Central San Clemente Real Estate | Downtown & Pier Homes

Welcome To Central San Clemente

Central San Clemente is the heart of the city, combining historic charm, coastal lifestyle, and everyday convenience in a way no other neighborhood quite replicates. Established and scenic, this area uniquely blends the energy of Avenida Del Mar and downtown with the privacy, views, and quiet streets found in the surrounding hillside neighborhoods.

What makes Central San Clemente special is that it offers the best of both worlds. The hillside areas provide sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and unforgettable sunsets, all while remaining just minutes from local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, beaches, and community events. There's a distinct feeling of being tucked away and private while still staying connected to the heart of the city.

Unlike newer master-planned communities, Central San Clemente has a more organic, generational feel. Mature landscaping, custom homes, and original coastal and Spanish-style architecture reflect the city's history, with neighborhoods that have developed naturally over time rather than being built all at once. It's a rare combination of classic San Clemente character paired with both ocean access and elevated viewpoints.

Downtown living is central to the neighborhood's identity. Residents can stroll, shop, and dine along Avenida Del Mar, visit Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, or catch the San Clemente Certified Farmers Market on Sunday mornings. The area also hosts the San Clemente Village Art Faire, live performances at Cabrillo Playhouse, and the San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival, all within walking distance of historic downtown's Spanish-style architecture. Parque Del Mar offers a favorite spot for ocean views and sunsets, while nearby beach access at T-Street and the Pier Bowl rounds out the neighborhood's coastal appeal.

The dining and shopping scene here is one of the richest in San Clemente, featuring South of Nick's San Clemente, Rare Society, Zov's, The Cellar, Antoine's Cafe, Cafe Calypso, The Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar, Rancho Capistrano Winery, Lucky Dog Gelato, The Bagel Shack, Brick & Basil Wood Fired Pizza, Rainbow Sandals Flagship Store, Hobie Surf Shop, Melrose in the OC, Woody Hut, and the boutiques and shops lining Del Mar Street and Avenida Del Mar.

Families in Central San Clemente are served by Las Palmas Elementary School, Shorecliffs Middle School, and San Clemente High School, with private options including Our Lady of Fatima Academy, St. Michael's Christian Academy, and San Clemente Christian School.

Central San Clemente appeals to buyers looking for a true San Clemente lifestyle, one where ocean sunsets, local businesses, walkable downtown streets, and a strong sense of community come together. Whether drawn to the vibrant village feel of Avenida Del Mar or the quiet, view-lined streets of the hillside neighborhoods above it, residents here experience an authentic beach-town character that newer developments simply can't recreate.

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Overview for Central San Clemente, CA

13,306 people live in Central San Clemente, where the median age is 45 and the average individual income is $67,280. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

13,306

Total Population

45 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density
This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$67,280

Average individual Income

Around Central San Clemente, CA

There's plenty to do around Central San Clemente, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

