains that travel up and down the coast.
There is plenty of shopping and amenities, just don’t get too excited about the big brands—most of the amenities are locally owned, mom-and-pop style shops. The locavore culture feeds into San Clemente’s tight-knit community vibe. The beach trail is a favorite for runners, and there’s a fantastic park by the water for the littles to burn some energy.
We should probably take a second to talk about the surf culture. San Clemente is known for having some of the best beaches for surfing as well as many notable surfboard artisans. Flip flops, shaggy hair, and untucked shirts are the norm, and you’ll often find locals taking lunch breaks on the beach. Whether you’re a maverick or totally new to shredding the waves, take a second to acquaint yourself with local surf etiquette. Be realistic with your ability level and find a beach that suits your skills.
Neighbors
Surfers, retirees, artists, young professionals, soccer moms, and of course—Marine families—flock to San Clemente. Beach lovers who crave a small town feel and don’t mind driving out of the city for shopping and entertainment feel right at home here. The style is casual, and the culture is humble and unpretentious, even though the residents lean toward the more affluent end of the economic spectrum.
Neighborhood Feel
This quaint little seaside village once had a strict architectural review process to ensure uniformity. The homes and businesses were all built in the Spanish Colonial style with red tile roofs and white stucco. Over time the standards relaxed, but the precedent seems to have remained. The historic district is west of I-5, and more modern suburbs are to the east. Even the new homes are typically built in a Spanish Colonial Revival style, integrating more contemporary design features into the classic Mediterranean style. Apartments and condos are available downtown.
