$540,048Average Value$393Average Price per Sq Ft58Homes For Sale
Idyllwild is a mountain community with year-round appeal
Long before European settlers arrived in California, the area now known as Idyllwild was used by the Cahuilla people as a warm-weather settlement. Its setting, about a mile up in elevation and shaded by tall pine trees, allows it to stay noticeably cooler than the valleys below. Over time, it became a well-known summertime destination, attracting rock climbers, artists and anyone seeking a little adventure in the San Jacinto Mountains.
While it still has a strong appeal for visitors looking to escape city life, it also has nearly 4,000 full-time residents. “It’s got a quaint mountain feel, but it’s literally your traditional small town,” says Ashley Stewart, co-owner and broker associate of Idyllwild Realty, who has lived in the community since 2000. “You can be a visitor for one day, and you’ll still get people waving at you and asking how your day is.”
Neighborhood streets wind through the mountains in Idyllwild.
Idyllwild residents enjoy the small town feel of the area.
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World-class climbing spots and hikes near Idyllwild
The community’s mountainous surroundings provide many opportunities for recreation. The steep granite slopes of Suicide Rock and Lily Rock (Tahquitz Rock) are world-renowned climbing destinations. Hiking is another popular pastime — trails range in difficulty from the more beginner-friendly Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail to the South Ridge Trail, which winds 2,000 feet up to an overlook atop Lily Rock. Hikers and climbers may need day-use permits and parking passes.
Other attractions include the Idyllwild Community Center, which has a playground, skate park, pickleball courts and a dog park. The Rustic Theatre, a local landmark, screens first-run movies.
Tahquitz Rock is an iconic landmark and popular hiking spot in the Idyllwild Mountain Park area.
Residents can relax at the local skate park in Idyllwild.
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Cabins, A-frames and custom hilltop homes span a wide price spectrum
Idyllwild is made up of several smaller areas, including Idyllwild, Pine Cove and Fern Valley, each with its own character. In downtown Idyllwild, houses are a short walk from dining and shops. Pine Cove offers a more secluded setting, and it tends to be snowier in winter because it's about 1,000 feet higher in elevation, Stewart says. In Fern Valley, most “homes have some sort of view, and you have access to hiking trails," she says. "They often have higher property values, too — people call it the Rodeo Drive of Idyllwild.”
Cabins and A-frames often range from $150,000 to $750,000, while custom-built houses and luxury hilltop estates may sell between $750,000 and $1.8 million. There are also a few manufactured home communities with options from around $40,000 to $220,000, plus monthly site fees of about $300 to $800. Much of Idyllwild falls within a very high Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so lenders typically require fire insurance.
Residents can find affordable manufactured housing communities in Idyllwild.
Upgraded modern A-frame cabins provide contemporary style to a classic design in Idyllwild.
Custom luxury hillside homes offer stunning mountain views in Idyllwild.
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Downtown Idyllwild has grocery stores, boutiques and restaurants
While Pine Cove and Fern Valley are primarily residential, Idyllwild has a commercial center with stores and restaurants housed in wood-sided cabins. Dining options include Restaurant Gastrognome, which serves burgers, pasta dishes and seafood, and Mama’s Egg House, known for its hearty breakfasts. For specialty coffees and teas, Pure Bean is a popular choice.
Although many gift shops and boutique stores cater to tourists, there are plenty of businesses that serve local needs. Fairway Foods Market and Village Market both carry a full range of groceries, and there are hardware stores and a pharmacy. “All of your essentials are here on the hill,” Stewart says. She says that some residents make weekly trips into Palm Springs or Hemet to shop, but others only make seasonal day trips into the city.
Discover local coffee shops like Pure Bean located in the center of Idyllwild.
Locals can find fresh produce at Village Market in Idyllwild.
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Most kids attend Hemet schools, with a TK-8 school in the community
The majority of children in Idyllwild are served by the Hemet Unified School District, which earns an overall B-minus from Niche. Idyllwild School, also known as Idyllwild TK-8, is located in the community and offers a variety of music classes, both during school hours and after school. Many students continue on to Hemet High School, located in East Hemet, more than 20 miles west. Both schools get B ratings from Niche.
Homes in the northern end of Idyllwild may be zoned for the C-plus-rated Banning Unified School District. Assignments depend on enrollment numbers, and parents may request transfers within the district. The community is also home to Idyllwild Arts Academy, a private, arts-focused high school that receives an A-plus rating on Niche. Admission requires a completed application, along with a portfolio or audition.
Idyllwild School serves the younger students of Idyllwild.
Older students of Idyllwild can find the skills they need to succeed at Hemet High School.