93

Walker's Paradise

Walking Score

62

Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Liz's Dinner Service, MrBeast Burger, and Cj's of San Clemente.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Liz's Dinner Service page on Yelp Search 555 N El Camino Real on Google Maps	Dining	0.08 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the MrBeast Burger page on Yelp Search 111 W Avenida Palizada on Google Maps	Dining	0.17 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Cj's of San Clemente page on Yelp Search 35 Via Pico Plz on Google Maps	Dining	0.33 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Teassr Clothing page on Yelp Search 111 W Ave Palizada on Google Maps	Shopping	0.17 miles	1 review	5/5 stars
Visit the Novella Royale page on Yelp Search 1100 N El Camino Real on Google Maps	Shopping	0.29 miles	1 review	5/5 stars
Visit the Birdwell page on Yelp Search 121 Avenida Cabrillo on Google Maps	Shopping	0.3 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Fashion Plate page on Yelp Search 132 Avenida Del Mar on Google Maps	Shopping	0.33 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the PJ Harlow page on Yelp Search 154 Avenida Del Mar on Google Maps	Shopping	0.34 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Fit Mom TV E-GYM page on Yelp Search Kt Productions on Google Maps	Active	0.08 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Ponder Yoga page on Yelp	Active	0.14 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the San Clemente Gym page on Yelp Search 1108 N El Camino Real on Google Maps	Active	0.31 miles	81 reviews	4.5/5 stars
Visit the Boys & Girls Club page on Yelp Search 1304 Calle Valle on Google Maps	Active	0.33 miles	12 reviews	4.3/5 stars
Visit the Aura Skinfit page on Yelp Search 430 N El Camino Real on Google Maps	Beauty	0.13 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Hair and Nails by Audrey page on Yelp Search 2720 Camino Capistrano on Google Maps	Beauty	0.15 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Salon Real page on Yelp Search 424 N El Camino Real on Google Maps	Beauty	0.15 miles	8 reviews	4.5/5 stars
Visit the Jimenez Beauty Salon page on Yelp Search 106 W Mariposa on Google Maps	Beauty	0.16 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Reanna Rozunko page on Yelp Search 418 N El Camino Real on Google Maps	Beauty	0.16 miles	4 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Surf City Barbershop page on Yelp Search 111 W Avenida Palizada on Google Maps	Beauty	0.17 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Carlisle's Hair Design page on Yelp Search 111 W Avenida Palizada on Google Maps	Beauty	0.17 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Arelys beauty page on Yelp Search 118 E El Portal on Google Maps	Beauty	0.2 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Electric Owl page on Yelp Search 221 North El Camino Real on Google Maps	Beauty	0.24 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Lorens Beauty Salon page on Yelp Search 924 N El Camino Real on Google Maps	Beauty	0.25 miles	1 review	4/5 stars
Visit the Hayashi Fumio page on Yelp Search 132 Avenida Del Mar on Google Maps	Beauty	0.33 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the BrowsandLashesbyLauren page on Yelp Search 121 W El Portal on Google Maps	Beauty	0.34 miles	2 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Central San Clemente, CA

Population Households Employment

Central San Clemente has 5,843 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Central San Clemente do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 13,306 people call Central San Clemente home. The population density is 12,421 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

13,306

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

45 years

Median Age

52 / 48%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

5,843

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$67,280

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in Central San Clemente, CA

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Central San Clemente. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name

Neighborhoods

Coast District
South East San Clemente
North Beach San Clemente
Rancho San Clemente
Marblehead and Sea Summit
Forster Ranch San Clemente
Central San Clemente
Southwest San Clemente
Talega San Clemente
Rancho Santa Margarita
Laguna Beach
Coto de Caza
Aliso Viejo
Laguna Niguel
Mission Viejo
Ladera Ranch
Rancho Mission Viejo
San Juan Capistrano
Dana Point
San Clemente

Explore Coast District
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Explore South East San Clemente
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Explore North Beach San Clemente

Pairs vintage California architecture with rich surf culture in one of San Clemente's oldest communities.
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Explore Rancho San Clemente

Enjoy serene hillside living in San Clemente with quiet streets, open spaces, and nearby coastal amenities.
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Explore Marblehead and Sea Summit

Close to North Beach, the Pier, and local dining, both neighborhoods put you near top San Clemente events.
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Explore Forster Ranch San Clemente

Scenic hiking trails and open spaces like the Forster Ridgeline Trail define this active Forster Ranch area.
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Explore Central San Clemente

Experience the heart of San Clemente, pairing downtown energy near Avenida Del Mar with quiet hillside ocean views.
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Explore Southwest San Clemente

Discover a peaceful coastal community offering Spanish-style charm, tree-lined streets, and bluff views.
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Explore Talega San Clemente

Scenic trails, quiet streets, and high-end coastal living make this neighborhood an ideal retreat for all.
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Explore Rancho Santa Margarita

One of Orange County's youngest cities, it is a master planned community set upon scenic rolling hills.
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Explore Laguna Beach
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Explore Coto de Caza
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Explore Aliso Viejo

Explore Aliso Viejo’s 3,400-acre park, extensive trails, top-rated schools, and convenient access to local amenities.
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Explore Laguna Niguel

A wonderfully master-planned community located in the beautiful and scenic San Joaquin Hills.
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Explore Mission Viejo

It is a beautiful incorporated city located in southern Orange County in the Saddleback Valley.
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Explore Ladera Ranch

Discover Ladera Ranch, offering scenic foothill views, award-winning schools, and family neighborhoods.
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Explore Rancho Mission Viejo

One of southern Orange County’s newest and most thoughtfully designed master-planned communities.
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Explore San Juan Capistrano
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Explore Dana Point

Situated on seven miles of prominent coastal bluffs and rolling hills midway between Los Angeles and San Diego.
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Explore San Clemente

One of Southern California's most distinctive coastal communities, often called the "Spanish Village by the Sea."
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