About halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the city of Murrieta offers a small-town feel, surrounded by the rolling foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. A stopover railroad town in the late 1800s, Murrieta had been transformed by the late 20th century into a less expensive, more suburban alternative to coastal California cities. “The cost of living is less compared to Orange County or San Diego,” says Katherine Materiale, a Realtor with ERA Donahoe Realty who has over 21 years of local experience. “A lot of people move to Murrieta because they can get more house for their money.” Today, the city’s home to about 113,000 residents and caters to an active lifestyle, offering scenic hillside hiking trails, community parks and tourist attractions like the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. Old Town Murrieta offers locally owned businesses and restaurants, and community events are often held at Town Square Park. “The biggest draw for people is the cleanliness—it’s a big family community,” Materiale says.
Business services, retail and construction are major local industries, and top employers include the highly rated Murrieta Valley Unified School District, Rancho Springs Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center. Materiale says the city also has a large military community; the U.S Army Temecula Recruiting Station is 6 miles away, the Naval Reserve Center - Riverside is 25 miles away, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is 31 miles away.
Grab a drink with a friend at the outdoor bar at DownTown PUBlic in Old Town Murrieta.
Murrieta is known for clean family-friendly neighborhoods.
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort attracts tourist looking for a relaxing vacation.
Loma Linda University Medical Center is a top employer in the Murrieta health care industry.
1/4
Planned neighborhoods with Spanish-and Mission-inspired homes
The average home price in Murrieta is $730,000, compared to $870,000 in Temecula, roughly $950,000 in Anaheim and about $1.2 million in San Diego. The city's single-family homes are set in planned subdivisions with sidewalk-lined streets, and were built between the late 1980s and today; many are new traditional with Spanish- or Mission-inspired details, including red or brown clay-tiled roofs and white or beige stucco exteriors. Attached garages are standard, and private pools are popular additions. Communities set in the hills west of Old Town are particularly desirable, like gated Greer Ranch, where residents share access to a community pool and clubhouse. The 55-plus, resort-style Colony at California Oaks offers golf course views, a shared swimming pool and courts for tennis, pickleball and bocce.
Murrieta features single-family homes in planned neighborhoods throughout the area.
Play a round of golf at California Oaks Golf Club in Murrieta.
Spanish-style homes are popular builds in the Murrieta area.
Many newer developments in Murrieta offers residents access to community amenities.
1/4
Murrieta Valley Unified School District receives high marks
Murrieta is part of the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, which serves about 22,000 students and is rated an overall A by Niche. “The school district is phenomenal,” Materiale says. High school students in the district may pursue their interests in career and technical education pathways for subjects like construction, education and hospitality. District high schools also offer dual-enrollment courses for college credit at Mt. San Jacinto College. Private options in the city include the A-plus-rated Calvary Murrieta Christian Schools, where students in kindergarten through Grade 8 learn about the Bible as a part of their core curriculum.
Students are guided toward success at Vista Murrieta High School.
Calvary Murrieta Christian School is a premier learning institution in Murrieta.
Murrieta high schools offer dual-enrollment courses for college credit at Mt. San Jacinto.
Dorothy McElhinney Middle School in Murrieta provides students with a positive environment.
1/4
Scenic hiking in the Santa Rosa Mountains
There are over 50 parks and golf courses for locals to enjoy in Murrieta, including the 47-acre Los Alamos Hills Sports Park, where sporting events are often held, like youth baseball and soccer games. At Pond Park, anglers can cast their lines for bluegill and largemouth bass, and Copper Canyon Park’s the spot for a morning jog or dog walk along the park’s paved trails. Locals may practice their swing downtown at the Murrieta Valley Golf Range or hit the links a few miles away at the California Oaks Golf Club’s 18-hole public course, featuring tree-lined fairways and pockets of colorful wildflowers.
Murrieta’s popular hiking trails are set by the rolling foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and include the 3-mile Vernal Pool Trail, which leads to the only natural basalt pools in southern California. Every decade or so, Murrieta experiences the springtime California Super Bloom, a rare ecological event when all of the area’s flowers bloom at once, coloring the city’s hills with orange, red and purple wildflowers. The Murrieta Hot Spring Resort is popular with tourists, offering pools of geothermal mineral water.
Los Alamos Hills Sports Park features a groomed running trail around the parameter.
Join some friends for a round of disc golf at California Oaks Golf Club in Murrieta.
Go fishing with a friend at Pond Park in Murrieta.
Ride or hike along the trails in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains near Murrieta.
1/4
Shopping and dining in Old Town Murrieta
Old Town’s full of locally owned businesses, several with Old West-inspired storefronts. Amid thrift stores and gift shops, eateries range from coffee shops and breweries to donuts and barbecue fare. Grocery stores, department stores and casual dining chains are set in retail plazas around Interstate 15. On Sunday mornings, the Murrieta Certified Farmers' Market is held downtown at the Village Walk Plaza.
