San Clemente Review
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4/8/2011
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.
GaryP | Mission Viejo, CA