About halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the city of Murrieta offers a small-town feel, surrounded by the rolling foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. A stopover railroad town in the late 1800s, Murrieta had been transformed by the late 20th century into a less expensive, more suburban alternative to coastal California cities. “The cost of living is less compared to Orange County or San Diego,” says Katherine Materiale, a Realtor with ERA Donahoe Realty who has over 21 years of local experience. “A lot of people move to Murrieta because they can get more house for their money.” Today, the city’s home to about 113,000 residents and caters to an active lifestyle, offering scenic hillside hiking trails, community parks and tourist attractions like the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. Old Town Murrieta offers locally owned businesses and restaurants, and community events are often held at Town Square Park. “The biggest draw for people is the cleanliness—it’s a big family community,” Materiale says.
Business services, retail and construction are major local industries, and top employers include the highly rated Murrieta Valley Unified School District, Rancho Springs Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center. Materiale says the city also has a large military community; the U.S Army Temecula Recruiting Station is 6 miles away, the Naval Reserve Center - Riverside is 25 miles away, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is 31 miles away.
Grab a drink with a friend at the outdoor bar at DownTown PUBlic in Old Town Murrieta.
Murrieta is known for clean family-friendly neighborhoods.
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort attracts tourist looking for a relaxing vacation.
Loma Linda University Medical Center is a top employer in the Murrieta health care industry.
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Planned neighborhoods with Spanish-and Mission-inspired homes
The average home price in Murrieta is $730,000, compared to $870,000 in Temecula, roughly $950,000 in Anaheim and about $1.2 million in San Diego. The city's single-family homes are set in planned subdivisions with sidewalk-lined streets, and were built between the late 1980s and today; many are new traditional with Spanish- or Mission-inspired details, including red or brown clay-tiled roofs and white or beige stucco exteriors. Attached garages are standard, and private pools are popular additions. Communities set in the hills west of Old Town are particularly desirable, like gated Greer Ranch, where residents share access to a community pool and clubhouse. The 55-plus, resort-style Colony at California Oaks offers golf course views, a shared swimming pool and courts for tennis, pickleball and bocce.
Murrieta features single-family homes in planned neighborhoods throughout the area.
Play a round of golf at California Oaks Golf Club in Murrieta.
Spanish-style homes are popular builds in the Murrieta area.
Many newer developments in Murrieta offers residents access to community amenities.
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Murrieta Valley Unified School District receives high marks
Murrieta is part of the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, which serves about 22,000 students and is rated an overall A by Niche. “The school district is phenomenal,” Materiale says. High school students in the district may pursue their interests in career and technical education pathways for subjects like construction, education and hospitality. District high schools also offer dual-enrollment courses for college credit at Mt. San Jacinto College. Private options in the city include the A-plus-rated Calvary Murrieta Christian Schools, where students in kindergarten through Grade 8 learn about the Bible as a part of their core curriculum.
Students are guided toward success at Vista Murrieta High School.
Calvary Murrieta Christian School is a premier learning institution in Murrieta.
Murrieta high schools offer dual-enrollment courses for college credit at Mt. San Jacinto.
Dorothy McElhinney Middle School in Murrieta provides students with a positive environment.
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Scenic hiking in the Santa Rosa Mountains
There are over 50 parks and golf courses for locals to enjoy in Murrieta, including the 47-acre Los Alamos Hills Sports Park, where sporting events are often held, like youth baseball and soccer games. At Pond Park, anglers can cast their lines for bluegill and largemouth bass, and Copper Canyon Park’s the spot for a morning jog or dog walk along the park’s paved trails. Locals may practice their swing downtown at the Murrieta Valley Golf Range or hit the links a few miles away at the California Oaks Golf Club’s 18-hole public course, featuring tree-lined fairways and pockets of colorful wildflowers.
Murrieta’s popular hiking trails are set by the rolling foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and include the 3-mile Vernal Pool Trail, which leads to the only natural basalt pools in southern California. Every decade or so, Murrieta experiences the springtime California Super Bloom, a rare ecological event when all of the area’s flowers bloom at once, coloring the city’s hills with orange, red and purple wildflowers. The Murrieta Hot Spring Resort is popular with tourists, offering pools of geothermal mineral water.
Los Alamos Hills Sports Park features a groomed running trail around the parameter.
Join some friends for a round of disc golf at California Oaks Golf Club in Murrieta.
Go fishing with a friend at Pond Park in Murrieta.
Ride or hike along the trails in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains near Murrieta.
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Shopping and dining in Old Town Murrieta
Old Town’s full of locally owned businesses, several with Old West-inspired storefronts. Amid thrift stores and gift shops, eateries range from coffee shops and breweries to donuts and barbecue fare. Grocery stores, department stores and casual dining chains are set in retail plazas around Interstate 15. On Sunday mornings, the Murrieta Certified Farmers' Market is held downtown at the Village Walk Plaza.
