"All I need is some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I'm fine". Spicoli. Words of wisdom. If you have enough money San Clemente is paradise for most locals. Sunny and Mid 70s year round. Climate is perfect for most. This was the most conservative part of the country in 70s. (Nixon, home of the western white house). Old people died and younger 2 income families moved in. Less conservative. Things change. But not the vibe. Still a small beach town. Camp Pendelton has open land south of us. So we have a unique location geographically. A reason retirees moved here in the 60s and 70s when it was affordable to many. Not so now. Commuting would suck from here, which is why so many people work from home around here, or are just plain rich. Another thing I liked about growing up here. The wealthy are harder to spot here. Rich people dress down that are from here. Neighbor town Dana Point let the Ritz Carlton, St. Regis and other high end hotels and restaurants. San Clemente stayed a small beach town when all other south orange county beaches wanted tourism. So if your rich and don't have to commute, love the outdoors and beach, it would be hard pressed to beat here. There are so many different places to socialize with the people you feel comfortable with, conservatives or liberals. Or as my neighbor said "people".