Set in the Inland Empire's Riverside County, the hilly city of Lake Elsinore is about 35 miles south of Riverside and 75 miles northeast of San Diego, with a lower average home price than both. The city's namesake freshwater lake is the largest in Southern California, offering 10 miles' worth of largely public shoreline, and the Elsinore Mountains border the city to the west. Lake Elsinore's slogan is "Dream Extreme," a nod to the city's history and small-town feel, as well as its growth and potential.
Once famous for its mineral springs, the city's former bath houses, resorts and country clubs attracted thousands of visitors between the 1880s and the mid-20th century. “In its heyday, Lake Elsinore's appeal rivaled that of Palm Springs," notes longtime resident Dave McElroy, a volunteer docent at the Lake Elsinore Museum. “Hollywood stars used to come here for an escape from the big city.” Today, local springs can still be found at a handful of spots, including the Elsinore Hot Springs & Lodge. From 1969 to 2023, the city hosted the Lake Elsinore Grand Prix, an offroad motocross race that long drew big names in the sport, including actor Steve McQueen.
Today, Lake Elsinore is home to about 73,000 people, as well large manufacturing facilities for Pacific Clay Products and Manton Pushrods; competitive housing prices and work opportunities consistently attract new homebuyers. To accommodate this growth, the city plans to build 30,000 new homes over the next 30 years and create new local on/off ramps for Interstate 15 to ease the flow of traffic.
Enjoy the scenic beauty and vibrant community of Lake Elsinore.
Explore the retail and restaurant options in the Downtown area of Lake Elsinore.
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Lakeside single-family homes and condos
The average home price in Lake Elsinore is $611,000, compared to $721,000 in Riverside and $1.2 million in San Diego. "Many people commute to San Diego," says Craig Flint, Broker with Net Gains Real Estate. "It's about an hour and 30 minutes away and they get much more for their money here." While there are a handful of small, simple bungalows from the 1920s, most local homes are either midcentury ranch-style or 21st-century new traditional with two stories and Craftsman- or Spanish-style details. Throughout the city, home prices range from about $450,000 to $650,000. The lower end of this range includes the modest homes in the Lakeland Village neighborhood near the Elsinore Mountains, and the higher end includes the large homes in the gated community of Tuscany Hills , which has a shared pool and clubhouse.
Homes with terracotta roofs help keep residents cool from the summer heat in Lake Elsinore.
A quint home with dormer windows sits in a quiet neighborhood in Lake Elsinore.
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Boating and more on and around Lake Elsinore
Lake Elsinore itself is used for boating, kayaking, wakeboarding and more, and launch points are found at various marinas and RV resorts. The city's 19 parks are set around the lake, and include the large Serenity Park, which has one of the city's three skate parks, as well as a dog park, playground and multi-use pump-track. Since 1994, the 8,000-seat Lake Elsinore Diamond stadium has been home to the Lake Elsinore Storm, a Single-A baseball team and affiliate of the San Diego Padres.
Experience the stunning view of Lake Elsinore from the mountaintop.
Catch some air at Summerly Community Skate Park in Lake Elsinore.
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Strong Elsinore schools
The Lake Elsinore Unified School District serves 21,000 students with 25 schools and is rated an overall B by Niche. Dating back to 1884, the district is one of the oldest in Riverside County. All three of the district's high schools are rated B-plus, and students have the option to take programs like dual immersion, AVID and STEAM, as well as technical courses. Most of the nearby private schools are in the neighboring city of Wildomar, such as the not-yet-rated Grace Christian School and the A-rated California Lutheran High School.
David A. Brown Middle School is Located Hillside in Wildomar
Temescal Canyon High School has dozens of effective and excellent teachers and staff.
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Main Street eats and discount shopping at outlets
In the Lake Elsinore Historic District , a few blocks' worth of Main Street serves as the city's downtown, lined with low-rise storefronts and historic buildings; some of the latter served as bath houses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Locally owned businesses here include Papillon Boutique, filled with novelty goodies and Dracula-themed merchandise; Bela Lugosi, star of the 1931 film "Dracula," used to live in Lake Elsinore, and his 1920s home is still here. In recent years, the blocks between the Diamond Stadium and Interstate 15 have grown into a dining hub where fans can grab a bite to eat before or after a game.