The Murrieta Country Market’s Old West-inspired storefront attracts shoppers in the area.
Abide is a local shop in Murrieta offering artisan textiles and decor.
Find delicious local barbeque and bakeries in Murrieta.
The Press Espresso is the go-to coffee shop in Old Town Murrieta.
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Local events and venues for the arts
Murrieta offers a rich arts scene, with a year-round schedule of cultural events and a vibrant community of local artists. Murrieta Market Nights are held downtown on the first and third Thursday of each month, featuring area vendors and artisans, as well as games and live music. Many events are hosted at the Town Square Park and Amphitheater, like summer concerts in the park and the annual holiday tree lighting. The Murrieta Arts Council hosts occasional events of its own, like open mic nights at downtown venues.
Getting around from Murrieta
Murrieta is about 65 miles north of San Diego and 80 miles south of Los Angeles, and Interstate 15 offers easy access to both. “We’ve had a lot of growth over the last 10 years or so, and it has impacted our traffic, but they are trying to relieve some of the traffic,” Materiale says. The I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project, which began in fall 2024, will install new traffic monitors that provide real-time updates of road conditions and traffic pace, so drivers are better informed of traffic ahead; the project is slated for completion by 2027. Riverside Transit Agency buses make stops in Murrieta, and local streets are bike- and pedestrian-friendly. Southwest Healthcare Rancho Springs Hospital is centrally located in the city, and McClellan-Palomar Airport is about 45 miles away.
Crime and environmental concerns
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the number of reported violent- and property-related crimes in Murrieta decreased about 6% between 2013 and 2023, from 1,700 to 1,600; since 2018, about 84% of these FBI-reported incidents were property-related, compared to 80% nationally. The Murrieta Police Department publishes a monthly online report of their activity, so locals can stay up to date on their community.
Extreme heat and wildfires are the main environmental concerns in Murrieta. Summer temperatures tend to hover around 90 degrees, so air conditioning is essential. In 2024, the Alamos Fire burned about 70 acres in Murrieta; no injuries or property damage were reported. There are five fire stations in the city that respond to local emergencies, and residents can sign up for weather alerts on the city’s website.
Written By
Travis Rocha
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Murrieta, CA sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Murrieta, CA over the last 12 months is $685,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A formal entryway adorned with beautiful wainscoting welcomes you into this single-story, light-filled home, where coved archways and soaring ceilings create an elegant, airy feel. The spacious living room flows seamlessly into the formal dining area, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. At the heart of the home, the open-concept kitchen and family room offer the ideal gathering
Welcome to 24909 Madison Unit 8-24, a beautifully refreshed 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offering both comfort and convenience in the heart of Murrieta. Recently updated with new appliances, fresh paint, modern countertops, and upgraded flooring, this home is move-in ready and designed for easy living. Inside, the open layout creates a bright and inviting atmosphere. The primary suite features a
Exquisite Custom Estate with Panoramic Views in Prestigious La Cresta. Discover one of the most extraordinary homes currently available in Murrieta, offering over 6,400 sq ft of refined luxury on more than 5 acres, nestled in the highly coveted La Cresta community. Boasting 4 spacious bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, this exceptional property delivers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and
Welcome to 39480 Almaden Circle located in Four Seasons Murrieta 55+ Active Retirement Community! This is the popular Traditional 2 Floor Plan, featuring 2,180 sqft of living space, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. One of the main features of this home is the large Great Room with fireplace, dining area, and 50/50 split Plantation Shutters. The kitchen is in the center of the home, with kitchen
Enjoy this beautifully upgraded home, already new in 2023! This modern 2 story home has a full bedroom and full bathroom downstairs, in addition to the upstairs primary suite with an extra large walk in closet and 2 additional bedrooms, loft and laundry room upstairs! Kitchen, family room and entryway have designer finishes. The backyard offers a finished, stamped concrete patio, gazebo with
Luxury Live Auction! Bidding to start from $5,000,000! One of a kind Roman-inspired single-story estate set behind the guard-gated community of Meadow Oaks in La Cresta. Masterfully crafted, this irreplaceable residence blends old-world artistry with a warmth & livability rarely found at this scale. Soaring ceilings, grand arched windows, & hand-carved imported stone & wood details create
Welcome to a home where comfort, connection, and everyday living come together effortlessly. This beautifully maintained two-story traditional residence, built in 1988, sits on an expansive nearly 7,000 sq ft lot and offers over 2,100 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space. With 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this home provides the perfect balance of room to grow and spaces to
A formal entryway adorned with beautiful wainscoting welcomes you into this single-story, light-filled home, where coved archways and soaring ceilings create an elegant, airy feel. The spacious living room flows seamlessly into the formal dining area, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. At the heart of the home, the open-concept kitchen and family room offer the ideal gathering