The Murrieta Country Market’s Old West-inspired storefront attracts shoppers in the area.
Abide is a local shop in Murrieta offering artisan textiles and decor.
Find delicious local barbeque and bakeries in Murrieta.
The Press Espresso is the go-to coffee shop in Old Town Murrieta.
1/4
Local events and venues for the arts
Murrieta offers a rich arts scene, with a year-round schedule of cultural events and a vibrant community of local artists. Murrieta Market Nights are held downtown on the first and third Thursday of each month, featuring area vendors and artisans, as well as games and live music. Many events are hosted at the Town Square Park and Amphitheater, like summer concerts in the park and the annual holiday tree lighting. The Murrieta Arts Council hosts occasional events of its own, like open mic nights at downtown venues.
Getting around from Murrieta
Murrieta is about 65 miles north of San Diego and 80 miles south of Los Angeles, and Interstate 15 offers easy access to both. “We’ve had a lot of growth over the last 10 years or so, and it has impacted our traffic, but they are trying to relieve some of the traffic,” Materiale says. The I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project, which began in fall 2024, will install new traffic monitors that provide real-time updates of road conditions and traffic pace, so drivers are better informed of traffic ahead; the project is slated for completion by 2027. Riverside Transit Agency buses make stops in Murrieta, and local streets are bike- and pedestrian-friendly. Southwest Healthcare Rancho Springs Hospital is centrally located in the city, and McClellan-Palomar Airport is about 45 miles away.
Crime and environmental concerns
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the number of reported violent- and property-related crimes in Murrieta decreased about 6% between 2013 and 2023, from 1,700 to 1,600; since 2018, about 84% of these FBI-reported incidents were property-related, compared to 80% nationally. The Murrieta Police Department publishes a monthly online report of their activity, so locals can stay up to date on their community.
Extreme heat and wildfires are the main environmental concerns in Murrieta. Summer temperatures tend to hover around 90 degrees, so air conditioning is essential. In 2024, the Alamos Fire burned about 70 acres in Murrieta; no injuries or property damage were reported. There are five fire stations in the city that respond to local emergencies, and residents can sign up for weather alerts on the city’s website.
Written By
Travis Rocha
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carla Farley,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Murrieta, CA sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Murrieta, CA over the last 12 months is $670,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence with 1,608 sq. ft. of living space. The bright, open layout features a spacious great room, a modern kitchen with an expansive center island, and a cozy dining area with deck access perfect for entertaining. The private owner’s suite includes a generous walk-in closet and spa-inspired bath. A convenient study, laundry area,
Spanning 1,994 sq. ft., this impressive 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers flexible living for today’s families. The main level features an inviting great room, dining area, and gourmet kitchen with pantry, plus a full bedroom and bath, which is ideal for guests or multi-gen living. Upstairs, discover a serene owner’s suite with walk-in closet, along with two additional bedrooms and a shared bath. A
Welcome home to this thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence with 1,608 sq. ft. of living space. The bright, open layout features a spacious great room, a modern kitchen with an expansive center island, and a cozy dining area with deck access perfect for entertaining. The private owner’s suite includes a generous walk-in closet and spa-inspired bath. A convenient study, laundry area,
Live Auction! Bidding to start from $1,050,000! Tucked away on nearly 5 oak-studded acres, this unique Tenaja retreat blends privacy, flexibility, & self-sufficient living with countryside views. The approx. 2,518 sqft main residence offers view decks, entry with circular staircase, spacious living areas, formal dining, office, & remodeled kitchen that opens to the heart of the home. This
Now offered at $599,999, this home is intentionally priced below recent comparable sales in The Colony—not because of its condition, but to give the future owners the opportunity to personalize the interior to their own taste. While similar homes of this size (and even homes up to 300 square feet smaller) have recently sold between $600,000 and $625,000, this property offers exceptional value by
Gorgeous, move-in ready single-story home located in the desirable 55+ golf course community of The Knolls in Murrieta. This charming home offers 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a fully finished drywalled detached 2-car garage.Inside, you’ll find an open and inviting floor plan featuring a large living room with vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and built-in bookshelves on both sides.
A rare opportunity for qualified buyers. Approximate loan balance of $515,000. Available to both military and non-military buyers who qualify, with a manageable gap. Move in ready! This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath corner unit condo in the gated Villas at Old School House community features a bright living area, modern kitchen, and all appliances included, perfect for families or first time buyers.
