$336,370Average Value$301Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
The last town before the desert
Set in the heart of San Jacinto Valley, Downtown Hemet vibes more like a small town than a typical city center. Instead of towering buildings and busy commercial streets, it offers some well-preserved early 20th-century landmarks, like the Santa Fe Train Depot, the Hemet Museum and the Hemet Theatre, and a handful of small local businesses. “There isn’t a nightlife or shopping scene, but it’s the most affordable housing market in Riverside County before you hit the Sonoran Desert,” says Jonathan Hernandez, real estate agent with eXp Realty of California. “Some homes even have views of the San Jacinto Mountains.” Many residents here commute north to Riverside, south to Temecula or even east to Palm Springs, all of which are within 50 miles. Local houses of worship include the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, set in a Spanish Mission-style building built in 1911.
Harvard District in Downtown Hemet features a variety of cafes and small businesses.
Beautiful church building with red door seen in Downtown Hemet.
1/2
Homes from the early 20th and early 21st centuries
Downtown Hemet's residential streets are laid out in grids that branch off from the neighborhood's main east-west thoroughfare, East Florida Avenue. Narrow sidewalks line the streets. Some front lawns are well-maintained while others are unkept, but most are gated by chain-link fences. Modest Craftsman bungalows often have colorful blue or burgundy trims along the roofs and windows; ranch-style homes here come in more muted, neutral tones. Most homes were built between the 1920s and late 1940s, and typically have two or three bedrooms; prices range from $320,000 to $350,000, depending on size and how well they've been maintained. Newer homes were built between the early 2000s and 2010s, have three or four bedrooms, and range from $400,000 to $450,000 depending on size and interior features— some might be fully remodeled while others might have recently renovated kitchens or bathrooms. Many residents rent rather than own their homes, and there is no homeowner's association.
Small Single-Family Home with Porch Seen in a Neighborhood in Downtown Hemet
Historical House with Decorative Trim Seen in Downtown Hemet
1/2
Specialized teaching methods at Tahquitz High
Local kids can start school at Jacob Wiens Elementary and continue to Rancho Viejo Middle; both earn a C from Niche. At the B-rated Tahquitz High, teachers are trained to use AVID’s WICOR method, which focuses on five key areas: writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading. This approach helps students develop critical thinking skills and effectively communicate complex ideas.
Students are the highest priority at Tahquitz High School in Hemet.
Students are the highest priority at Rancho Viejo Middle School in Hemet.
1/2
Remodeled Santa Fe Depot briefs residents on Hemet history
Mary Henley Park spans 16 acres, featuring two playsets, picnic tables and a large open turf area. The 12-acre Gibbel Park features baseball diamonds and lighted tennis courts - residents often gather under the gazeboes for parties. The small Hemet Museum on the northwest corner of East Florida Avenue and State Street was formerly a Santa Fe Train Depot, dating back to 1914. The museum showcases Native American artifacts like dolls, tools and pottery that gives residents a quick, interactive history lesson on the original inhabitants of Hemet. Residents also enjoy proximity to mountain communities like Idyllwild, home to art galleries and miles of scenic hiking trails and campgrounds to enjoy.
Enjoy a Pastry on the Sidewalk at Harvard St. Bakery and Café in Downtown Hemet
Grab a Drink with Friends at Chappies Cocktails in Downtown Hemet
1/2
Hemet's walkable, compact city center
Towering palms flank Florida Avenue, lined with modest storefronts that house small, independent businesses.
Residents can start their day with a hot coffee and baked goods from Harvard St. Bakery and Café. Destination Smokehouse & Eatery serves up tender barbecue sandwiches and a menu full of slow-cooked meats. The single-story Hemet Valley Mall is set within the community on the west portion of Florida Avenue, offering 10 stores and anchored by Hobby Lobby and JC Penney. Los Altos Market offers fresh produce and imported Mexican goods. For a wider selection of grocery options, Walmart Supercenter
is set about a mile west.
Entertainment can be found in some of the area's oldest venues. Built in 1921, the Hemet Theatre is one of the nation's oldest continually operating single-screen movie theaters, and also offers live performances by local bands paying tribute to rock legends like Queen and Led Zeppelin. Since the 1920s, the Ramona Bowl natural amphitheater has been staging a lavish outdoor theater adaptation of "Ramona," Helen Hunt Jackson's popular 1884 novel about Southern California after the Mexican-American War; this story takes place largely in the Hemet area, and this production is America's longest-running outdoor play.
Gated Patio with Umbrellas Seen at Destination Smokehouse & Eatery in Downtown Hemet
Check out some live entertainment at the Historic Hemet Theater in Downtown Hemet.
1/2
State routes lead to neighboring cities
California State Route 74 runs along most of the main Florida Avenue corridor and leads about 35 miles west to Riverside. Residents can take State Highway 79 about 43 miles north to Palm Springs. Riverside Transit Agency busses stop on Florida Avenue and throughout the city. The Hemet Global Medical Center is just east of the neighborhood on East Florida Avenue, and the Palm Springs International Airport is 45 miles east.
Bike Lane Seen Along East Florida Avenue in Downtown Hemet
Aerial View of the Downtown Hemet Area
1/2
Mitigating fire risks and combatting crime
Downtown Hemet’s CAP Index crime score is 8 out of 10, compared to the national average score of 4. The main contributors to this elevated score are high rates of burglary and motor vehicle theft. To address this issue, the Hemet Police Department has established specialized units focused on combating organized crime, including grab-and-run incidents of theft. Additionally, neighboring communities have implemented neighborhood watch programs to enhance local safety.
In September 2022, Hemet experienced the massive Fairview Fire, a wildfire that grew to over 28,000 acres and destroyed 13 structures. More than 1,500 homes were evacuated. To mitigate fire risk and potentially minimize destruction, the City of Hemet and the Hemet Fire Department Prevention Staff perform annual fire inspections for all businesses. Hemet Fire Station #1 is within Downtown Hemet, responding to all fire-related emergencies.
Downtown Hemet’s CAP Index crime score is 8 out of 10, compared to the national average score of
Resident enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Mary Henley Park in Hemet.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Naim Olachea,
an experienced agent in this area.
Transit
Airport
Palm Springs International
56 min drive
Bus
Florida Fs Buena Vista
Bus
Florida Fs State
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Hemet
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
9
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
8
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Hemet, Hemet sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Hemet, Hemet over the last 12 months is $285,000, down 16% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New, improved price now includes an adjacent vacant lot next door! The vintage two bedroom/one bath home, Lot 20, is in need of significant repair. It is located on a good sized lot. The vacant lot is between the house and the Church parking lot on the South, the address is 233 S. Juanita, Lot 19. House and lot may be purchased separately or together. Buyer is to verify all codes, restrictions,
1.14 Acres located in the beautiful De Alessandro EstatesThis is a vacant land, on a hill overlooking the beautiful Hemet / San Jacinto valley. Prestigious location and an amazing view to see everyday, especially after building your new home on this 1.14 Acre land. The land is surrounded by custom built homes that range from $600K to $1 Million Dollars. The view and the location adds a lot to
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Naim Olachea,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
395
Median Age
33
Population under 18
29.6%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.2%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$121,590
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$114,057
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
78.2%
College Graduates
14.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0%
% Population in Labor Force
49.6%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
96°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
64/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
87/ 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.
