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I do not live in San Juan Capistrano, I live in northern neighbor Mission Viejo but know SJC well. SJC is a small community (30,000 residents) with a rural heart in the middle of South Orange County. The community has a historic and walkable downtown area surrounding Mission San Juan, definitely one of the most beautiful of CA's missions. The shops tend to cater to tourists (souvenir shops, historic artifacts, antiques) and then there are some nice restaurants. Just outside of the historic area are some shopping centers where the locals shop that have everyday stores like groceries, hardware, nail salons, haircuts, etc... The outer areas of the city are fairly rural and there are many equestrian properties and multi million dollar estates. There are horses crossing streets and going between riding trails that criss cross the city all the time. In many ways, there is a small town feel to SJC and if you never left its borders you would think you were in small town California.
The apartments near the mission generally are not recommendable. The absolute worst is the neighborhood known as "La Zanja" bound by Camino Capistrano on the east and Avenida de la Vida on the west. I would not walk around at night in that neighborhood specifically due to a gang presence and possible hostility. The communities around the mission are relatively poor, immigrant families that are primarily Hispanic. It is not like Santa Ana, but most of the people in the neighborhood speak Spanish to each other and you might stick out a little bit if you don't speak Spanish. Also, many of the units are overcrowded, with two families of five living in a two bedroom. Most of the people are extremely friendly and polite, and on Sunday's you will see many of your neighbor's put on their Sunday best and walk to the mission church. It sort of reminds me of small-town America and is charming. Sadly a few people, generally youths, have gotten involved in gang activity doing things like break car windows, put graffiti all over, and get into fights with rivals. Do know this is not like Compton with people driving around shooting ten people a week, murders are few and far between. Basically, there is a reason that the condos are cheaper, it is not a very desirable area for living. If you really are interested in the unit, I 100% recommend you spend some time there first.
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San Juan Capistrano
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