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The Rustic Theatre and community center host seasonal events
During the summer months, the area bustles with activity. There are arts festivals at the Rustic Theatre and concerts at the Idyllwild Community Center, as well as several active camps. “We also have a lot of traditional, old-school events,” Stewart says. A highlight is the annual tree-lighting ceremony, featuring ornament-decorating booths and visits with Santa.
Residents of Idyllwild can catch classic movies at the Rustin Theater.
Idyllwild Park holds a variety of traditional events throughout the year.
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Driving to Hemet or Palm Springs for medical care and other services
State Route 243, the main thoroughfare, is well maintained but can be challenging during inclement weather. Many residents rely on four-wheel drive vehicles, and chains may be necessary during heavy snowstorms. The closest hospital is Hemet Global Medical Center, less than 25 miles west. Palm Springs — home to Palm Springs International Airport and Desert Regional Medical Center, a Level I trauma center — is roughly 50 miles away. Los Angeles is about 100 miles northwest.
State Route 243 provides Idyllwild residents access to Hemet for more shopping and dining options.
Hemet Global Medical Center is the nearest hospital that provides full-service care for residents of Idyllwild.
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Written By
Ginny West
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
Video By
EB Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jerry Linney,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Idyllwild, CA sell after 109 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Idyllwild, CA over the last 12 months is $505,000, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rare 2-on-1 Opportunity with Versatile CR Zoning - Income, Charm, and Business Potential!Welcome to this creatively renovated Southern-chic property, featuring a beautifully updated 3 bed, 2 bath single-level cabin and a detached 1 bed, 1 bath rental known as the ''Lavender Cottage.'' Zoned CR, this unique property is perfect for those seeking a home-based business opportunity with signage
Tucked among the pines, this updated A-frame blends an industrial edge with rustic mountain charm. Vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams soar above an open-concept living space anchored by a freestanding wood stove and warmed by heated floors. The bright, modern kitchen with breakfast bar flows effortlessly to the open living area. The spacious deck was designed for sunset views and easy
Priced to sell! Easy access and off street parking make this Lower Pine-Cove area home the perfect location. Only 5 minutes from town and hiking trails and a walkable street with a great neighborhood of well established homes await you.. The home has an open floor plan and offers 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Enjoy the spacious wrap around front deck or enjoy the private rear patio with ample room
Perched to capture truly dramatic, far-reaching views, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath mountain retreat offers a front-row seat to nature's ever-changing landscape. From vibrant sunrises to glowing evening skies, every angle of this home is designed to showcase its breathtaking surroundings.The main level welcomes you with a warm and inviting living room centered around a cozy fireplace--perfect for crisp
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 1.75 bathroom home offering 1,260 sq ft of comfortable living space on a mostly flat 0.33-acre lot. Thoughtfully upgraded throughout, this home features a brand-new kitchen complete with all new appliances, new flooring, updated windows, and a new roof for peace of mind.The living room is warm and inviting with a fireplace and insert, perfect for
Tucked in sought-after Fern Valley in Idyllwild, this beautifully remodeled single-story ranch offers space, style, and effortless mountain living. From the grand front gate and flagstone path to the inviting entry, you'll feel instantly at home. The open-concept interior features vaulted ceilings, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and a stunning kitchen with quartz countertops, subway tile
Tucked along the creek, this spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home offers 2,112 sq ft of comfortable mountain living with thoughtful upgrades throughout. The main level welcomes you with a bright living room featuring a cozy fireplace and sliding doors that open to a deck overlooking the tranquil creek -- perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The dining area also provides deck access, creating
Nestled in the desirable Cedar Glen neighborhood, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath mountain home offers 1,420 sq ft of comfortable living space with the perfect blend of rustic character and modern updates. Warm tongue-and-groove walls create an inviting cabin feel, while dual-pane windows enhance energy efficiency and natural light throughout.The thoughtfully updated kitchen and bathrooms bring
Welcome to your Hidden Gem in the center of tow. Located at the end of the road in the Idyllwild Trailer Park a 55+ community. Space rent is $812 a month and includes snowplowing, sewer, and trash. separately metered for electric and propane, water is an additional charge. The community features laundry mat, community hall and a walk into town location. The unit features a propane stove in the
Rare opportunity to own approximately 80 acres of residential/rural/agricultural land in the scenic hills of Hemet. Located at 44530 Lewis Valley Rd, Hemet, CA 92544, this expansive parcel offers a unique blend of usable space, privacy, and wide-open surroundings. Whether you're looking for a potential ranch setup, recreational retreat, rural homesite, agricultural use, or long-term land