Locals can do most of their errands and shopping at Lake Elsinore Town Center. Annie’s Café here is a city staple founded in 1989, where British pub grub meets stateside comfort food. Head chef and lifelong resident Nancy Oceguera says, "Our regulars are family to us, but we treat new customers with the same respect. We celebrate milestones with them like birthdays, baby showers and engagements."
Experience the thrill of bargain hunting at Lake Elsinore Outlet.
Stater Bros in Lake Elsinore offers top-quality groceries at affordable prices.
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Getting around on the RTA
Interstate 15 leads about 70 miles northwest to Los Angeles and 75 miles southwest to San Diego. The scenic State Route 74, also known as the Ortega Highway, leads about 46 miles to Laguna Beach. Riverside Transit Agency (locally known as RTA) buses stop on Lake Elsinore's main roads and travel throughout Riverside County. The San Bernardino International Airport is about 30 miles away, and Ontario International Airport is about 35 miles north, offering more flight options.
Low crime rates, algae blooms and a high risk of fire
According to FBI statistics from December 2023, the Lake Elsinore Police Department reported violent crime at an annual rate of about 6 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the California rate of about 10 and national rate of roughly 12. Property-related crime was reported at an annual rate of around 20 incidents per 1,000 residents, on par with the California rate and higher than the national rate of 17.
A danger advisory has been issued for Lake Elsinore due to extremely high levels of cyanobacteria toxins in the lake. The combination of the lake's shallow water and the area's year-round warm weather causes algae to bloom, potentially exposing residents to toxins. Lake Elsinore is a wildfire-prone area, due to proximity to the Cleveland National Forest and the strong Ortega winds that can spread fires quickly. In 2024, the Macy Fire burned 145 acres in the city, causing evacuations and destroying one home. To reduce the danger, the city has put in place strict fire safety rules, including requiring property owners to clear flammable vegetation from their land. The city's four fire stations and fire marshals work hard to enforce these rules and educate residents on how to prevent and prepare for wildfires. Even so, thousands of properties in the area remain at risk of being affected by a wildfire in the next 30 years.
Written By
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Photography Contributed By
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Video By
Taylor Gilbert
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On average, homes in Lake Elsinore, CA sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Elsinore, CA over the last 12 months is $600,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
2-CAR ATTACHED GARAGE | PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS | UPGRADED | END UNIT | MOVE-IN READY | OPEN CONCEPT | Welcome to this beautiful condo in the desirable Belcaro Lake Point community, where comfort, style, and convenience come together. Step inside and be greeted by abundant natural light and panoramic views that create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout. The living room features a cozy gas
Welcome to your dream home in the peaceful Alberhill Ranch Community!This beautifully upgraded residence features 3 spacious bedrooms, a large loft, and thoughtful touches throughout. The interior showcases elegant flooring, custom paint, and recessed lighting that enhances the warm and inviting ambiance. The chef’s kitchen is a standout with granite countertops, a generous serving island,
Beautiful Lake Elsinore Home with Pool, Mountain Views and modern comforts. Welcome to your dream home in the scenic city of Elsinore. This spacious 4-bedroom 3 bath residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality and style. With an open floor plan and tall ceilings, the interior feels bright and expansive from the moment you step inside. Enjoy the cozy evenings in the inviting
Spacious and move-in ready singel level home featuring a generous estimated 2965 sqft of living space. Complete with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and 3 car garage. Fantastic curb appeal and amazing views from over a half-acre lot. Great location provides a nice level of privacy.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to own prime Zoned C-1/C-P Commercial land in the growing city of Lake Elsinore, CA. This property includes APN #381-282-038 (3,920 Lot Size), APN # 381-282-039 (3,920 Lot Size) & APN # 381-282-040 (3,920 Lot Size) Total combine 11,760 Lot Size. This property is fully usable, fenced, and gated, making it ready for your next business venture. Ideally located
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to own prime Zoned C-1/C-P Commercial land in the growing city of Lake Elsinore, CA. This property includes APN #381-282-045 (8,276 Lot Size). This property is fully usable, fenced, and gated, making it ready for your next business venture. Ideally located just off busy Grand Avenue and directly across from the Lake, it sits on the corner of Garner Rd and
Live the good life and feel like you’re on an extended vacation at River’s Edge Apartment Homes. Select an apartment in Lake Elsinore, CA, that’s part of our amazing community and you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful, comfortable home in a convenient location that’s near work, school and play. River’s Edge offers resort-style living with one and two-bedroom apartments featuring modern open
2 Bedrooms plus a Loft. Welcome to Lakeland Park Shores, a private lakeside community featuring brand-new, thoughtfully designed cottages. This beautiful unit offers 2 bedrooms plus a versatile loft. One of the 2 bedrooms lead to a deck. Enjoy stylish, low-maintenance wood-look flooring throughout, complemented by a sleek Corian kitchen countertop and classic wood cabinetry. It comes with a cozy
Welcome to Shoreline Apartments, a community designed for modern living in the heart of Lake Elsinore. Start your day by enjoying the sparkling swimming pool, relaxing jacuzzi, and state-of-the-art fitness center, all just steps from your front door. Each spacious apartment features stainless steel appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, and central air conditioning and heating for your comfort.