This Beautiful 5.28 acre parcel is the perfect location for your future custom home located on a quiet paved road with Million Dollar Estates in the prestigious community of La Cresta. La Cresta is located just 10-15 minutes in the hills west of Murrieta and Temecula Wine Country where you will find all of your shopping, dining and entertainment needs. With the 15 frwy near-by you will have easy
Welcome to 24909 Madison Unit 8-24, a beautifully refreshed 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offering both comfort and convenience in the heart of Murrieta. Recently updated with new appliances, fresh paint, modern countertops, and upgraded flooring, this home is move-in ready and designed for easy living. Inside, the open layout creates a bright and inviting atmosphere. The primary suite features a
Welcome to this exceptional, move-in ready home located in the highly sought-after Four Seasons Active Adult Community. Ideally positioned within walking distance of the clubhouse, this beautifully maintained residence offers outstanding curb appeal and a bright, airy interior, enhanced by plantation shutters that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Just under 2,000 square feet, this rare
Welcome to 39559 Stags Leap Dr in Four Seasons Murrieta. This inviting Craftsman 3 floor plan offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2,095 sq ft of comfortable single-story living on a spacious corner lot. From the moment you arrive, the home shows pride of ownership with well-kept landscaping and a welcoming entry. Inside, you’ll find Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring throughout with no carpet, creating
Welcome to a spacious 7 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in the desirable Blackmore Ranch community. With nearly 4300 square feet of living space, this cul-de-sac home delivers the scale & flexibility many buyers need for a large household, multigenerational living, or dedicated work from home space. The main level offers a generously sized living area with formal living & dining spaces, a large family
Beautiful Murrieta Pool Home with Solar! Welcome to 39440 Countryside Ln. This highly upgraded home really has it all! Wonderful layout, updated and upgraded inside and out, fresh paint, professionally steamed carpet, solar, along with low taxes and no HOA make this one of the best values on the market. Arriving, you'll immediately appreciate the curb appeal this home boasts, from the 3 car
Move in ready! This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath corner unit condo in the gated Villas at Old School House community features a bright living area, modern kitchen, and all appliances included, perfect for families or first time buyers. Downstairs, you’ll find a versatile bonus room, perfect for a home office, playroom, or gym, along with a bright living area and modern kitchen. Upstairs, there are three
Find yourself living amongst Murrietas gorgeous rolling foothills, in a beautifully designed apartment community with the perfect blend of classic and contemporary finishes. We offer brand-new, gorgeous 1, 2, & 3-bedroom apartment homes, perfectly designed to fit your lifestyle and needs. Application Fee: $36.*DFT, Inc. DBA Cannon Management. License No. 01932154 Broker: Peter L, Densmore License
Beautiful 4-Bedroom Home with 3-Car Garage in Murrieta – Spacious & Move-In Ready! Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home located in the highly desirable Murrieta area (92596). Offering approximately 2,689 sq ft of living space on a generous 7,400 sq ft lot, this home provides both comfort and functionality for modern living. The home features a spacious layout with a large primary
Looking for apartments in Southern California? Walk lighter and live better at Bell Murrieta Springs apartments. Embrace the warm glow of the SoCal lifestyle in our sun-dappled pet-friendly community. Surrounded by award-winning wineries and mellow mountain views, our easygoing enclave is the ideal place to cultivate a brighter future. Youll find two shimmering pools with expansive sundecks, hot
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath single level home on a corner lot will not disappoint. Recently updated a newer roof, new HVAC, kitchen cabinets and water heater this home is close to shopping centers, restaurants, parks and close to the 215 and 15 freeways for easy commute in and out of town. Great backyard space lovingly maintained by owners and a great space to entertain in and for kids to play. New
TRACY LINEBACKBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
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Gorgeous 2 Bedroom, 2-1/2 Bath Condo in the desirable, gated community, of Arboretum in Murrieta. This home features a functional two-story layout with both bedrooms upstairs, each with its own bathroom, plus a convenient half bath downstairs. Recent updates include fresh interior paint, new carpet upstairs, and updated lighting throughout. The main living area offers an open layout connecting
*Floor plan prices listed are market base rents with no additional fees included. For a better understanding of a total monthly rent and possible additional fees, please ask office personnel for further details.*Come home to Hilltop at Winchester Creek, where you will find the apartment that is perfect for you. Take advantage of our fully equipped fitness center or large, modern
Welcome to this charming home nestled in the desirable Northstar Ranch community of Murrieta. Offering 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this residence combines comfort, functionality, and inviting living spaces. Upon entry, you’re greeted by a bright and open living room and dining room combination—perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The home continues into a spacious family room
Unwind in sophisticated comfort at Vintage Farms, a thoughtfully designed luxury apartment community developed by MBK Rental Living. Here, we prioritize fostering a vibrant sense of community through exceptional indoor-outdoor spaces, including two pools, and pocket parks, among other amenities, all developed with a respect for the environment.
