At the eastern end of Southern California's Inland Empire, Valle Vista is a semi-rural suburb with home prices similar to those in neighboring Hemet, but with a quieter, more residential vibe. Established in 1887 as a farming community in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains, the town's name means “valley view” in Spanish. There are still some farms here today, but most residents commute to Hemet—home to more than 300 tech companies—or farther afield to Riverside or San Bernardino. Valle Vista is set right on State Route 74 (also known as Florida Avenue), and is within 25 miles of both Interstate 215 and state Route 60.
Pine Cove welcomes furry friends and is a dog-friendly community.
Residents enjoy the cool mountain air of Idyllwild located near the neighborhood of Pine Cove.
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Mixing new and established homes
Valle Vista's median home price is about $454,000, on par with Hemet’s $453,000. Near the junction of Florida Avenue and Route 79, manufactured homes are common; those built between the early 2000s and today range from $250,000 to $300,000, while 1980s fixer-uppers range from $100,000 to $200,000. Farther from the highways, ranch-style and Spanish Revival homes are set around cul-de-sacs. “It’s a mixed area. You have your smaller, older homes close to the intersection, and when you push out south you have custom homes against the orchards,” says Vivian Arias, Hemet-based Realtor with Brubaker-Culton Real Estate and Development. Custom homes are the area's most expensive options, ranging from $600,000 to $700,000.
Traditional Home with an A Frame Roof Seen in Lake Riverside
Classic A frame cabin sits in the woods of Pine Cove.
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Bilingual focus in Hemet Unified Schools
Local kids can attend schools in the Hemet Unified School District (HUSD), rated an overall B by Niche. HUSD is one of the largest school districts in California, awarding and recognizing students for achievements in language development and biliteracy.
Students are excited to learn at McSweeny Elementary School in Hemet.
Mural of a mustang painted on the wall of the entrance to West Valley High School in Hemet.
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Fishing locally and hiking in the San Jacinto Mountains
There are small urban green spaces in Valle Vista neighborhoods like Lake Riverside and Pine Cove , and larger natural areas on the outskirts of town. In neighboring East Hemet, the 5-acre Little Lake is filled with trout, catfish, bass and bluegill. Mount San Jacinto State Park, located about 19 miles away (a roughly 30-minute drive from Valle Vista) has hiking trails and campgrounds.
Hit the trails of Lake Riverside with your dog for fun and fitness.
Take a hike in the mountains near Pine Cove.
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Malls, markets and family eateries along Florida Avenue
The area's modest shopping and dining scene is set west of town along Florida Avenue. The Hemet Valley Mall serves as the main shopping hub, anchored by JCPenney and Hobby Lobby. Vallarta Supermarket became the city’s newest grocery store in early 2025, offering authentic Mexican prepared foods and imported ingredients. Dining options range from cozy diners to family-run Italian trattorias and casual Mexican restaurants. For local entertainment, the historic Ramona Theater stages both plays and movies.
Unlock the culinary treasures of Mexico with a meal in Lake Riverside.
Sit outside and enjoy a coffee on the deck at Pure Bean near Pine Cove.
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Highways lead throughout Riverside County
Valle Vista is set at the junction of Routes 74 (Florida Avenue) and 79, and both Interstate 215 and State Route 60 are within 25 miles. Hemet is about 4 miles away via Florida Avenue. Riverside and Temecula are within 40 miles, while San Bernardino and Palm Springs are within 50 miles. Most residents rely on cars to get around, but the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) 28 bus connects Valle Vista to Hemet. The area's largest hospital is Hemet Global Medical Center, 4 miles away. Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a roughly 55-mile drive, with nonstop flights to cities around the U.S.
Low crime and earthquake risk in Valle Vista
The town sits near California’s San Jacinto Fault Zone, part of a network of earthquake-prone areas. While small quakes happen regularly here, most cause little to no damage to homes and buildings.
Valle Vista is patrolled by the Hemet Police Department. According to FBI data, local rates of violent and property crime were below both state and national figures between 2022 and 2024.
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