Country Club Heights is an elegant suburban community overlooking the shores of Lake Elsinore. Fulltime residents enjoy secluded custom homes under $625,000 and proximity to the Outlets at Lake Elsinore. “Dream Extreme” is Lake Elsinore’s motto, with plenty of opportunities for thrill seekers in the area. But when it’s time to come home after a day of skydiving or jet ski racing, Country Club Heights offers quiet solace in the hills.
The most popular activity on the lake is boating, especially from April until public schools resume after summer break. “A campground opened up a couple years ago where people launch boats from and rent yurts and vintage-themed trailers,” says Cassandra Borja, Realtor with Coldwell Banker serving Southern California with over 20 years of experience. The City of Lake Elsinore also hosts fishing derbies and jet ski races on the lake. Folks tend not to swim in the lake, but sunbathers can find a spot in the sand or fire up the grill at Elm Grove Beach.
Apart from the lake, neighborhood parks offer more venues for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The Alberhill Ranch Community Park is home to over 22 acres of large lighted athletic fields, basketball courts, a pool and the Boys and Girls Clubhouse. Lincoln Street Park also offers basketball courts, walking paths and picnic areas under tall and shady palm trees.
Country Club Heights attracts fulltime residents with its low taxes and custom homes in the hills. “Not many have a second home here,” Borja says. “Most come for the lake from places like Orange County, Perris and Temecula.” This community of winding avenues and quiet cul-de-sacs sprawls over grassy hillsides. Residents step outside and are treated to scenic views of sparkling Lake Elsinore. Single-family houses constitute most of the residential landscape of Country Club Heights, many with stucco exteriors and tile roofing. Ranch-styles and one to two-story custom homes tend to feature expansive yards, open floor plans and multi-car garages. Prices range from about $360,000 to $625,000.
Lake Elsinore offers a variety of community events throughout the year. Families gather downtown on Main Street for seasonal celebrations like Winterfest and Dia de Los Muertos Festival. Minor league baseball fans can catch the Lake Elsinore Storm play at the Diamond Stadium of Lake Elsinore. And the scenic hills and lake make for a popular skydiving location.
The one waterfront restaurant in the area is Jack’s BBQ Shack, where barbeque lovers can enjoy hearty portions out on the covered back porch. For casual Mexican cuisine, locals head to Juan’s Rotisserie Chicken. North Elsinore has plenty of stores like Target and Home Depot, and shoppers can find a variety of clothing retailers at the nearby Outlets at Lake Elsinore. The Outlets include stores like Gap Factory and Famous Footwear in an outdoor, pedestrian-friendly mall. Bordering Country Club Heights, regional grocery stores like Albertson’s and Stater Bros. Markets keep the area stocked with the essentials.
Students may attend Machado Elementary, rated C on Niche, Terra Cotta Middle, rated C and Lakeside High School, rated B-plus. The high school is rated one of the top ten most beautiful schools in California and is home to excellent athletic programs, including league championship-winning varsity soccer and swim teams.