Discover the beauty and peaceful rural lifestyle of Anza with this 4.63-acre parcel situated at approximately 4,820 feet in elevation. This property features a flat building pad, offering an ideal location for future construction and the opportunity to build your dream home while enjoying the open space and natural surroundings. Utilities are already in place with power available and a water well
Build your new home on this beautiful one acre graded lot in the Pinyon Pines/Alpine Valley section of Mountain Center with wonderful views of mountains and valleys. Nestled between Palm Desert and Idyllwild, this property has been graded by the current owner. There is electricity to the corner of the lot. Why not make this exciting one acre property the site of your new home, today! Note: Seller
Discover the Hidden Hilltop Hideaway, a serene 0.44-acre lot nestled in Pine Cove, accessible via the secluded Green Craig private dirt road. This unique parcel boasts a pre-cut driveway leading to an elevated building pad, perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. Ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, this lot offers the
Fully furnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom home centrally located in Idyllwild. This charming mountain retreat features central heat and A/C, hardwood and tile flooring throughout, and a bright living room with high ceilings, abundant natural light, a river rock fireplace, and a pull-out sofa bed.The primary suite includes a full bathroom, while the second bedroom is located near a
Just remodeled 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment in Idyllwild. Unit has freestanding wood stove. Unit includes one parking spot only. A/C in living room, Laundry facilities on site. Application needed to show, MInimum credit score of 620 minimum income of 2x rent. 1 year lease,
Welcome to this In Town 1 bedroom Ground Floor apartment. An oversized living dining kitchen make up the first room. Down the hall you'll find a Full bath and the large bedroom with walk in closet. Parking in both front and rear of the building. Tenant pays utilities. Unit has a mini-split which offers both heat and A/C. Max occupancy of 3 people. Application needed to show, can be found on
This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom ground-level unit offers comfortable living with a functional layout and great amenities. The home features a bright living room with a cozy fireplace, along with a larger private deck that's perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Additional conveniences include off-street parking and easy ground-floor access. Rental requirements include a minimum income of 2
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath rental available. This unit features recessed lighting, wood cabinet kitchen, and fresh paint. Freestanding wood burning stove and in wall A/C unit in living room. Wood floor entrance. Nice sized full bath. Cat okay . Walk to town. Text Ashley at 951-818-1170 or Julia at 951-380-2024. Application must be completed to schedule a showing,
Welcome to this Log cabin rental. The main floor offers Living room, Dining, Kitchen, Full bathroom, and Bedroom with walk in closet. Upstairs it the large Loft , This can be used as the 3rd bedroom. Downstairs, is the Laundry and master suite. The lower level features a concrete patio. The main floor offers semi wrap around deck. Tenant responsible for all utilities. Application needed to show,
Great lower unit with easy access to Highway. Oversized full bathroom, large bedroom Laundry room, extra large closet space, Open concept living/ kitchen. Great front patio to enjoy the outdoors. Pets okay, Tenant pays all utilities, Application needed to show. 12 month lease, applications on Zillow, minimum credit score of 620 required, minimum active income of 2x rent amount. Security deposit,
Property Id: 1509608Charming 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom upstairs unit in Idyllwild. Amenities included: small balcony, central air, central heat, fireplace, refrigerator, dual pane windows, new flooring throughout, and shared yard. No smokers. Sorry, no pets. 100 sq ft storage shed in back yard optional for additional charge. Owner pays for water and propane. Renter responsible for electricity
Come experience mountain living in this lovely well maintained 1 bed/1ba. cabin. Available immediately. Electric washer/dryer hookup available. Rent amount $1600. 1-year lease. Tenant pays for all utilities and yard abatements (yard cleanup). 1 dog allowed with pet deposit of $250. Must not be on the aggressive breed list and must be leashed at all times when outside. Tenant requirements: Credit
Property Id: 1734614contact our local leasing office Monica Gated quiet multi home community , close to village and eateries . Lots of charm! Private parking and private entrance . Fully Furnished and wont need to worry about finding furniture it is ready to move right in.
3 bed 2 ba walk to town. Eclectic 1700 sq ft country cabin on half an acre. Split layout bedroom, laundry/mudroom and sunroom. Fenced property with cedars and oaks. Tenant responsible for utilities. Wifi included. Property lot is shared with additional small rental in the back. Snow plow friendly. Short stroll to Alpaca and Mile High Cafe. Close to the schools. Easy walk to town events. Multiple
Freshly Remodeled 2Bed 2bath + GARAGED is cover your dream home with this fully remodeled 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence. Enjoy brand new everything, including modern fixtures and finishes throughout. Step outside to an amazing viewing deck and a spacious open backyard, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. This rare find also includes a garage, offering convenience and additional storage.
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