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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Murrieta, CA sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Murrieta, CA over the last 12 months is $680,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this thoughtfully designed corner unit 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence with 1,460 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,
Welcome home to this thoughtfully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence with 1,460 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,
Welcome home to this thoughtfully designed corner unit 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence with 1,460 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,
Welcome to 42926 Joshua Tree Court – where luxury, and lifestyle meet. This stunning single-story home sits on a premium lot in the highly sought-after gated community of Olive Hill Ranch Estates in Murrieta’s quiet west side. Tucked away in a peaceful cul-de-sac, the property offers incredible views of surrounding mountains and a sense of seclusion.You will enter through a lovely courtyard
Enjoy this beautifully upgraded home, already new in 2023! This modern 2 story home has a full bedroom and full bathroom downstairs, in addition to the upstairs primary suite with an extra large walk in closet and 2 additional bedrooms, loft and laundry room upstairs! Kitchen, family room and entryway have designer finishes. The backyard offers a finished, stamped concrete patio, gazebo with
Welcome to this beautifully fully renovated home in Murrieta, where modern elegance meets comfort and thoughtful design. Featuring four spacious bedrooms and three full bathrooms, this stunning residence showcases a highly desirable layout with the primary suite conveniently located on the main floor, along with two additional bedrooms and two full baths. From the moment you enter, you’ll be
Welcome to 39480 Almaden Circle located in Four Seasons Murrieta 55+ Active Retirement Community! This is the popular Traditional 2 Floor Plan, featuring 2,180 sqft of living space, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. One of the main features of this home is the large Great Room with fireplace, dining area, and 50/50 split Plantation Shutters. The kitchen is in the center of the home, with kitchen
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,
Welcome Home!!This home is situated in the quiet and desirable neighborhood of Mapleton, This amazing home offers a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home has a unique and seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and modern living. Featuring an expansive open floor plan, this home boasts a large upstairs loft, a spacious living/family room, a formal dining area, and a generously sized kitchen—perfect for
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
Highly desirable single story home, the "Carnaby" model in the Meadowlark Community of homes, nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Murrieta, CA — where space, comfort, and luxury appointments come together beautifully with No HOA! This expansive residence offers an exceptional sense of openness from the moment you step inside. Designed with both everyday living and entertaining in mind,
**HUGE PRICE IMPROVEMENT** This is it!! Tuscan elegance meets modern comfort in Copper Canyon. This stunning, newly refreshed Tuscan-style estate sits on a quiet cul-de-sac in West Murrieta’s coveted Copper Canyon neighborhood with NO HOA and LOW TAXES. With 4 bedrooms (optional 5th bedroom conversion downstairs), 2.5 baths, a spacious upstairs bonus room, a dedicated den, and nearly 3,450 sq ft
Rarely does a home of this caliber and character become available in Murrieta. Perfectly positioned at the end of a private cul-de-sac on an expansive quarter-acre lot, this 5-bedroom residence is a masterpiece of versatility and luxury. A major highlight of this property is the fully owned and paid-off solar system, offering significant energy savings and peace of mind for years to come. The
VA assumable loan available at 4.5% 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
** Available for Immediate Move in***Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offering 2,068 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space located in The Colony, a premier 55+ gated community in Murrieta. With resort-style amenities and a scenic golf course, The Colony provides an exceptional setting for active adult living. Perfectly situated with no rear neighbors, this home
Find yourself living amongst Murrietas 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 License
Beautiful Home for Lease in Murrieta, CA 26559 Chamomile Street, Murrieta, CA 92562 Welcome to your dream rental! Located in Greer Ranch a Guard Gated Community. This charming home in the picturesque community of Murrieta offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Spacious Layout: 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms provide ample space for families and individuals alike. Modern Kitchen:
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
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. Youll find two shimmering pools with expansive sundecks, hot
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 were sure you'll find inspiration around every corner of our well-crafted apartments. Their California-cool
Canopy is Murrietas new destination for stylish living with plenty of fun. These new apartment homes have been decked out with the latest looks and designer finishes, matched with luxe amenities, hip retreats, a sun-splashed pool and a vibrant vibe all surrounded by a nature-scape of meandering paths, arroyos, shade trees and outdoor gathering spaces. Greystar California, Inc. dba Greystar Corp.
*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.*Welcome to Crescent Heights Luxury Apartment Homes, where quality and comfort meet. Enjoy such amenities as a swimming pool, clubhouse, and an exercise facility. Our on-site
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
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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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.
