San Juan Capistrano (SJC), one of Orange County’s already wealthy cities, may be moving towards further gentrification.
Out of the 34,000 currently living in Orange County as of 2023, there is an unemployment rate of 3.8%. However, the rise of new establishments promoting high-quality goods and luxury services may reinforce the current gentrification patterns.
Gentrification is the gradual pattern of low-income areas being transformed into wealthier housing and businesses. Although it may seem like a good thing, gentrification brings many negative effects on communities.
For example, gentrification can lead to pre-existing residents (who are usually lower-income status) to be replaced by wealthier residents. The surplus of wealthier housing and newer businesses can force lower-income residents out.
River Street Marketplace, an open-air market with modern dining, retail, art, a butchery, and bars, opened in the Los Rios area in late 2024. However, the store’s unique designs and high-quality foods may be a sign of ongoing gentrification.
River Street flashes its collection of new styles of clothing, as well as new brands and dining experiences. The market holds new types of food as well as a reputation for its organic ingredients.
With such high quality products, it’s expected that there will be higher prices that go along with them.
11-year resident Nate Weber has his take on the new outlets and businesses. For years, Nate has experienced changes in establishments, businesses, and prices and has tried the new recent outlets, including River Street Marketplace.
“Our bill came out to be 500 dollars, so it’s definitely expensive. But, it’s all farm-grown fresh ingredients,” said Nate Weber (11).
This trend of incoming stores isn’t reflected just once. San Juan Capistrano has recently been experiencing an onslaught of new food chains such as In-N-Out down in Camino Capistrano. The chain replaced former restaurant Marie Callender’s, popular for its cheap prices and pies.
Other functions interfere with the city’s antique history, drawing back all the way to 1776, when the Mission of San Juan Capistrano was founded.
“I don’t really like the Inn at the Mission which blocks the view of the church from the freeway,” says Weber.
The influx of new establishments brings into question the decision between maintaining tradition or adding new businesses.
Additionally, SJC’s residential area has been experiencing new upgrades such as the recently opened “Windmill Park,” a scenic park next to the San Juan Hills Golf Club. The park boasts its horse-friendly features, like the drinking trough.
With these new additions to SJC, who’s going to end up paying for them? Residents in SJC will have to expect higher expenses for the cost of living there.
“The residents that are drastically affected are those right in the center, where the Los Rios district are,” says Weber.
Although improvements to the antique town of SJC bring excitement, it’s important for us to consider how this may be a possible eviction notice for our lower-income residents.
