Aguanga is a rural retreat with growth potential
Wrapped in views of mountains and wilderness with ample open space for horseback riding, Aguanga is a true escape from anything remotely "city." Far from major shopping with land in all directions, it may seem like there is nothing here but countryside. However, a second glance reveals Aguanga's niche art scene, restaurants and vineyards just a short drive away. "I think it's a future wine country. It's super rural right now, but it's growing. There's a lot of potential for retail to come in," says broker Cynthia Nordskog, who has over 30 years of experience and works for Coldwell Banker Realty. "I've sold four parcels of land in the last year and people are coming in and building custom homes. In 25 years, you won't recognize Aguanga."
Ways to enjoy the natural world from Aguanga
The outskirts of Aguanga offer campgrounds connected to hiking trails. Saddle Up Ranch is a female-owned nonprofit dedicated to rehabilitating horses. The ranch guides trail rides to select wineries in Temecula and through the surrounding mountains and valleys. Cottonwood Park's 10 acres are roughly 6 miles away, with a ballfield, basketball court and play area for the kids. Vail Lake, over 10 miles from the core of Aguanga, is a popular fishing spot. San Onofre State Beach is one of the closest spots to lounge on the sand, approximately 70 miles away.
A unique yet limited housing stock and plenty of land for sale
"Ranch styles are common here, and they are generally custom homes. Everyone comes in and brings their own flavor and makes their dream come true," Nordskog says. Single-family homes generally range from around $344,000 to nearly $1 million. However, properties can fetch upwards of $2 million, especially when more luxurious. Aguanga also has manufactured homes, ranging from about $201,000 to $564,000, and RV homes priced from $47,000 to $250,000. Rancho California RV Resort is a 440-acre gated community surrounding an executive golf course, pools and athletic courts. Residents of Aguanga take in views of the vast landscape from their homes. "There's a lot of cacti, different types of plants growing in the region, and some trees. People can have their own wells," Nordskog says. The median lot size is more than 5 acres. Currently, there is more land than homes in Aguanga, and generous lots for sale.
Aguanga students travel 30 miles for Hemet Unified School District schools
Students attend the Hemet Unified School District. McSweeny Elementary School earns a C-plus rating on Niche, Diamond Valley Middle School maintains a C and West Valley High School scores a B minus. The high school offers an International Baccalaureate program and Career Technical Education training in various fields including agriculture, drama and sports medicine. Due to Aguanga's remoteness, these schools are all around 30 miles away.
State highways with scenic views
California Highways 371 and 79 flow through Aguanga, connecting commuters onward to the cities of Hemet, Warner Springs and Temecula within 30 miles. Artist Ricardo Breceda's outdoor gallery and sculpture garden is off Highway 79, inviting both tourists and locals to tour them. "People have his sculptures on their land. It looks like horses jumping across the valley," Nordskog says.
Some shopping and dining nearby, but most in Temecula
The Stagecoach Inn is a local comfort food spot that hosts live music on weekends from local rock, country and blues artists. Locals can also dine at Las Palmas Mexican Bar & Grill, located in the Rancho California RV Resort and open to the public. The resort also has a market stocked with staples like milk, eggs and bread while Aguanga's general store is a go-to for cold drinks and ice cream on hot days. KHM Produce is a local family-owned grape farm that is open seasonally, and Warner Springs' wineries are within 15 miles. Nordskog says locals head into Temecula, around 30 miles away, to do most of their shopping. The Promenade mall hosts popular chains such as Macy's, Sephora and Forever 21. Trader Joe's and WinCo Foods are across the street. For a mix of unique boutiques and specialty food stores, shoppers can head to Old Town Temecula.
A wildfire risk but a lower crime risk
Riverside County, where Aguanga resides, is particularly prone to wildfires and there have been some incidences of brush fires here that spread for thousands of acres. The local Cap Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
