El Encanto, San Clemente

Updated June 22, 2026 · 286 residents

El Encanto is a small, predominantly residential enclave in San Clemente characterized by exceptional walkability and high air quality. While the area offers a quiet atmosphere with proximity to green spaces, residents may notice consistent road traffic noise.

Key Highlights

Moderate PrivacyHighly WalkableUpscale and ManicuredGreat for Dog WalkingSemi-Rural FeelSuburban ActivityHigh Traffic NoisePristine Air QualityPurely ResidentialHigh Insurance CoverageLargely ConservativeDiverse Age MixRelatively Low Flood RiskExtreme Fire Risk
Map showing the location of El Encanto, San Clemente, CA

About El Encanto

El Encanto is a compact, residential neighborhood in San Clemente with a population of approximately 286. The area is defined by its quiet, suburban streets and significant access to open green spaces, contributing to a high visual appeal. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood benefits from excellent air quality and a lack of industrial proximity, making it a clean environment for residents.

The neighborhood is served by the highly-rated Capistrano Unified School District, which is known for its strong academic performance. While the area is highly walkable, potential residents should note that the acoustic environment is influenced by road traffic, resulting in moderate noise levels. Additionally, the neighborhood faces significant challenges regarding fire safety, which is a common consideration in this coastal region. It is well-suited for those who prioritize school quality and walkability over absolute silence.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

🤫 Privacy Index

Residential spacing offers a balanced level of separation between homes, providing slightly more buffer between neighbors than the San Clemente average.

🚶 Walkability

Continuous sidewalk networks and pedestrian-priority crossings throughout the residential grid make navigating the area on foot exceptionally easy. This level of accessibility is notably higher than the San Clemente average, according to iHuus data.

🎨 Visual Appeal

Large residences featuring private pools and well-maintained multi-car driveways characterize the area. This level of visual polish is consistent with the broader San Clemente average, according to iHuus data.

🐕 Dog Friendliness

Wide grass verges and large public parks with sports fields provide ample space for pets. While very accommodating, the neighborhood is slightly below the San Clemente average for dog friendliness.

🗺️ Urban-Rural Index

Open land and scattered greenery are more common here than in the more developed parts of San Clemente. According to iHuus data, the area features a blend of winding cul-de-sacs and pockets of woodland.

Neighborhood Vibe

Active pockets of dining and amenities exist alongside quieter residential streets near local water features. According to iHuus data, the level of local activity is higher than the average found throughout San Clemente.

🔊 Acoustic Comfort

Frequent noise from nearby transit corridors and flight paths is characteristic of this area. According to iHuus data, acoustic comfort levels are slightly below the San Clemente average.

🌿 Air Quality

Air quality is exceptionally clean with minimal pollutants, performing even better than the San Clemente average according to iHuus data.

🏭 Industrial Proximity

Industrial activity is entirely absent from this area, providing a landscape of quiet streets and green spaces that is even more residential than the San Clemente average. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood contains no warehouses, manufacturing facilities, or known hazard sites.

🏥 Health Insurance Coverage

Health insurance access is exceptionally high among residents, performing slightly above the San Clemente average according to iHuus data.

🗳️ Ideological Lean

Political leanings in this area are predominantly conservative, representing a more right-leaning tilt than the San Clemente average according to iHuus data.

👥 Population Age Profile

Residents live alongside a balanced blend of young adults, families, and older populations. This age distribution is slightly more varied than the typical profile found across San Clemente, according to iHuus data.

🌊 Flood Safety

Flood safety in this area is notably higher than the San Clemente average, though some residual risk exists within the 500-year floodplain according to iHuus data.

🔥 Fire Safety

Wildfire hazards are exceptionally high in this area, representing a much greater danger than the typical risk found within San Clemente. Residents should prioritize maximum fire protection measures and emergency preparedness according to iHuus data.

