San Jacinto: Although people often think the second word is pronounced with a ‘J’ sound, it’s actually a soft ‘H.’ This slight difference highlights how the historic city has held onto its roots in more ways than one. Named for Saint Hyacinth in 1820, the picturesque area was once a cattle ranch for nearby Mission San Luis Rey. Before that, the San Jacinto Valley was occupied by several Native American groups. The Saboba Band of Luiseno Indians remain and operate a large resort at the city’s edge. Bordered by the San Jacinto Mountain foothills, this Riverside suburb of 55,000 people boasts coveted scenic views, numerous recreational options and a historic downtown.
New Development Sits Next to Open Farmland in San Jacinto
Welcome to San Jacinto City, where history and nature beautifully converge.
Welcome to San Jacinto City, where every day offers something new.
Discover the beauty of living with mountain views in San Jacinto City.
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Miles of trails, nearby lakes and Mount San Jacinto State Park
San Jacinto is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The city oversees 32 parks covering a collective 170 acres. There are a variety of athletic fields and courts, walking trails and play equipment scattered across the community, as well as historic sites. “Luckily, all of the parks here are well established. Most of them will have a playground and a basketball court. If people are looking for something specific, our website lists all the parks and what they have,” says Ruth Perez, a San Jacinto Parks & Facilities Department supervisor.“
The Estudillo Mansion is an 1885 building with a heritage park and a water conservation garden. The former home was restored to its original state in 2009. “City-sponsored events are held in the heritage park at the Mansion. They have movie nights throughout the year. Big events, like the Fourth of July or the holiday tree lighting, are all downtown,” says Perez. The San Jacinto Museum has been part of the Estudillo Heritage Park since 1940. The facility tells the area’s story through early Native American artifacts, the path of Spanish explorers and numerous historic photographs.
The Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District encompasses San Jacinto, Menifee and Hemet, providing nearly 100 parks and community centers. Diamond Valley Lake Community Park occupies 85 acres and contains soccer and baseball fields, pickleball courts and fitness trails. Fourteen-thousand-acre Mount San Jacinto State Park is just east of town and presents a beautiful, challenging landscape for hikers using its 50 miles of trails. Thick forest, rugged terrain and fern-filled meadows can be seen from the Pacific Crest Trail or the park’s Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Resident takes a walk on a bike path located in San Jacinto City.
Hit the courts for some hoops at Mistletoe Park in San Jacinto City.
Learn about the proud legacy of the Soboba tribe in San Jacinto City.
Families enjoy warm afternoon at Valley Wide Regional Park in San Jacinto
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Authentic cuisines, farmers markets and the Old Town Plaza Shopping Center
San Jacinto has a variety of eating establishments showcasing local and international cuisines. Quick service and fast casual national chains line State Street and San Jacinto Avenue. Locally owned eateries and the city’s famous, authentic Mexican restaurants are dotted across the area, ensuring everyone is near one.
Historic downtown Main Street is a revitalized pedestrian area with small businesses and cafes covered in murals. The San Jacinto Certified Farmer’s Market is held here on Thursdays and Sundays year-round. Grocery stores are clustered along San Jacinto Avenue, which leads to the Old Town Plaza Shopping Center. The tiny strip mall has a hair salon and barbershop alongside clothing stores and a spa.
The Soboba Casino Resort is owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, a federally recognized sovereign tribe. The massive resort includes five restaurants, entertainment venues, a golf course and multiple pickleball courts.
Enjoy fresh finds every week at San Jacinto Certified Farmer's Market.
Experience thrilling gaming and luxury accommodations at Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto
Find your unique style at the San Jacinto Barber Shop.
Enjoy San Jacinto City's favorite slice at Stadium Pizza.
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Recently built houses, cul-de-sacs and rising home values
Housing in the city primarily consists of single-family dwellings, manufactured housing and condos. There was steady growth for several decades before the early 2000s brought a burst of construction. The majority of San Jacinto homes were built between 2000 and 2010. Many of these are located in tree-dotted cul-de-sacs. The Cove is a sought-after subdivision with spacious homes, and the Rose Ranch, De Anza and Spice Ranch neighborhoods have some of the highest home values in the city. These values have been rising steadily for several years, and in 2024, prices rose by 8.6%. Homes sell for an average price of $480,000 after 38 days.