Some homes are within walking and biking distance of groceries at Albertson’s and Stater Bros. Markets. Otherwise, getting around by car is straightforward thanks to proximity to major roadways. Route 74 (Riverside Drive) bisects the neighborhood, extending southwest into the Santa Ana Mountains. East of Country Club Heights, Interstate 15 stretches south toward Temecula and north toward Corona.
According to riskfactor.com, 99% of homes in Country Club Heights experience significant heat, fire and air quality risks. The National Fire Protection Association advises area homeowners to practice fire safety by choosing flame-resistant holiday decorations, testing smoke alarms and keeping lit candles away from flammable material.
Situated between the cities of Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake is Tuscany Hills, a suburban hillside community with resort-style amenities. “This neighborhood draws homebuyers for the expansive views and great school system. Tuscany Hills also borders Canyon Lake, which is one of five gated cities in California,” says Realtor Kelly Bastman, broker/owner at Bastman Properties, Inc., with two decades' worth of industry experience. Interstate 15 runs through the Lake Elsinore area and travels through Riverside County, connecting residents to the southern city of Temecula and the northern cities of San Bernardino and Los Angeles. Tuscany Hills is also situated approximately 10 miles from the Santa Ana range’s Ortega mountains, which offer abundant hiking, camping and biking outdoor activities. Students are served by the Lake Elsinore Unified School District, which receives a B rating from Niche.
Single-family homes here are situated along residential streets that wind through hilly topography and are lined with towering, bright green palm trees. Developers primarily built properties in this area between the 1970s and early 21st century, favoring Spanish-inspired and Mediterranean-style architecture. “Single- and two-story homes with Mediterranean vibes adorn the hillside,” Bastman says. Terracotta roof tiles and stucco facades provide insulation from the arid desert climate, and many of these homes feature amenities such as solar panel roofing. Most residences also have paved driveways and attached garages, so street parking isn’t as common. Single-family homes tend to range in price between $600,000 and $800,000, although waterfront properties situated on Canyon Lake often cost upwards of $1 million.
Tuscany Hills Elementary is an A-minus-rated primary school located within the neighborhood that serves young learners from kindergarten to fifth grade. Students can then move on to other schools in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District, such as Canyon Lake Middle School and Elsinore Middle School, which are rated B-plus and B-minus, respectively. For a secondary institution, students might attend the B-plus-rated Elsinore High School, which was recognized as a “Model for Excellence” by Riverside County for its Special Education and Peer Counseling programs. Elsinore High School is also designated a California Distinguished School for its overarching academic achievements.
Members of the community can walk to Tuscany Hills Park, which is situated right next to Tuscany Hills Elementary School. This small neighborhood park has shaded playsets and ball fields that host school and recreation league games. Tuscany Hills is also home to Happy Camp Campground, a waterfront RV park along Canyon Lake that features boat docks and a roped-off swimming area. At the center of the development is the Tuscany Hills Association Clubhouse, where residents can cool off at an outdoor pool and meet up with friends to play a game of tennis or pickleball. Nearby Lake Elsinore also offers numerous outdoor recreation activities: “Mountain bike trails, a motocross track and skydiving are all popular Lake Elsinore activities. Recreational boating is also available on the lake,” Bastman says.
Many of the area’s popular events are hosted in the city of Lake Elsinore; during the summer, the city puts on a summer concert series called “Live at the Lakefront” that features music performances at Launch Pointe that are free to the public. “Tuscany Hills is also near the Lake Elsinore Storm minor league baseball team stadium,” Bastman says. The stadium is called the Lake Elsinore Diamond and can seat over 7,800 fans. Jet ski races and an annual fishing derby also take place on the waters of Lake Elsinore.
At Canyon Hills Marketplace, residents can shop at Stater Bros. Markets for weekly groceries. Situated along Interstate 15 is Lake Elsinore City Center, where shoppers browse Goodwill for a wide selection of second-hand apparel, shoes and furniture. “There are some really amazing restaurants on Main Street in Lake Elsinore: La Unica, Main Street Kitchen and Tap, and Stadium Pizza are all local favorites,” Bastman says. Early birds can snag a tasty treat and a hot coffee from Raised Donuts & Bagels, open at 4 a.m. and serving up specialty donuts and bagels. For some authentic Italian cuisine, diners can head to Vincenzo’s Olive Tree on Casino Drive to enjoy Sicilian-inspired fare.
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