Sprawling suburb on I-215, near Lake Perris and Riverside
Around 19 miles south of Riverside and 75 miles east of Los Angeles, suburban Perris has one of the more competitive housing markets in the Inland Empire. “Affordability is one of the big draws here,” says Michele Sparks, an Associate Broker with Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, who grew up in the city. “They’re still Southern California prices, but the homes are more affordable than a lot of other places in the region.” Surrounded by Lake Perris and several mountain ranges, access to nature and commuter convenience are also factors in the city's popularity. “It’s right on Interstate 215, where there’s a bunch of big warehouses and distribution centers for places like Amazon," says Sparks, "but people can go further north to Riverside and even San Bernardino for work.”
In the late 19th century, Perris was a popular stop on the Pacific Railroad, but by the late 20th century, large companies like Whirlpool were attracting thousands of new residents to the area. According to the U.S. Census, Perris' population more than doubled in size between 2000 and 2023, rising from about 36,000 to over 80,000. Despite the suburban sprawl this growth has created, Perris maintains a strong sense of community. “It has a nice small-town feel, since all the businesses collaborate with each other through the Chamber of Commerce,” says Sarah Harty, the Manager of Visitor Experience at the Southern California Railway Museum, “and there’s always an event happening in town.”
Local businesses on D Street give Perris a small-town feel despite recent growth.
The mountain views and proximity to Lake Perris draw residents to the area.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Perris with vibrant altars and colorful offerings.
Perris is home to many large warehouses and distribution centers, fueling the local economy.
1/4
Lake Perris, community parks and attractions for thrill-seekers
Immediately north of the city, the Lake Perris Recreation Area spans over 8,800 acres of mountains, valleys and its namesake reservoir. “Lake Perris is one of the most important assets Perris has,” says Sparks. “You see tons and tons of boats come here during the summer and people all along the beach. It doesn’t get that cold in the winter, but people tend to go fishing here around then.” The park is set amid three mountain ranges — the Russell, Apuma and Armada — as well as the Bernasconi Hills, and offers rugged trails for hiking and horseback riding, and the 180-foot tall Big Rock for rock climbing.
About 25 community parks are also scattered throughout Perris and its suburbs, many with sports facilities, playgrounds and walking trails. In 2022, Perris was granted $2.8 million from the State of California to improve the 8-acre Copper Creek Park; the city has since added public art, a skatepark and a butterfly garden.
Perris is also known for its wide array of thrill-seeking attractions. Skydive Perris offers tandem skydiving and an indoor wind tunnel for simulated free falling, and the Perris Raceway is California’s oldest motorcross track, having been built in 1954. DropZone Waterpark has towering waterslides and a lazy river, while Action Star Games has a sprawling paint ball course filled with obstacles.
Locals enjoy spending summer days on the beach at Lake Perris Recreation Area.
Perris residents can cool off at DropZone Waterpark on the waterslides and lazy river.
Kick up some dirt at Perris Raceway, California’s oldest motocross track.
Skydive Perris offers skydiving and an indoor wind tunnel to simulate free falling.
1/4
Area-affordable housing in the Inland Empire
The median home sale price in Perris is $553,000, compared to about $646,000 in Riverside and roughly $760,000 in Rancho Cucamonga. Perris' competitive housing market saw a 7% jump in prices between late 2023 and late 2024, and houses tend to sell in a little over a month. Most homes are either new traditional and Spanish-style, set in suburbs that were developed during the early 2000s, and priced between $410,000 and $775,000. Ranch-style homes and Craftsman bungalows from the 1950s to ‘80s can be found in central Perris, typically in communities surrounding the downtown area; prices for these can range from $275,000 to $675,000.
The average home in Perris sells for $553K, slightly lower than in Riverside.
Most suburban homes in Perris are built in Spanish Revival and new traditional styles.
Find Ranch and Craftsman homes in downtown Perris.
The housing market in Perris saw a 7% rise in prices from late 2023 to late 2024.
1/4
Three Perris school districts
Perris students are served by three public school districts. With over 19,000 students, the Val Verde Unified School District is the city’s largest and earns a B-plus from Niche. The C-minus-rated Perris Elementary School District feeds into the B-rated Perris Union High School District. Perris High is rated C and employs the BARR system, in which a three-teacher team collaborates on core subject areas to improve student-teacher relationships.
Perris High School strives to create a positive environment for students.
Students are the top priority at Perris Elementary School.
Val Verde Unified School District is the largest of the three in the Perris area.
Find great teachers at Pinacate Middle School, part of the Perris Union High District.
1/4
Events year round in Perris
Evry October, the Southern California Fair brings carnival rides, family-friendly games and thousands of attendees to the Lake Perris Fairgrounds. Residents join the mayor in the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in early December, and the following day, the Christmas Parade fills D Street with festive floats and marching bands. In the summer, Movie Nights attract families to local parks to watch films under the stars, and every April, Breakfast with Bunny brings petting zoos, face painting and plenty of free food to Perris City Hall.
