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Central San Clemente

Central San Clemente

Neighborhood in San Clemente, California

Orange County 92672

$1,862,649 Average Value
$1,069 Average Price per Sq Ft
35 Homes For Sale

Downtown retail next to the ocean in Central San Clemente

Central San Clemente’s downtown area brings the city’s nickname to life, fully embodying the spirit of the “Spanish Village by The Sea.” Many local businesses and homes have Mediterranean architecture, so red tile roofs add a splash of color throughout the neighborhood. “I'd say one of the biggest things that stands out is that downtown isn't built up like some other oceanfront downtowns. It has a historic Spanish village feel. Downtown reaches all the way to the beach, which is really nice too,” says Realtor Christian Wach, who works with Talavera Real Estate and has over two decades of experience in the area. The neighborhood features the city’s most popular beach and the San Clemente Pier, making it perfect for daily strolls to the cerulean surf of the Pacific Ocean.

Downtown San Clemente shops and restaurants

Central San Clemente’s downtown is concentrated around Avenida Del Mar, a walkable retail district lined with local restaurants. “There are a lot of good options honestly, which makes it so fun to be down here. We walk there from our office every day,” Wach says. Dining spots range from South of Nick’s, an upscale Mexican restaurant, to Pronto Cucina Italia, an authentic Italian deli and bakery. Vine Restaurant & Bar provides an elegant wine bar setting, known for bringing in regulars. “I would say Vine is the local quaint restaurant. It has a ‘Cheers’ feeling,” says Realtor Katrina Crane, who works with Luxre Realty and has over a decade of experience in the area. The locally owned shops include Beach Town Books, which has new and used books, and the boutique Daisy Lane. Less than a mile west of the retail district, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is one of the city’s main attractions, with tours of a grand estate, once the home of San Clemente’s founder Ole Hanson. The closest supermarket is Ralphs, which borders the area’s east side.

South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features classic Mexican favorites.
South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features classic Mexican favorites.
Central San Clemente has great shopping mostly centralized in Old Town San Clemente.
Central San Clemente has great shopping mostly centralized in Old Town San Clemente.
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Access to the San Clemente Beach Trail and San Clemente Pier Beach

“There’s easy walkability to the beach and beach access. You can also get onto the beach trail really easily from downtown area,” Wach says. On the west side of the community, the San Clemente Beach Trail runs for 2.3 miles — the paved pathway is an ideal place for biking and jogging next to overlooks of the Pacific Ocean. The path also has access to multiple beaches, including San Clemente Pier Beach, the city’s most famous beach. From sunbathing to surfing, this area brims with water recreation in a lively setting. It’s also home to San Clemente Pier, where visitors can fish, take walks at sunset or dine at the Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar, a laidback seafood eatery. On the east side of the neighborhood, there’s an entrance to the 6-mile Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail for views of the city, the coastline and the Santa Ana Mountains.

Walk along the beautiful cliffs and soak up the fresh ocean air in Central San Clemente.
Walk along the beautiful cliffs and soak up the fresh ocean air in Central San Clemente.
San Clemente Pier is a popular spot for walking, fishing and catching the sunset.
San Clemente Pier is a popular spot for walking, fishing and catching the sunset.
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Condos, Mediterranean homes and contemporary homes

With downtown as its centerpiece, Central San Clemente is otherwise residential, made up of winding streets lined with tall palm trees, condos and single-family homes. Much of the housing has ocean scenery, including whitewater views near the west side beachfront to panoramic overlooks from the tops of east side hills. The houses near downtown often don’t have front yards or only have space for boxwood hedges, while homes farther away come with lawns big enough for garden beds, often landscaped with agave plants and flowering frangipani bushes. The architecture for single-family homes includes Mediterranean, contemporary and ranch styles. Condos range from $1.2 million to $4.8 million, while single-family homes range from $1.6 million to $6 million. The higher end is often reserved for some of the historic Mediterranean masterworks from Ole Hanson’s original city plan.

Mediterranean influenced single family homes are common in Central San Clemente.
Mediterranean influenced single family homes are common in Central San Clemente.
Central San Clemente has spectacular views from all angles.
Central San Clemente has spectacular views from all angles.
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Ocean Festival and Fiesta Music Festival

For nearly 50 years, the annual Ocean Festival has been the biggest event in San Clemente. The activities include a bodysurfing competition, a children’s race and a lifeguard competition. “I remember really enjoying it as a kid when I was a competitive surfer,” Wach says. In August, the Fiesta Music Festival features free concerts as well as booths with food and games.