Block-Level Insights for El Encanto

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

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School Districts Serving El Encanto

Capistrano Unified School District school district map
Capistrano Unified School District
Grades K–1210/10
59 schools Rating range: 110 / 10

Capistrano Unified School District stands as a premier educational organization in Orange County, characterized by a vast portfolio of high-performing schools and 'Blue Chip' academic results. With nearly all terminal high schools maintaining elite status and a high concentration of perfect 10/10 ratings across its elementary and middle schools, the district demonstrates exceptional feeder consistency. While the organization manages local challenges such as aging infrastructure in coastal zones and a high-stress competitive culture, its operational health is bolstered by strong community involvement, proactive safety updates, and innovative STEAM certifications. Despite minor demographic shifts and facility maintenance debates, CUSD remains a top-tier district with stable leadership and a reputation for public education quality that rivals private institutions.

Schools

Castille ElementaryElementary
10/10
Las Flores ElementaryElementary
10/10
Philip J. Reilly ElementaryElementary
10/10
Arroyo Vista MiddleMiddle
10/10
EsenciaElementary
10/10
Esencia MiddleMiddle
10/10
Capistrano Valley HighHigh
10/10
Aliso Niguel HighHigh
10/10
John Malcom ElementaryElementary
10/10
Wagon Wheel ElementaryElementary
10/10
Fred Newhart MiddleMiddle
10/10
Bernice Ayer MiddleMiddle
10/10
Tesoro HighHigh
10/10
Chaparral ElementaryElementary
10/10
Marian Bergeson ElementaryElementary
10/10
Truman Benedict ElementaryElementary
10/10
George White ElementaryElementary
10/10
Vista Del Mar ElementaryElementary
10/10
Canyon Vista ElementaryElementary
10/10
Carl Hankey ElementaryElementary
10/10
Dana Hills HighHigh
9/10
Moulton ElementaryElementary
9/10
San Clemente HighHigh
9/10
Arroyo Vista ElementaryElementary
9/10
Bathgate ElementaryElementary
9/10
Clarence Lobo ElementaryElementary
9/10
Don Juan Avila ElementaryElementary
9/10
Don Juan Avila MiddleMiddle
9/10
Tijeras Creek ElementaryElementary
9/10
Oso Grande ElementaryElementary
9/10
Ladera Ranch MiddleMiddle
9/10
Ladera Ranch ElementaryElementary
9/10
San Juan Hills HighHigh
9/10
Carl Hankey MiddleMiddle
9/10
Concordia ElementaryElementary
9/10
Viejo ElementaryElementary
9/10
Aliso Viejo MiddleMiddle
9/10
Oak Grove ElementaryElementary
9/10
California Preparatory AcademyHigh
9/10
Las Palmas ElementaryElementary
8/10
Marco Forster MiddleMiddle
8/10
Richard Henry Dana ElementaryElementary
8/10
Las Flores MiddleMiddle
8/10
Wood Canyon ElementaryElementary
8/10
Palisades ElementaryElementary
8/10
San Juan ElementaryElementary
8/10
Laguna Niguel ElementaryElementary
7/10
Capistrano Home/VirtualElementary
7/10
Niguel Hills MiddleMiddle
7/10
Shorecliffs MiddleMiddle
7/10
Harold Ambuehl ElementaryElementary
6/10
Vista Del Mar MiddleMiddle
6/10
Del Obispo ElementaryElementary
6/10
Marblehead ElementaryElementary
5/10
Kinoshita ElementaryElementary
4/10
Hidden Hills ElementaryElementary
3/10
Capistrano Union HighHigh
3/10
Bridges Community DayHigh
1/10
Early Childhood Center
Not rated

School Insights for El Encanto

School Insights

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is El Encanto a walkable neighborhood?
Yes, El Encanto is exceptionally walkable, making it easy for residents to navigate the area on foot despite the limited number of local businesses.
What school district serves El Encanto?
Residents are served by the Capistrano Unified School District, which is recognized for its high academic standards and consistent performance across its schools.
How is the noise level in El Encanto?
While the neighborhood is largely residential and quiet, residents may experience moderate noise levels due to nearby road traffic.
What are the primary safety considerations in El Encanto?
The neighborhood benefits from good flood safety ratings, though residents should remain aware of fire safety risks, which are elevated in this coastal area.