Easy commute to Riverside and San Bernardino
Interstate 215 runs through the center of Perris, leading commuters 19 miles north to Riverside and 27 miles north to San Bernardino; according to the U.S. Census, Perris locals drive an average of 36 minutes to work. Metrolink’s Perris Valley Line travels from Downtown Perris to Los Angeles Union Station in about 2 hours each way. To get around Perris itself, locals need a car. The City of Perris seeks to improve its walkability and bikeability, and since 2018, it’s launched the Getting Everyone to Actively Ride (GEAR) program to pave new multi-use paths and build new bike-related facilities around the city. The Ontario International Airport is 37 miles away.
Downtown Perris' small commercial and museum scene
Locally owned bakeries and chain restaurants neighbor the Downtown Metrolink Station, where the Perris Valley Historical Museum shares exhibits and archives documenting the city’s past. About a mile up the tracks, the Southern California Railway Museum offers a more family-friendly learning experience with full-sized Thomas the Tank Engines. Elsewhere in Perris, small shopping centers like Perris de Plaza and Perris Towne Square are home to fast food chains and grocery stores. “Most people head outside of the city for shopping, though,” says Sparks, “whether that means Murrieta to the south or Riverside to the north.”
Spend an afternoon shopping and dining locally in downtown Perris.
Explore exhibits on the area's history at the Perris Valley Historical Museum.
Find several downtown businesses near the Metrolink Station in Perris.
Many residents head south to Murrieta to shop at Costco and other big-box stores.
1/4
Crime and wildfire concerns
According to FBI statistics for 2023, Perris’s property crime rate is about 25 reported incidents per 1,000 people, higher than the national rate of 18 and California’s overall rate of 23. Perris’ violent crime rate is about 4 reported incidents per 1,000 people, on par with the national rate of about 4 and California's rate of 5. Community-run groups like Perris Crime Watch and Safety New help keep locals informed about reported and on-going crimes.
Perris’s arid climate and powerful Santa Ana winds make it vulnerable to wildfires. The most recent wildfire to impact the city was the Post Fire in November 2024, which burned 130 acres and raised evacuation warnings but was ultimately contained within 24 hours. Perris residents should be aware of warning signs, like strong winds and lightning strikes in drier seasons, and follow announcements from CalFire.
Written By
Fletcher Varnson
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
Video By
Mary Desmond
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Maricela Rodriguez,
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 Perris, CA sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Perris, CA over the last 12 months is $583,405, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home built in 2024, offering 2,239 sq ft of modern living with thoughtful upgrades already completed for you. From day one, this home is built to save you money and eliminate future expenses. With 14 fully paid solar panels, you can significantly reduce your electricity bill—potentially cutting energy costs by over 50% depending on usage.
Welcome to your dream home—where comfort, functionality, and resort-style living come together seamlessly. This beautifully upgraded residence offers four spacious bedrooms and three well-appointed bathrooms (1 bedroom and full bath on main level) complemented by a grand stair case, soaring ceilings and plantation shutters throughout and sitauted on the South side of Perris near the
Beautifully maintained two-story home offering 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with 1,850 sq ft of living space. This home features an open and functional layout with soaring ceilings and abundant natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen offers ample cabinetry and counter space and opens seamlessly to the dining and living areas—ideal for both everyday living and
Welcome to this charming single-story home in the desirable Avalon Community of Perris! Situated on an oversized corner lot, 3913 Manquelo Ct offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, perfect for comfortable family living. Step inside to find a bright and open floor plan with plenty of natural light, ideal for both relaxing and entertaining. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining and
Homes with this layout don’t come around often—especially in the highly desirable Park Place all-age community. This spacious residence offers an exceptional floorplan designed for both everyday comfort and effortless entertaining.Step inside to a welcoming front living room filled with natural light, complete with a cozy fireplace that creates the perfect gathering space. The oversized
Gorgeous DR Horton home built in 2024 featuring 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.75 bathrooms just waiting for your family to come home! Home features a beautiful, nearly-new kitchen with Whirlpool, stainless steel 4 burner cooktop, oven, microwave, dishwasher, Blanco Tiza Quartz countertops, large island, and pantry closet. Kitchen opens into dining area and living room, perfect for entertaining family
Luxury Lake Mathews Estate with Panoramic Views on 2.21 AcresExperience elevated living in this fully upgraded Lake Mathews estate, where breathtaking mountain, hill, and lake views create a truly unforgettable setting. Situated on 2.21 private acres, this remarkable 4,292 sq. ft. residence offers 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and 2 half baths, thoughtfully designed for both grand
Get away from it all—enjoy peaceful rural living just 15 minutes from the city. This custom-built home, constructed in 1989, sits on over two acres of land and offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch for miles. An impressive 80-foot wraparound deck provides the perfect vantage point to enjoy sweeping views of Lake Mathews, mountain vistas and sparkling city lights.Designed as a true
Back on the market at no fault of the seller. Previous appraisal came in above the current list price on an as-is basis. Home is move-in ready and can accommodate a quick close in under 30 days, if needed. Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a charming and functional floor plan, located in an established Perris neighborhood. Situated on a desirable corner lot, this
For Sale. This home is almost new, was built in 2022. Beautiful rural setting with almost 1.5 acres of usable land. This home features 5 spacious bedrooms and 3 Full Bathrooms. 10 foot ceilings throughout the home. Huge main suite with a private office, large walk in closet and very elegant bathroom with dual showers and custom tile work and glass enclosures. The kitchen has lots of storage,
Opportunity awaits! Build Your own Home / Ranch in this emerging neighborhood! Amazing lot located in the city of Perris. Close to the corner Corner of Mary ST & Clark ST. Parcel 05 on the map. fourth lot over from the corner of Clark and Mary. Please view lot from Mary st. Plenty of Homes in the Area already! Ideal for so much, just bring your ideas and imagination.
