Orange County Cities / San Juan Capistrano
Living in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A historic mission town just inland, with California’s oldest neighborhood and a train station downtown.
Updated October 27, 2026 · Jacob Hazzard, Luxre Realty
1776
Mission founded
1961
Incorporated
35,253
Residents (2020 census)
14.4 sq mi
Total area
$1.41M
Median sale price
98
Homes sold in September
About San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano grew up around Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776 by Father Junípero Serra as the seventh of California's Spanish missions. The city incorporated in 1961, covers 14.4 square miles, and had 35,253 residents at the 2020 census. The mission's Serra Chapel is the oldest building in California still in use, and the nearby Los Rios neighborhood is considered the oldest residential neighborhood in the state.
Why People Move to San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Founded in 1776; its Serra Chapel is the oldest building in California still in use
Los Rios Historic District
Considered the oldest residential neighborhood in California, with original adobes still standing
Swallows Day traditions
The annual Swallows Day Parade and Fiesta de las Golondrinas celebrate the swallows’ return
Train downtown
Amtrak and Metrolink stop one block from the mission
Small-town downtown
A historic, walkable center around the mission and Los Rios Street
Minutes from the coast
Borders Dana Point and San Clemente, a short drive to the beach
Types of Homes
Historic homes
Adobe and board-and-batten structures in the Los Rios district near the mission
Single-family neighborhoods
Neighborhoods spread across the city’s 14.4 square miles
Condos & townhomes
Attached homes are also part of the mix
San Juan Capistrano Home Prices
Median sale price
$1,410,828
3 months ending Sept 2026, +3.4% YoY
Source: Redfin
Median price per sq ft
$666
-2.3% vs. last year
Source: Redfin
Homes sold in September
98
Up from 83 a year earlier
Source: Redfin
- Median sale price: $1,410,828 over the three months ending September 2026, up 3.4% from a year earlier (Redfin)
- Median days on market: 49, compared with 48 a year earlier (Redfin)
- Homes received 5 offers on average over the three months (Redfin)
Redfin describes the San Juan Capistrano market as somewhat competitive.
Want a valuation for a specific San Juan Capistrano home?HOA & Taxes
- HOA dues and any special taxes vary by community; check the dues and the property tax bill for any specific home
Getting Around
- I-5 runs through the city
- Amtrak and Metrolink stop at the San Juan Capistrano station, one block from the mission
Schools
San Juan Capistrano is served by Capistrano Unified School District. Mission Basilica School (K-8) is a private school on the mission grounds. Always confirm the assigned public schools for a specific address with the district.
San Juan Capistrano FAQ
What is San Juan Capistrano known for?
Mission San Juan Capistrano (founded 1776), the Los Rios Historic District, and the annual Swallows Day Parade.
How much do homes cost in San Juan Capistrano?
Redfin reported a median sale price of $1,410,828 for the three months ending September 2026, up 3.4% from a year earlier.
Does San Juan Capistrano have a train station?
Yes. Amtrak and Metrolink both stop at the downtown station, one block from the mission.
More Orange County Cities
Dana Point
A harbor town next door to San Clemente, with surf breaks, bluff-top parks, and one of the few harbors on the Orange County coast.
Capistrano Beach
Bluff-top homes and a beach road on the south end of Dana Point, right on the San Clemente border.
Laguna Niguel
One of California’s first master-planned communities, with parks, trails, and canyon and ocean views.
Laguna Beach
An art-colony beach town with 27 beaches and coves, protected hills, and its own school district.
Jacob Hazzard is as good as it gets! He found the exact type of niche property we were looking for
Thinking About San Juan Capistrano?
I grew up in San Clemente, right next door, and am happy to walk you through any home or street in San Juan Capistrano, no pressure.
Jacob Hazzard, REALTOR® | CA DRE# 02222037 | Luxre Realty