Overview
Located in Southern California, San Juan Capistrano is a residential community popular for its proximity to the beach. In addition to its outdoor and water recreation, residents love its historic architecture and active downtown. Local festivals, golfing, and easy access to major metro areas makes San Juan Capistrano an in-demand city for retirees.
Climate & Geography
San Juan Capistrano is located in southern Orange County and has a mediterranean climate, which is characterized by dry, warm summers and mild to cool winters. There is less than average rainfall, no snow, and 284 days of sunshine on average.
Eastern Orange County lies in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, transitioning into flatter, coastal plains further west. San Juan Capistrano lies in the middle of this transition, and the San Juan Creek bisects the city.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
The city’s historic downtown is its main hub for culture and entertainment. It offers a variety of historic points and buildings as well as boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, and local eateries. The Los Rios Historic District also has small shops, a cafe, and a museum among the old Spanish-style architecture.
Outdoor recreation is easy to find as well. The city is minutes from the Capistrano Beach for ocean swimming. The Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park to the east of the city offers trails and scenic views. There are also two golf courses within the city.
Residents also love the free concert series and food festivals held by the city. For even more amenities, shopping, and dining, residents can drive a half hour to Irvine or an hour to either Los Angeles or San Diego.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in San Juan Capistrano is higher than the national average because of high housing costs. Transportation and utilities are also above average, while groceries and health care are close to average.
California does not tax Social Security, but it does fully tax all other forms of retirement income. Property taxes are low, and there is a homeowners’ exemption that can help lower these taxes. The city’s sales tax rate of 7.75 percent is on the high end.
Health Care
The Los Angeles metro area ranks in the top 45 communities across the country according to Gallup’s Well-Being Index.
There are several nearby hospitals that are nationally ranked by U.S. News. These include Missions Hospitals, Mission Viejo and Laguna Beach in Mission Viejo, MemorialCare Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in Laguna Hills, Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Irvine, and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach.