Surrounded by pristine wilderness and rustic simplicity, Idyllwild constitutes one of the largest unincorporated communities in Riverside County. “People live here year-round, but a lot of people come here seasonally, too,” says Brandy Nelson, Executive Director of Equity Union Real Estate with over 20 years of experience. The indigenous Cahuilla peoples, the original inhabitants of the area, ventured here in the summer to escape the heat of the lower desert altitudes. Later settlers ensured that the region's expansive forests remained relatively untouched. Now, California's parks department maintains close to 12,000 acres of state parks, while surrounding land is preserved under the National Wilderness Act. Residents choose Idyllwild for its private properties, fresh mountain air and access to local shopping and dining.
Idyllwild Mountain Park residents enjoy the mountain lifestyle in Southern California.
Take a hike in nature in the San Jacinto Wilderness near Idyllwild Mountain Park.
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Exploring the state park and nature center
Living in Idyllwild offers daily opportunities to connect with nature, from camping in Idyllwild Regional Park to learning about local ecology and the culture of the Cahuilla Native people at the Idyllwild Nature Center. Over 50 miles of trails throughout Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness means hikers have a variety of terrain to choose from. In the summer, residents can meet fellow nature lovers when they join a weekend nature walk led by a Park Interpreter or sign up for an excursion hosted by the Mount San Jacinto Natural History Association.
Tahquitz Rock in Idyllwild Mountain Park is Southern California’s largest rock.
Visit the exhibits at The Idyllwild Nature Center to learn about the local wildlife.
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Rustic homes in nature
Secluded homes perch on the mountainside along winding forested streets. Developers aimed to preserve the natural landscape when they constructed modern homes. As a result, the residential landscape is dotted with a variety of home styles that blend in with the forest, such as classic log cabins, A-frames and bungalows. Single-family homes range from about $450,000 to just under $1.5 million. Manufactured homes range from about $38,000 to $155,000.
Upgraded modern A-frame cabins provide style to a classic design in Idyllwild Mountain Park.
Classic log cabins provide traditional mountain dwellings in Idyllwild Mountain Park.
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Shopping and dining imbued with local creativity
Within the surrounding mountain communities, “The shopping is all in Idyllwild, where people walk around and enjoy the small-town feel,” Nelson says. The rustic and innovative architecture seen in Idyllwild's homes is also present in its boutiques and shops. Folks admire local artwork in galleries like Artspresso Art Gallery and browse the selections at Stop Light Thrift Shop. Speakeasy Bookmarket, a stylish independent bookstore with bold colors and deep-set chairs, invites bibliophiles to take the secret entrance and pour over new releases. Idyllwild Village Market keeps residents supplied with fresh produce, baked goods and other household essentials. As for local dining favorites, the cabin-style Red Kettle diner serves up burgers and breakfast sandwiches, while Amelia's Donuts & More offers homemade treats, including gluten-free and vegan options. At Idyllwild Brewpub, locals enjoy live music performances and upscale pub fare.
Speakeasy Books features cozy couches and stylish décor in Idyllwild Mountain Park.
Stop in at the Red Kettle Diner for classic American Dishes in Idyllwild Mountain Park.
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Schools in Idyllwild and down the mountain
Idyllwild School, rated B-plus on Niche, teaches kindergarten through Grade 8. Idyllwild Montessori School, a private option, teaches prekindergarten through Grade 9. The area’s public high school is about 22 miles down the mountain. Hemet High is rated B-plus and offers dual enrollment classes in English and math through Mount San Jacinto College.
Idyllwild School provides a quality education for elementary and middle school students.
Students can find the skills to succeed at Hemet High School.
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Winding down Highway 243
Highway 243 is the one main road that stretches through Idyllwild, connecting it to surrounding neighborhoods and winding down the mountain. Hemet Global Medical Center is about 22 miles west and Palm Springs International Airport is about 50 miles away. What Idyllwild lacks in terms of bike lanes, buses and pedestrian-friendly areas, it makes up for in terms of hiking trails.
Overview of a road leading to Idyllwild Mountain Park.
Residents enjoy the cooler mountain climate of the the Idyllwild Mountain Park area.
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Wildfire risk
Between 2009 and 2019, Idyllwild was evacuated three times due to fires. There is one main road going through the community, and when it closes due to a natural hazard or road repairs, it can leave residents vulnerable. Additionally, the construction materials of manufactured homes make them particularly susceptible to fires. However, the fire department just up the road surveils the mountain and ensures appropriate amounts of vegetation surround area properties.
Tahquitz Rock is an iconic landmark to the Idyllwild Mountain Park area.
Residents can find affordable manufactured housing communities in Idyllwild Mountain Park.
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
Mountain Peaks Chalet, an extraordinary, fully modernized mountain cabin nestled along a serene seasonal creek with breathtaking views of Tahquitz Rock (Lily Rock) and Suicide Rock through dramatic clerestory windows. No detail was overlooked in this complete hillside transformation: New hickory wood flooring, modern lighting, wood-burning fireplace, & a stunning chef's kitchen with custom
Timothy McTavishDesert Sotheby's International Realty
''Cozy Haven'', a beautifully remodeled furnished gem in the desirable neighborhood of Fern Valley. 2021 upgrades include new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main level, fully renovated bathrooms including new designer tile & high-end Kohler fixtures, all new dual-pane energy efficient windows, new propane wall heaters including plumbing and new ''Nest'' smart thermostats, Custom
Timothy McTavishDesert Sotheby's International Realty
Discover comfortable, low-maintenance living in this beautifully updated 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom mobile home, ideally located right in the center of Idyllwild's welcoming 55+ community. Offering 500 square feet of open concept living space, this home boasts a bright and airy layout that's perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Step outside to a large side deck-ideal for enjoying the fresh
Perched on a tranquil street just moments from town, this stunning 2-bedroom, 3-bath home delivers the ultimate mountain haven along the Strawberry Creek. Set on an expansive 0.37-acre lot with dramatic rock outcroppings, the property welcomes you with a circular driveway and easy, level access-making arrivals and daily living a breeze. Inside, the open floor plan features an entertainer's
Come enjoy the 4 seasons at the perfect mountain getaway. This cabin offers a plethora of outdoor space between the front patio or the oversized back deck. The circular driveway has ample parking along with space on the left side of the cabin for an RV. As you are greeted in the entryway with the warm pine that invites you into the open living area. The living room is warmed by the rock fireplace
Welcome to this In Town 1 bedroom Ground Floor apartment. An oversized living dining kitchen make up the first room. Down the hall you'll find a Full bath and the large bedroom with walk in closet. Parking in both front and rear of the building. Tenant pays utilities. Unit has a mini-split which offers both heat and A/C. Max occupancy of 3 people. Application needed to show, can be found on
Welcome to this In Town 1 bedroom Upper Floor apartment. An oversized living dining kitchen make up the back room. Down the hall you'll find the large bedroom with Full bathroom . Parking in rear of the building. Tenant pays utilities. . Max occupancy of 3 people. Application required to show, Application through Zillow, MInimum Credit score of $620 required, MInimum income of 2x rent required,
Short walk to town 2 bedroom 1 bathroom unit for rent. Great deck to enjoy the days. Unit comes complete with mini-split for both heat and A/C. Hookups for stacked washer dryer. Long term rental only. Cats Okay. Tenant pays utilities.Minimum income req 2x rent, credit score of 620.application needed to show
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rachel Wilkins,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,098
Median Age
52
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
17.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
31.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$83,333
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$80,564
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.6%
College Graduates
38.1%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.8%
% Population in Labor Force
34.2%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
25''
Average Winter Low Temperature
30°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
6''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
7/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
31/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