Enjoy all the amazing characters at the Lunar New Year Celebration at Casa Romantica.
Enjoy all the amazing characters at the Lunar New Year Celebration at Casa Romantica.
Chinelos, or traditional costumed dancers, are vibrant during the Cinco De Mayo Fiesta.
Chinelos, or traditional costumed dancers, are vibrant during the Cinco De Mayo Fiesta.
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Capistrano Unified Schools, including Shorecliffs Middle and San Clemente High

The west side of the community is served by Clarence Lobo Elementary School, which earns an A-minus rating on Niche, while Shorecliffs Middle School has an A rating. The east side is served by Las Palmas Elementary School, which has an A-minus, and A-rated Bernice Ayer Middle School. San Clemente High School serves both areas and has an A rating. In 2024, the high school was lauded for its AVID program, which assists first-generation students in going to college.

A beautiful mural adorns the exterior of Bernice Ayer Middle School.
A beautiful mural adorns the exterior of Bernice Ayer Middle School.
Las Palmas Elementary School is a K-5 School in San Clemente Providing High-Quality Education.
Las Palmas Elementary School is a K-5 School in San Clemente Providing High-Quality Education.
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20 miles to Irvine and more transportation

Irvine is about 20 miles away via Interstate 5, while Santa Ana is about 30 miles from the community. The neighborhood is located between San Diego and Los Angeles, about 60 miles from both major metropolitan areas. For public transit, Central San Clemente is served by San Clemente Pier train station and the Orange County Transportation Authority bus system. The closest airport with commercial flights is John Wayne Airport, located about 25 miles away.

Anna Anderson
Written By
Anna Anderson
Samuel Evans
Photography Contributed By
Samuel Evans

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Candice Blair, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

John Wayne/Orange County

33 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Central San Clemente US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 7 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,820,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,990,000
Median Townhouse Price
$1,862,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$1,650,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$1,200,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,069
Number of Homes for Sale
35
Last 12 months Home Sales
173
Months of Supply
2.40
Median List Price
$1,950,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,815
Median Year Built
1964
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,660
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,734
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,433
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
879
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
300
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 4pm

    703 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente, CA 92672

    $3,399,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,644 Sq Ft
    • 703 Avenida Presidio
    • New 3 days ago

    SPECTACLAR COASTAL LUXURY with MESMERIZING VIEWS in San Clemente! Step into coastal sophistication redefined—a breathtaking residence where panoramic ocean, city lights, and hillside views create an ever-changing masterpiece right outside your windows. This beautifully remodeled and artfully designed property blends high-end finishes, open-concept elegance, and exceptional craftsmanship to offer

    Darlene Jamroz First Team Real Estate

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    9am - 7pm

    125 Calle Redondel, San Clemente, CA 92672

    $1,999,999

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,507 Sq Ft
    • 125 Calle Redondel
    • New 3 days ago

    Ocean View Opportunity! Perched on a rare, oversized lot of approximately 13,200 square feet, this hilltop home boasts sweeping west-by-north-facing views of the ocean, rolling hills, and iconic Catalina sunsets. Situated in one of San Clemente’s most desirable coastal neighborhoods, the property offers development potential which maybe split into two separate rectangular lots—each with equally

    Erik Kaiser RE/MAX TerraSol

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 4pm

    625 Calle Miguel, San Clemente, CA 92672

    $2,600,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,525 Sq Ft
    • 625 Calle Miguel
    • New 7 days ago

    Sited on a remarkably private lot that counts itself among the largest flat parcels in Broadmoor, 625 Calle Miguel offers unobstructed, sit-down ocean and panoramic views of rolling hills and city lights. Upon entry, you are welcomed by the soaring ceilings, open floorplan, and accordion doors allowing for seamless indoor/outdoor coastal living. Fully renovated with quality on-trend finishes and

    Stephen Jeong Keller Williams Realty Irvine

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Candice Blair, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
14,179
Median Age
41
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$92,801
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$123,604

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.2%
College Graduates
42.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.6%
% Population in Labor Force
71.1%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

48 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

93 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Central San Clemente