San Clemente, CA Housing Market & City Data

Explore key insights and real experiences from people who call San Clemente home. Use the data below as a starting point to compare and discover what makes this city a great place to live.

5.0
Average City Rating
64,558
Population Estimate
$905,618
Median Home Value
95.6%
Employment Rate
50.9%
Bachelor's Degree+

San Clemente City Reviews

Real experiences from people who call San Clemente home.

5.0
(2 Reviews)

Randy Ora

When buyers ask The Ora Group about San Clemente, they are comparing distinct lifestyle options—from historic charm in South O (South San Clemente) and Central San Clemente, to master-planned luxury in Talega, Forster Ranch, and Sea Summit. Schools & Coastal Vibe Served by Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) and anchored by San Clemente High School, local academic pride runs deep. Neighborhoods within walking or e-bike distance to San Clemente High or the Beach Trail command higher demand among active families. Commute Realities Being the southernmost city in Orange County, commute strategy is key. Quick access to I-5 ramps via Avenida Pico, Avenida Vista Hermosa, or El Camino Real determines whether you hit freeway traffic immediately or coast smoothly northbound toward Irvine. Taxes & Mello-Roos Differences San Clemente highlights the stark difference in property taxes across South OC. Older coastal neighborhoods near the Pier or Southwest San Clemente carry standard ~1.05% base taxes with no Mello-Roos. Modern master-planned developments like Talega carry Mello-Roos bonds that fund infrastructure and community pools. Sellers and buyers must evaluate these monthly payment nuances carefully. The Ora Group Advantage From coastal bluff overlay zones to analyzing Mello-Roos payoff schedules, our local strategy gives you the edge. Connect with us at TheOraGroup.com.

SchoolsCommunityLocation
Was this review helpful?

Garry Loss

San Clemente is a coastal city located in the southern part of Orange County, California. Known for its scenic beaches, mild climate, and Spanish colonial architecture, San Clemente is a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. San Clemente offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and multi-family properties. Many of the homes in San Clemente were built in the 1960s and 1970s, with some newer construction also available. San Clemente is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and style of homes. Popular neighborhoods include Talega, Forster Ranch, and the Pier Bowl area. San Clemente has a strong rental market, with a mix of short-term vacation rentals and long-term rental properties available. Here are some of the top attractions and activities in San Clemente: San Clemente State Beach: This is a popular beach with a large campground that offers RV and tent camping. The beach is known for its great surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Visitors can also hike the trails and enjoy the scenic views. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens: This is a historic home turned cultural center that offers a glimpse into San Clemente's history and culture. Visitors can take guided tours, attend art exhibits, and enjoy the beautiful gardens. San Clemente Pier: The pier is a popular spot for fishing, strolling, and watching the sunset. It also features a restaurant, gift shop, and beautiful views of the coastline. San Clemente Coastal Trail: This is a scenic trail that runs along the coast and offers stunning views of the ocean and coastline. Visitors can hike, bike, or walk the trail and enjoy the fresh ocean air. Outlets at San Clemente: This is a shopping center that features over 60 designer and name-brand stores. Visitors can shop for clothes, shoes, accessories, and more at discounted prices. Surfing Heritage and Culture Center: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of surfing. Visitors can learn about the evolution of surfing, see vintage surfboards, and watch films about surfing. Downtown San Clemente: The downtown area is filled with restaurants, shops, and art galleries along Avenida del Mar. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the charming streets, sample local cuisine, and browse the unique shops. Surfing: San Clemente is known for its great surfing conditions, so why not try your hand at this popular sport? There are plenty of surf schools in the area that offer lessons for beginners, as well as more advanced surfers. Beach activities: San Clemente has several beautiful beaches that offer a variety of activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and picnicking. Some of the popular beaches include San Clemente State Beach, T-Street Beach, and Calafia Beach. These are just a few of the top attractions to visit in San Clemente. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the local culture, or shop and dine, San Clemente has something for everyone. San Clemente hosts a variety of events throughout the year, offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of activities and entertainment. Here are some of the top events to check out in San Clemente: San Clemente Ocean Festival: This annual event takes place in July and features a variety of ocean-related activities, such as surf contests, stand-up paddleboarding, beach runs, and a fishing derby. Fiesta Music Festival: This popular event takes place in August and features live music, food, vendors, and a classic car show. The festival takes place in the historic downtown area of San Clemente. San Clemente Car Show: This annual car show takes place in June and features hundreds of classic cars and hot rods on display along Avenida Del Mar. Farmers Market The weekly farmers market takes place every Sunday in the downtown area of San Clemente, offering visitors the opportunity to sample fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. Beach Concert Series: The Beach Concert Series takes place during the summer months at the San Clemente Pier and features live music performances from a variety of genres. SeaFest: This annual event takes place in October and features a variety of seafood dishes, live music, arts and crafts vendors, and a chowder cook-off. Christmas at the Casa: This holiday event takes place at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens and features festive decorations, live music, and holiday-themed activities.

CommunityLocation
Was this review helpful?