Welcome to 2409 Tulip Dr in South Perris, West of the 215! Built in 2021, this beautifully maintained home is located in a newer community and offers modern style, comfort, and functionality throughout. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, this home boasts upgraded flooring that flows seamlessly through the main living areas. The huge open kitchen is the heart of the home, complete
What a great buy for a home that has just been remodeled. This manufactured home is on a permanent foundation. Improvement include New Cabinets, New Flooring, New Windows, New Doors, New Stove, Newer Plumbing and more. Features 2 Bedrooms and 1 Bathroom. The laundry area is inside in the hallway. Stay warm in the winter with the central heater unit which is also AC ready. Carport for 2 to 3 cars
Mobil Home on its own Land it has been renovated. The mobil home has laminate flooring thru out, newer fixtures,newer windows and it has an open floor plan sitting on a good size of land that is gated. The yard is very spacious big enough for toys and lots of cars. Hurry this home will not last.
Explore our unique apartments, nestled south of the Moreno Valley and Riverside in Perris, CA. Made up of 6-unit buildings with assigned garages, The Charlie Perris provides a community feel for those who want the perks of living in a home while enjoying community amenities. Greystar California, Inc. dba Greystar Corp. License No. 1525765 Broker: Gerard S. Donohue License No. 01265072
This well-maintained two-story single-family home in Perris offers a comfortable and functional layout with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Nestled on a quiet street, the property provides a peaceful residential setting while still being conveniently located near local amenities. Inside, you’ll find high ceilings that create an open, airy feel, along with a thoughtfully designed floor plan ideal
Living at Country Hills, you'll find yourself just minutes from premier shopping, dining, entertainment and plenty of outdoor activities. We feature spacious one bedroom apartments with many designer upgrades available. Stop by and let our friendly, professional on-site management team show you all our Community has to offer.
Turnkey, move-in ready single-family home located in one of Perris’ most desirable areas! This beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence offers modern comfort and convenience with a brand-new A/C unit and thoughtful upgrades throughout. Situated on an expansive lot of over 8,000 sq ft, this property provides plenty of outdoor space to enjoy, relax, or entertain. Perfectly positioned
Laurel Palms Apartments, a spacious apartments for rent community in Perris California, that offers quality accommodations and an extensive array of services and conveniences. These rental apartments were designed with elegance and special amenities that's perfect for your Perris living "Life-Style". Come visit our apartments today, and see for yourself, some of our affordable units that you can
Welcome to 1763 Dennison Dr, a charming and spacious single-family home located in a desirable neighborhood of Perris. This 2-story home in the Village of Avalon has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Open floor plan perfect for family gathering and entertaining with kitchen flow to family room and dining area. Fireplace in family room, separate laundry room. back yard looks out to green belt. Association
Stop by and tour your home sweet home! Don't miss out on the opportunity to live in this beautiful home! Welcome to 2083 Mount Verdugo located in the Village of Avalon Community. This single-story home sits on a rare and spacious 12,632 SF Lot situated at the end of the cul de sac. As you approach the front door there is an inviting covered porch with a sitting area. This clean and
The Regency Apartments is a relaxing and comfortable apartment rentals facility situated in Perris California. Fully equipped kitchenette, fashionably furnished living room, bedroom, bathroom and large pool. This apartments for rent community is close to shopping, dining and public transportation. Convenient and peaceful location. Could you ask for anything more? Discover these spacious homes and
Beautiful ranch-style manufactured home on a permanent foundation with 433 filings built in 2021, 4 bedrooms, two bathrooms, approximately 1,980 square feet. Family Rooms, Open Concept Kitchen, and the Main Bathroom offer dual sinks, a walk-in shower, and a jacuzzi tub. A Separate Laundry Room. Central air/heating. This great turnkey home is on a large lot and offers many updates, including
Property Id: 2478079One room, one living room one bathroom plenty of private parking property is 100% secured and fenced for one person house is shared with one other person who has their own room and bathroom and living room
House for Rent, Built in 2024. This stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom two-story home combines modern comfort with thoughtful design. A convenient downstairs bedroom and full bathroom are perfect for guests or multi-generational living. The modern kitchen features a center island with a breakfast bar, Whirlpool stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a walk-in pantry. Upstairs, the
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.
