San Juan Capistrano is a charming and pretty historic town, that has grown into a population of about 30,000 in recent years. It is famous for its mission and for its swallows when, every March, thousands fly in from Argentina, which is an occasion for celebrations. Different from other Orange County cities, San Juan Capistrano has a true center - the mission and old town - which gives its residents something to protect, improve, rally around and celebrate, ultimately building a strong sense of community.

Built for the most part over rolling coastal hills, close to the ocean but not on it (Capistrano Beach is in Dana Point), San Juan Capistrano is divided north to south by Interstate 5, a good dividing line for how the town developed, and east-west by Highway 74.

        Father Junipero Serra opened the mission in 1776 and for about 50 years it flourished until the lands were secularized and the mission allowed to fall into disrepair. By this time, a small village had taken hold and until well into the 20th century, it served the mostly agricultural needs of the countryside.

Children attend schools in Capistrano Valley district, which also serves surrounding communities. District rankings are the 80th and 90th percentiles. San Juan Elementary runs a year-round schedule, Ambuehl Elementary both year-round and traditional. One elementary school, Wagon Wheel, and one middle school, Las Flores, were opened in 1996.

By 1960, the hamlet had a population of about 1,100 living in about 300 homes and rentals. In 1961, the town incorporated as a city, which gave planning power to the locals and allowed them to get control of what was clearly coming in Orange County: rapid development. In the 1960s, San Juan Capistrano built about 1,200 residential units and has grown to over 10,227 units as of 1996.

Here there is a home for every one - single-family detached homes, single attached homes, and multiples. You will find townhouses, well-kept one and two story original suburban ranchers, as well as new homes boasting the mission look (Moorish, Spanish and Mediterranean, with stucco and red-tile roofs).

Homes with views of the ocean and countryside can be found east of the freeway in the hills divided by deep arroyos, alongside country-club homes within easy access of two golf courses. You will experience a country feeling, with horses and horse trails when followed lead to a wide valley that leads down to the ocean, beaches and harbor.

San Juan Capistrano offers an abundance of recreational activities to please every individual. There are about 10 parks, golfing, tennis, movies, theater, musical events, horse trails, an equestrian center (440 stables), sports parks, a community center, recreation complex, and senior's center.

Improvements were made in 1995 to the historic block near Mission San Juan Capistrano which preserved the exterior and modernized the interior. A museum, variety of restaurants, walking tours, the annual Swallows Parade (which draws about 30,000 people each year), and various other general activities are popular to visitors and residents alike. In the evening, some residents walk or jog down to the beach.

For every day amenities, a major shopping plaza west of the freeway is available, and there are various neighborhood store centers.

        For more information about San Juan Capistrano, the Real Estate opportunities here, or any other Real Estate questions you may have, please call "CHILI", at (949) 831-7467, or contact her online..