Housing & Demographic Overview

Key insights about the community

Data as of September 2026

HOUSING DATA (September 2026)

Median Price per SqFt$904
Median Listing Price$2,274,125
Median Days on Market52
Active Listings124
New Listings62
Total Listings (Active + Pending)177
Avg Listing Price$2,959,954
Avg Listing Price Change MoM4%
Avg Listing Price Change YoY2%

HOUSEHOLD OVERVIEW

Family Size3.09
Family Dual Income55.8
Median Household Income$110,434
Median Individual Income$49,502
Home Ownership68.0%
Home Value$905,618
Median Rent$1,880
Rent Burden31.9%
Poverty5.3%

EDUCATION, GENDER & MARITAL STATUS

EDUCATION

  • No Highschool Degree or GED5.3%
  • Highschool Education12.0%
  • Some College31.8%
  • Bachelors Degree32.2%
  • Graduate Degree18.7%
  • Total College or Above50.9%
  • Stem Degree46.9%

GENDER BREAKDOWN

  • Male49.7%
  • Female50.3%

MARITAL STATUS

  • Married58.3%
  • Divorced10.6%
  • Never Married26.2%
  • Widowed5.0%

CITY DATA & AGE BREAKDOWN

CITY DATA

CitySan Clemente
State IDCA
Population64,558

AGE BREAKDOWN

Age Group% of Population
Under 1823.4%
19–2910.7%
30–3911.3%
40–4913.2%
Age Group% of Population
50–5915.9%
60–6914.2%
70–797.7%
80+3.9%

WORKFORCE, ETHNICITY & OTHER

WORKFORCE

Labor Force Participation65.0%
Unemployment Rate4.4%
Disabled7.6%

ETHNICITY

White83.1%
Black0.8%
Asian4.2%
Native American0.4%
Pacific Islander0.1%
Other6.3%
Multiple5.0%

OTHER

Hispanic16.4%
Limited English2.5%
Health Uninsured4.0%
Veteran6.7%

Local Discussions

Community questions and conversations about living in San Clemente, CA.

  1. Is San Clemente, CA a good place to buy a house?

    Local perspectives on San Clemente home prices, buyer demand, neighborhoods, and what to consider before buying a home.

    0
  2. What are the best neighborhoods in San Clemente, CA for families?

    Local insights on San Clemente neighborhoods, schools, parks, commute times, and other factors families may want to consider.

    0
  3. What should home buyers know about the San Clemente, CA housing market?

    Local insights on San Clemente home prices, housing inventory, buyer competition, and current real estate market conditions.

    0
  4. Is it better to buy or rent a home in San Clemente, CA?

    Compare San Clemente home prices, rents, monthly housing costs, and other factors that can affect the decision to buy or rent.

    0
  5. What are the most affordable neighborhoods in San Clemente, CA?

    Explore San Clemente neighborhoods where home buyers may find more affordable housing options and better value for their budget.

    0
  6. How much income do you need to buy a house in San Clemente, CA?

    Learn how San Clemente home prices, down payments, mortgage costs, and other expenses can affect how much income buyers may need.

    0
  7. How much are property taxes on a home in San Clemente, CA?

    Learn how San Clemente property taxes are calculated and how they can affect the overall cost of owning a home.

    0
  8. What are the best neighborhoods in San Clemente, CA for first-time home buyers?

    Explore San Clemente neighborhoods first-time home buyers may consider based on home prices, location, amenities, and lifestyle.

    0
  9. What is it like to live in San Clemente, CA?

    Local perspectives on San Clemente neighborhoods, cost of living, weather, commuting, things to do, and everyday life.

    0
  10. What should I know before moving to San Clemente, CA?

    What newcomers should know about San Clemente housing costs, neighborhoods, transportation, weather, and everyday expenses.

    0

Top Real Estate Agents in San Clemente, CA

Neighborhoods in San Clemente, CA

Get to know neighborhoods in San Clemente, ordered by the number of properties in the provider sample.

  • Talega Swim & Athletic Club

    Talega ↗

    Median asking price
    $899,000
    / sq ft
    $678
    Active listings
    25
    properties in discovery sample
    179
    B

    Nearby schools · estimated

    7.3/10 · 8 schools

  • Forster Ranch Community Park

    Forster Ranch ↗

    Median asking price
    $1,195,000
    / sq ft
    $773
    Active listings
    14
    properties in discovery sample
    170
    B

    Nearby schools · estimated

    6.7/10 · 11 schools

  • Shorecliffs Beach Club

    Shorecliffs ↗

    Median asking price
    $830,000
    / sq ft
    —
    Active listings
    Not available
    properties in discovery sample
    23
    —

    Nearby schools · estimated

    Ratings not available

  • Harbor Estates

    Harbor Estates ↗

    Median asking price
    $998,000
    / sq ft
    —
    Active listings
    Not available
    properties in discovery sample
    18
    B

    Nearby schools · estimated

    6.7/10 · 3 schools

  • Palacio Del Mar

    Palacio Del Mar ↗

    Median asking price
    $1,648,500
    / sq ft
    —
    Active listings
    Not available
    properties in discovery sample
    5
    B

    Nearby schools · estimated

    7.3/10 · 3 schools

Data as of . Listing snapshots from Redfin; nearby-school rating estimates.

About these neighborhood estimates

Prices and counts describe active listings returned by the provider, excluding coming-soon and nearby search results. They are asking prices, not sold prices, and may not include every home for sale.

Nearby-school grades are FastExpert estimates from the average available ratings of unique public schools returned for sampled neighborhood properties. A: 8–10; B: 6–under 8; C: 4–under 6; D: 2–under 4; F: 1–under 2. Unrated schools are excluded. Nearby schools may not be assigned to a specific address.

Photos show identified local landmarks. Five neighborhoods are shown, ordered by property count. Median asking price breaks a tie.