SperlingViews - San_Clemente, California

First, the big plus of San Clemente is the weather. It is wonderful and most of the time you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Second, the area has a natural beauty that one expects of Southern California. The beaches are well kept and it is nice to spend the day there. The negatives have to begin with the high cost of living. Even with the recent home price declines, housing costs are still high as the number of foreclosures and bankruptcies can attest. The taxes and fees associated with housing can added greatly to your expected monthly expenses. Another big negative is the aging nuclear plant just south of the city. In case of accident, the prevailing south-to-southwest winds would place radioactivity at your door. Especially avoid the Talega subdivision. Most locals dislike the people there. It is understandable. They are Laguna Beach- Newport Beach wannabes who will never come close to making it. They take out second and third mortgages to buy their 16-year old children BMW’s or sports cars. These pampered teens, with new vehicles, credit cards and little to do, occupy their lives with alcohol, drugs and vandalism. The police, not wishing to report these events as felonies and risk harming the city’s reputation, write them up as minor infractions. Also note that in Talega the Mello- Roos assessment can easily double your property tax (A hidden cost your realtor doesn’t want to talk about). Now throw in HOA fees for which you get very little. Oh yes, they will tow your car away if it’s left in front of your own home after 1:00 a.m.- but, the weather is nice. [read more...]

2005, 2006, 2007 one homicide 2008 8+[read more...]

I first moved to San Clemente in 1974 from the Los Angeles area. Three things struck me at the time as being radically different than LA: Things closed down earlier, there was noticeably less traffic and congestion and there was very little petty crime. In fact, people often left their cars and houses unlocked, which amazed me. I moved back in 2007 and the city has changed in a lot of ways. It is crowded and there is a lot more things to do now, but the crime is still relatively low.[read more...]

San Clemente has the best weather in the country. The atmosphere around the city is nice and slow paced. San Clemente is a more artsy city than the rest of Orange County.[read more...]

San Clemente still retains the feel of a small beach town although its population is growing to almost 100,000 residents. The climate is a perfect '10' and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities year round. There is a true sense of community in San Clemente.[read more...]

Great beach town with a great community.[read more...]

San Clemente has the best weather in Southern California, boasting over 300 sunny days a year and fresh ocean breezes.[read more...]

San Clemente is a great city, full of the classic southern California lifestyle that you imagine when listening to a beach boys song. But you'll pay the price. Prices are out of hand and getting worse. What good is a "paradise" type lifestyle, when you have to kill yourself working so hard to afford it?[read more...]

Incredible climate perfect for year-round outdoor activity.[read more...]