Experience elegance and innovation in San Jacinto City's latest home designs.
Elevate your lifestyle with stunning mountain backdrops in San Jacinto City.
Experience serene mountain vistas every day from your San Jacinto City residence.
Experience the best of new home living in San Jacinto City.
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Tutoring, grant-based programs and Mt. San Jacinto College
The San Jacinto Unified School District oversees 17 campuses and over 10,000 students. It has a nearly 95% graduation rate and focuses on communication, critical thinking and social skills across every grade level. The district operates a free after-school enrichment program for children from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. It also uses a California Block Grant to help fund its arts and music courses and instructional materials. The district provides transportation for students outside walking distance of their school or through a discounted Riverside Transit Authority student bus pass. Mt. San Jacinto College is a two-year institution offering professional certificates, transfer credits and associate’s degrees across nearly 60 subject areas.
Bright Colorful Buildings Seen on the Campus of Monte Vista Middle School in San Jacinto
Parent Waits to Pick Up Student in Front of San Jacinto High School
Flags Fly High in the Morning at Megan Cope Elementary School in San Jacinto
Front Entrance to North Mountain Middle School in San Jacinto Features a Mural of a Husky
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Industrial sectors and healthcare facility options
While agriculture isn’t as large an industry here as before the 1950s, it still makes up a large part of the local economy. Other prominent sectors include education, hospitality and retail, with entities like the Mt. San Jacinto Community College District, Skyline Homes and Soboba Casino Resort being significant employers.
The San Jacinto Health Center works on a sliding scale to accommodate every community member. Its services include primary care, on-site laboratory testing and more. Just south of the city, numerous hospitals and medical centers, like Valley Medical Center and Hemet Global Medical Center, provide healthcare and a significant number of jobs for the region.
Discover luxury and excitement at Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto City.
Explore diverse programs and opportunities at Mt. San Jacinto Community College.
Experience innovation in home design with Skyline Homes in San Jacinto City.
Advanced healthcare solutions available at Valley Medical Center in San Jacinto City.
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State highways, bus routes and Palm Springs International Airport
The city doesn’t have any freeways passing through it, but several are nearby. Route 79 leads to Interstate 10, which connects to Los Angeles and San Bernardino. Route 74 becomes Interstate 215 a few miles west of the city, leading to Riverside, San Bernardino and Interstate 15. The Riverside Transit Agency provides bus services for San Jacinto and the region. Sidewalks run through many subdivisions and downtown but can be spotty in other places. People here have a daily one-way commute of 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 27 minutes. To travel by air, Palm Springs International Airport is 44 miles east.
Sunny days, natural disaster risks and area crime rates
San Jacinto has a Mediterranean-like climate, with low humidity, dry summers and rainy winters. The annual rainfall is around 12.5 inches, and there are 342 sunny days a year. Due to nearby industrial zones, the city has 15 or more days of unhealthy air quality annually. People are advised to wear masks when outdoors during these times.
San Jacinto faces a wildfire risk, particularly in the fall, because of the Santa Ana winds. Riverside County Fire Station 78 combats these blazes with the help of other Riverside fire stations. The city lies in the San Jacinto Fault Zone, a very active fault line area with frequent seismic events. Construction codes are carefully followed to limit the loss of life and property, and residents are encouraged to have an emergency kit in their homes.
The city’s violent crime rate is almost half the national average, while the property crime rate is slightly above the national average. People in San Jacinto have a one in 495 chance of becoming violent crime victims, and throughout California, the risk is one in 200. Property crime rates in the city are slightly below the state’s average, with San Jacinto residents facing a one in 45 chance of theft or burglary. One in 43 people are at risk throughout the state.
Written By
K.T. Phillips
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
Video By
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GreatSchools:
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