Beautiful Home in the Highly Desirable Rancho Bella Vista Community! If you’re looking to downsize or searching for the perfect starter home, this beautifully maintained single-story residence is sure to impress. Offering 3Bed, 2Ba, and approx 1,672 sq ft of living space, this popular Lennar Alicante floor plan is truly one of the nicest and best-kept homes in the neighborhood. From the moment
Welcome to Mapleton—where comfort, space, and everyday living come together beautifully. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this expansive 5-bedroom, 3-bath residence invites you in with soaring ceilings, natural light, and a sense of warmth that immediately feels like home. Thoughtfully designed for both connection and privacy, the open-concept layout offers generous living spaces perfect for
Imagine owning 7 private acres in the prestigious La Cresta while rental income from your detached guest home helps offset the cost of ownership. Welcome to 37492 Calle De Lobo, a rare opportunity to own one of the newest custom estates in the Temecula Valley! Built in 2024 and thoughtfully designed for luxury, efficiency, and equestrian living, this exceptional single-story seven acre estate
Located in the heart of Murrieta, this well-maintained townhome offers a thoughtful blend of comfort, functionality, and convenience within a quiet, established community. Designed with an open and practical layout, the home creates a natural flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas—well-suited for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is equipped with granite countertops,
Exquisite Custom Estate with Panoramic Views in Prestigious La Cresta Discover one of the most extraordinary estates currently offered in Murrieta—an exceptional residence with over 6,400 sq ft of refined living space on more than 5 acres in the highly sought-after community. Behind a private gated driveway, a grand double-door entry welcomes you into a dramatic foyer with soaring ceilings and
Welcome to this one-of-a-kind custom estate nestled within the prestigious, 24-hour gated and guarded Bear Creek Community -- a premier enclave built around a championship PGA-tryout golf course.Situated on an expansive 1.5-lot parcel, this sprawling single-level ranch-style home blends privacy, luxury, and effortless entertaining. A circular driveway leads to the stately entry and an oversized
Welcome to 34868 Wild Flax Court, a spectacular Next-Gen estate tucked away on a quiet Murrieta cul-de-sac offering breathtaking views and unmatched privacy. This rare property is an absolute dream for multi-generational living or immediate rental income, featuring a fully equipped Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) alongside the main residence. The expansive interior layout is designed for ultimate
Set on a quiet cul-de-sac with NO HOA, this home combines comfort and practicality with resort-style living. Inside, you’ll find flexible spaces including a downstairs bedroom and bath, a spacious loft, and a retreat off the primary suite — perfect for work, play, or relaxation. A large kitchen island anchors the living areas, enhanced by recessed LED lighting, a 40-panel solar system, and a
Find yourself living amongst Murrieta's gorgeous rolling foothills, in a beautifully designed apartment community with the perfect blend of classic and contemporary finishes. We offer brand-new, gorgeous 1, 2, & 3-bedroom apartment homes, perfectly designed to fit your lifestyle and needs. Application Fee: $36.*DFT, Inc. DBA Cannon Management. License No. 01932154 Broker: Peter L, Densmore
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained single-story residence in the heart of Murrieta! Offering approximately 2,274 square feet of living space, this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home also features a dedicated office with built-in shelving—perfect for working from home or creating a private study space. Step inside to soaring ceilings, an open-concept floor plan, and abundant natural light
BEAUTIFUL 2 BED ROOM 2 BATHROOM CONDO IN GATED COMMUNITY IN CENTRAL MURRIETA NEAR THE PROMENADE MALL. FEATURES INCLUDE A 1 CAR GARAGE WITH DIRECT ACCESS, BALCONY OFF THE LIVING ROOM, SEPERATE KITCHEN AND DINING AREA, GOOD SIZED LIVING ROOM WITH FIREPLACE AND A DINING AREA. LOCATED BETWEEN MURRIETA HOT SPRINGS AND WINCHESTER ROAD ON MARGARITA ROAD GIVING YOU EASY FREEWAY ACCESS TO BOTH THE I 15 &
Vintage Farms is a new residential rental community that offers a luxurious living experience in a stunning natural setting. The community is surrounded by rolling hills, nearby vineyards and farms, and features a clubhouse with two pools, a nature trail, pocket parks, and other luxury amenities, all developed with a deep respect for the environment and the harmony of the community.
