$1,601,480Average Value$490Average Price per Sq Ft51Homes For Sale
La Cresta, remote hilltop living with modern joys
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, a 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.”
Neighbors interconnected by lush horseback riding trails
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.
Play a round of golf at Bear Creek Golf Club located near La Cresta.
Ride or hike along the Sylvan Meadows Trail in La Cresta.
1/2
Luxury living among farmland and vineyards
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.
Many La Cresta homes feature terracotta roofs to keep cool in the summer.
Spanish-style home built on a large lot in La Cresta.
Trees surround a home built in a classic American style in La Cresta.
1/3
Dining down the hill
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.”
Barons near La Cresta offers everyday groceries and household items.
Pick up some fresh produce at Barons near La Cresta.
The Finch near La Cresta serves delicious modern country cuisine.
1/3
Top-rated schools serve La Cresta students
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.
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
Are you familiar with the La Cresta neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
La Cresta
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
La Cresta Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in La Cresta, Murrieta sell after 101 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in La Cresta, Murrieta over the last 12 months is $1,575,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Exquisite Custom Estate with Panoramic Views in Prestigious La Cresta. Discover one of the most extraordinary homes currently available in Murrieta, offering over 6,400 sq ft of refined luxury on more than 5 acres, nestled in the highly coveted La Cresta community. Boasting 4 spacious bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, this exceptional property delivers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and
Nice Lot ,to build your dream home and or dream home with an ADU .A very large 9,583 square foot lot and or .22 acre . Walk to the lake , Shopping and more . Lot loans / construction loans are available . APN # 374-082-004. Fire hydrant is at the corner of Lewis and pottery, city sewer is in the street ,electric is on front lot line / street. Nice views of the mountains / Down town area.
Nestled in the coveted La Cresta Highlands community of Murrieta, this extraordinary 4.9-acre estate backs directly to the Cleveland National Forest and is surrounded by multi-million-dollar properties, offering unmatched privacy, serenity, and panoramic natural beauty! The main residence showcases 5 bedrooms and 41⁄2 baths, highlighted by a stunning grand room with soaring ceilings, exposed wood
Luxury Live Auction! Bidding to start from $5,000,000! One of a kind Roman-inspired single-story estate set behind the guard-gated community of Meadow Oaks in La Cresta. Masterfully crafted, this irreplaceable residence blends old-world artistry with a warmth & livability rarely found at this scale. Soaring ceilings, grand arched windows, & hand-carved imported stone & wood details create
**FINANCING AVAILABLE** Stated income loans as little as 15% down and a 10-year fixed rate for qualified buyers. This is one of the best properties in La Cresta Ranch. Surrounded by multi-million dollar homes, you too can have a fantastic sanctuary. The lot already has a permitted house pad for you to start designing immediately! There are hundreds of producing avocado trees surrounding the
Rare opportunity to acquire two lots in Lake Elsinore and create a custom hillside retreat surrounded by rolling hills, open space, and scenic natural beauty. This unique offering gives buyers the chance to design a custom residence with the potential to explore an ADU for multigenerational living, guest quarters, a private office, studio space, or possible rental income. Existing flatwork and
0.13 acres of residential land located on Sunnyslope Dr near Barber St in Lake Elsinore. This parcel sits directly adjacent to APN 375-221-023, presenting a rare opportunity to secure side-by-side lots in an established neighborhood. Surrounded by existing homes and ongoing development, this property offers strong infill appeal and long-term upside. Whether you're looking to build a custom
This five acre parcel in beautiful La Cresta Highlands is near ready to build on, with water meter in place and water assessment bonds paid, previously graded, close to paved road and terrific views.
Rare opportunity to acquire two lots in Lake Elsinore and create a custom hillside retreat surrounded by rolling hills, open space, and scenic natural beauty. This unique offering gives buyers the chance to design and build a custom residence in a peaceful setting that feels private, spacious, and connected to the outdoors. With two lots being offered together, there may be added flexibility for
Own a Piece of Paradise in Prestigious La Cresta Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a stunning 4.9+ acre parcel in the exclusive community of La Cresta, just minutes from Murrieta—one of Southern California’s fastest-growing and most desirable areas. Nestled among rolling hills, mature trees, and panoramic views, this scenic lot offers the ideal canvas for your custom estate, equestrian
This Beautiful 5.28 acre parcel is the perfect location for your future custom home located on a quiet paved road with Million Dollar Estates in the prestigious community of La Cresta. La Cresta is located just 10-15 minutes in the hills west of Murrieta and Temecula Wine Country where you will find all of your shopping, dining and entertainment needs. With the 15 frwy near-by you will have easy
Opportunity knocks in the growing community of Lake Elsinore! This residential parcel on Ryan Ln offers a great chance to invest, build, or hold for future appreciation in an area surrounded by existing homes and ongoing development. Positioned in a desirable location with convenient access to the lake, local schools, shopping, and major commuter routes, this property provides both accessibility
Nearly 20 Acres of Scenic Land in the Santa Rosa Plateau – 19 Hombre, Murrieta, CA Nestled in the scenic hills of the Santa Rosa Plateau in Murrieta, California, this expansive 19.89-acre parcel at 19 Hombre offers a rare opportunity for those seeking privacy, space, and the serenity of semi-rural living. The possibilities here are endless—whether you envision designing and building your dream
0.10 acres of residential land located on Sunnyslope Dr near Barber St in Lake Elsinore. This well-positioned parcel offers an excellent opportunity for a future homesite or strategic buy-and-hold investment in a growing Southern California lake community. Surrounded by established homes and neighborhood development, the property benefits from nearby residential infrastructure and continued area
Tucked beyond the gates of Rancho Capistrano, where rolling hills meet the gentle rhythm of equestrian trails, lies a home that feels like a page from a storybook. Welcome to 35455 El Niguel Road—a serene retreat where morning light dances through century-old oaks and time seems to slow.Set on an expansive double lot, this private estate centers around a charming farmhouse, thoughtfully
Beautiful NEW detached condo in Lake Elsinore by Century Communities, spacious and open floor plan, it features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, with sizable living area, Laundry room, Two stories, contemporary design with tons of light, direct access to a two-car garage. Gourmet Kitchen with all brand new stainless steel appliances including washer/dryer. A great floorplan is rarely available with
Welcome to 37500 Trabuco Rd, an exceptional equestrian estate located within the prestigious gated community of Rancho Capistrano. Designed for both luxury living and professional horse training, this estate offers a rare combination of comfort, functionality, and trainer-ready facilities.This expansive five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath residence includes two private offices—perfect for
Nestled within the serene San Mateo Wilderness, this beautiful 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom cottage offers the perfect blend of rustic tranquility and modern comfort. With approximately 750 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this home provides a peaceful escape surrounded by nature’s beauty but only 15 minutes from San Juan Capistrano. Step inside to discover a bright and inviting
Welcome to this beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed home situated in the heart of Lake Elsinore, just minutes from the local baseball park, a few minutes from the lake, and surrounded by scenic mountain views. Nestled in a charming, small residential community that offers its own designated parking, this home provides comfort, convenience, and a welcoming neighborhood feel. Main
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.
