San Juan Capistrano

About San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano is a historic city in California's Orange County, located 3 miles southeast of Laguna Niguel and 20 miles southeast of Santa Ana. The city shares its name with the nearby Mission San Juan Capistrano, which attracts millions of locals and tourists every year. The city's Return of the Swallows Celebration honors a large flock of migratory cliff swallows that have called the area home for much of the past several decades.

The History of San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano was established in 1776, when Acjachemen Indians lived in the area. Spanish settlers built the mission as part of their colonization efforts, naming it after Giovanni da Capistrano, a Franciscan saint. The settlers also established farmlands and granaries, and their villages flourished. The area became a leading producer of ceramics, tiles and bricks. San Juan Capistrano was the site of many firsts for California, including the first vineyard and winery. It's also home to the oldest residential neighborhood in the state, the Los Rios community.

The San Juan Capistrano Economy

San Juan Capistrano boasts close to 2,000 businesses across a range of industries. St. Margaret of Scotland School, Meggitt, Costco Wholesale and 24 Hour Fitness are among the city's largest employers. San Juan Capistrano has a number of automotive dealerships selling new vehicles from Ford, Toyota, Honda and other popular car makers, providing a number of sales and service jobs.

San Juan Capistrano's unemployment rate is significantly lower than the national average. Job growth over the next 10 years is predicted to be stronger than the forecasted U.S. average, indicating San Juan Capistrano will continue to be an economic force. If you're in need of a job in the area, you can also look for options in the surrounding Orange County community.

San Juan Capistrano Schools

Established in 1965, the Capistrano Unified School District serves the public schools of San Juan Capistrano. There are also many private schools in the city, including faith-based college prep schools and a K-8 school located on the historic grounds of Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano.

Resources for Moving to San Juan Capistrano

Here are some quick resources to help you make the transition to San Juan Capistrano:

• Utilities: San Diego Gas & Electric is the city's central energy provider. The City of San Juan Capistrano manages residential water services and offers a range of options, such as online billing.
• Garbage and Recycling: Your trash and recyclables will be collected on a regular basis. Depending on your specific location in the city, you may also have a disposal can for collection of yard waste.
• Transportation: The Orange County Transportation Authority facilitates a public transit network, including a number of bus routes, in and around San Juan Capistrano.

San Juan Capistrano Housing

San Juan Capistrano's residential areas reflect the city's Spanish heritage, with adobes dating back to the 18th century and historic properties that often feature Spanish-style architecture. The city offers a wide range of options, from large mansions in gated communities to compact apartments in large multi-family communities. The median home price in the city is well above the state average and very expensive compared to other similar-sized cities in the nation.