$540,085Average Value$390Average Price per Sq Ft46Homes For Sale
Idyllwild-Pine Cove is a mountain community with year-round appeal
Long before European settlers arrived in California, the area now known as Idyllwild-Pine Cove 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 holds a large 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-Pine Cove.
Idyllwild-Pine Cove 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 the Idyllwild Mountain Park area in Idyllwild-Pine Cove.
Residents can relax at the local skate park in Idyllwild-Pine Cove.
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Cabins, A-frames and custom hilltop homes span a wide price spectrum
Idyllwild-Pine Cove 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-Pine Cove falls within a very high Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so lenders typically require fire insurance.
Residents can find affordable manufactured housing communities in Idyllwild-Pine Cove.
Upgraded modern A-frame cabins provide contemporary style to a classic design in Idyllwild-Pine Cove.
Custom luxury hillside homes offer stunning mountain views in Idyllwild-Pine Cove.
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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-Pine Cove.
Locals can find fresh produce at Village Market in Idyllwild-Pine Cove.
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Most kids attend Hemet schools, with a TK-8 school in the community
The majority of children in Idyllwild-Pine Cove 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 situated in the community, and it 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-Pine Cove 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-Pine Cove.
Older students of Idyllwild-Pine Cove 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-Pine Cove can catch classic movies at the Rustin Theater.
Idyllwild Park in the center of Idyllwild-Pine Cove, 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-Pine Cove 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-Pine Cove.
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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
Salomon Urquiza,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA sell after 90 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA over the last 12 months is $532,150, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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