Looking for apartments in Southern California? Walk lighter and live better at Bell Murrieta Springs apartments. Embrace the warm glow of the SoCal lifestyle in our sun-dappled pet-friendly community. Surrounded by award-winning wineries and mellow mountain views, our easygoing enclave is the ideal place to cultivate a brighter future. You'll find two shimmering pools with expansive sundecks, hot
Looking for a new apartment home? Get to know us! Atlantic | Pacific Companies is a 4th Generation family owned real estate company with its roots in New York and a modern day footprint in Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Southern California. Since the mid-70s, we have offered full service property and asset management services. Established four decades ago, San Diego's Pacific Division manages
When you come to see what's new at The Arbors at California Oaks, our freshly renovated apartment homes with contemporary finishes, eye catching kitchens and spacious living areas will surely make you feel right at home! We offer two resort style pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a tennis court, a basketball court, and an area to wash your car before a nice drive down the road to
*Floor plan prices listed are market base rents with no additional fees included. For a better understanding of a total monthly rent and possible additional fees, please ask office personnel for further details.*Come home to Hilltop at Winchester Creek, where you will find the apartment that is perfect for you. Take advantage of our fully equipped fitness center or large, modern
Welcome to The Max on Jefferson, where local charm meets sophistication. Brand new and ready to redefine the way you see upscale living, our new apartments in Murrieta, CA, are opening their doors in Summer of 2024. Discover our collection of contemporary one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and embrace the numerous amenities and impeccable services that come attached to our premium
Experience classic household comforts and everyday convenience at Delhaven. Enjoy a seamless blend of modern apartment living and essential luxury that cater to your lifestyle. Greystar California, Inc. dba Greystar Corp. License No. 1525765 Broker: Gerard S. Donohue License No. 01265072
Embrace the warmth of a community built with pride. A comfortable home radiant with artisan touches and modern elegance. At Amano, we invite you to discover social spaces that beg you to linger longer. Just one more round of pool, one more song by the fireplace, one more toast to life. And we're sure you'll find inspiration around every corner of our well-crafted apartments. Their California-cool
In the center of California’s Inland Empire sits La Cresta, a natural retreat from busy urban living without the feel of rural seclusion. Just a short drive from retail and restaurants and under an hour away from some of California’s biggest city hubs, the area gives its residents the tranquil residential life they seek and a connection to modern living. "Generally, people move to La Cresta when they’re not happy with an urban environment, or they want open spaces to raise their animals or do agriculture,” says Kelly Smith, Realtor with Allison James Estates & Homes who is a longtime La Cresta resident and founder of community website LaCresta.com. “This area is remote, but it has all the urban conveniences. It’s shockingly convenient. It’s a surprise to everyone when they come here for the first time.”<br><br>Part of what makes La Cresta unique is how close it is to untamed nature, such as the Santa Rosa Ecological Reserve, the Cleveland National Forest and the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. With so much access to trails, it’s no surprise to see La Cresta community members regularly hiking, biking and horseback riding throughout the neighborhood. Smith says, “The most important thing about our community is our interconnecting trails. People ride their horses and hike on the trails, and they go for miles and miles and miles.” Lining many of the trails are magnificent Englemann Oak trees, rare and protected evergreens indigenous to the region that provide welcome shade from California’s bright sun and dry heat. However, even with the heat, the neighborhood is surprisingly temperate. Year-round, cool ocean breezes move through the neighborhood, which is about 12 miles from the Pacific and 2,000 feet above the Temecula and Murrieta valleys.<br><br>Homes in La Cresta are generally priced between $1 million and $4 million for three to six bedrooms and bathrooms, and the architectural styles of the homes blend in with the natural beauty of the plateau. One- and two-story Spanish Revival and Craftsman style estates feature earthy brown and beige stucco exteriors and faded red tile roofs, or classic gray siding and grand wrap-around porches. Undeveloped lots sold at a required 5-acre minimum are also available anywhere between $200,000 and $1 million for those who prefer to build a custom home from the ground up. The sprawling plateau offers plenty of space to use as farmland, equestrian training grounds or even a personal vineyard. <br><br>While La Cresta might feel miles away from urban life, diverse dining options are less than a 10-minute drive from the entrance of the community. Weekend brunch is popular at Finch, where traditional American fare and health-conscious bites are paired with handcrafted cocktails. For an evening out, Angelo’s Italian is a local favorite because of the authentic and fresh cuisine its Sicilian owners serve. Many other international options are also nearby, from Mexican to Japanese delicacies. Less than a 15-minute drive down the road, Barons Market provides locals with groceries and quick meal solutions, like a hot soup bar and a squeeze-it-yourself orange juice press. Unlike many grocers, Barons doesn't run sales or accept coupons and rewards cards because they consider those approaches "gimmicks." Shoppers can buy ingredients in bulk, which spares La Cresta residents the need to leave home to restock their pantries frequently. According to Smith, locals often choose a night in rather than a dinner out. “We love to stay on the hill. You minimize your need to go out to dinner because when you go out to dinner, you miss a sunset up here.”<br><br>Students can attend Cole Canyon Elementary, a public school in the neighboring city of Murrieta with an A rating on Niche. Cole Canyon prioritizes equitable access to education for its students, and underserved students are performing at above-average rates, successfully closing the achievement gap. Generally, students continue their education at Thompson Middle School, followed by Murrieta Valley High School, an authorized International Baccalaureate World School with a 99% graduation rate. Each school earns an A-minus and an A rating on Niche.com, respectively. Most Murrieta Valley High students are highly involved in athletics, and some even partake in unusually adventurous extracurricular activities, like the school’s motorsports club, Dirty Wheels.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