Must see Beautiful Sequoia model home in the prestigious Santa Rosa Highlands community in the City of Murrieta. This open floor plan home offers 2,065 square feet of living space, 4 bedrooms, an upstairs loft, 3 bathrooms and much more. On the first floor you’ll find your large kitchen with a gourmet island, dining area, large living room with fireplace, as well as a bedroom and full bathroom.
Welcome to The Max on Jefferson, where local charm meets sophistication. Brand new and ready to redefine the way you see upscale living, our new apartments in Murrieta, CA, are opening their doors in Summer of 2024. Discover our collection of contemporary one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and embrace the numerous amenities and impeccable services that come attached to our premium
Located in quiet and desirable Murrieta neighborhood. Recently upgrades include newly remodeled kitchen with quartz countertop, Cabinets, stainless steel appliances, new laminated wood flooring, new blinds throughout the house, new interior and exterior paint. Low maintenance yard. Additional highlights include RV parking, three car garage.Prime central location between the 15 and 215 freeway.
In the center of California’s Inland Empire sits La Cresta, a natural retreat from busy urban living without the feel of rural seclusion. Just a short drive from retail and restaurants and under an hour away from some of California’s biggest city hubs, the area gives its residents the tranquil residential life they seek and a connection to modern living. "Generally, people move to La Cresta when they’re not happy with an urban environment, or they want open spaces to raise their animals or do agriculture,” says Kelly Smith, Realtor with Allison James Estates & Homes who is a longtime La Cresta resident and founder of community website LaCresta.com. “This area is remote, but it has all the urban conveniences. It’s shockingly convenient. It’s a surprise to everyone when they come here for the first time.”
Part of what makes La Cresta unique is how close it is to untamed nature, such as the Santa Rosa Ecological Reserve, the Cleveland National Forest and the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. With so much access to trails, it’s no surprise to see La Cresta community members regularly hiking, biking and horseback riding throughout the neighborhood. Smith says, “The most important thing about our community is our interconnecting trails. People ride their horses and hike on the trails, and they go for miles and miles and miles.” Lining many of the trails are magnificent Englemann Oak trees, rare and protected evergreens indigenous to the region that provide welcome shade from California’s bright sun and dry heat. However, even with the heat, the neighborhood is surprisingly temperate. Year-round, cool ocean breezes move through the neighborhood, which is about 12 miles from the Pacific and 2,000 feet above the Temecula and Murrieta valleys.
Homes in La Cresta are generally priced between $1 million and $4 million for three to six bedrooms and bathrooms, and the architectural styles of the homes blend in with the natural beauty of the plateau. One- and two-story Spanish Revival and Craftsman style estates feature earthy brown and beige stucco exteriors and faded red tile roofs, or classic gray siding and grand wrap-around porches. Undeveloped lots sold at a required 5-acre minimum are also available anywhere between $200,000 and $1 million for those who prefer to build a custom home from the ground up. The sprawling plateau offers plenty of space to use as farmland, equestrian training grounds or even a personal vineyard.
While La Cresta might feel miles away from urban life, diverse dining options are less than a 10-minute drive from the entrance of the community. Weekend brunch is popular at Finch, where traditional American fare and health-conscious bites are paired with handcrafted cocktails. For an evening out, Angelo’s Italian is a local favorite because of the authentic and fresh cuisine its Sicilian owners serve. Many other international options are also nearby, from Mexican to Japanese delicacies. Less than a 15-minute drive down the road, Barons Market provides locals with groceries and quick meal solutions, like a hot soup bar and a squeeze-it-yourself orange juice press. Unlike many grocers, Barons doesn't run sales or accept coupons and rewards cards because they consider those approaches "gimmicks." Shoppers can buy ingredients in bulk, which spares La Cresta residents the need to leave home to restock their pantries frequently. According to Smith, locals often choose a night in rather than a dinner out. “We love to stay on the hill. You minimize your need to go out to dinner because when you go out to dinner, you miss a sunset up here.”
Students can attend Cole Canyon Elementary, a public school in the neighboring city of Murrieta with an A rating on Niche. Cole Canyon prioritizes equitable access to education for its students, and underserved students are performing at above-average rates, successfully closing the achievement gap. Generally, students continue their education at Thompson Middle School, followed by Murrieta Valley High School, an authorized International Baccalaureate World School with a 99% graduation rate. Each school earns an A-minus and an A rating on Niche.com, respectively. Most Murrieta Valley High students are highly involved in athletics, and some even partake in unusually adventurous extracurricular activities, like the school’s motorsports club, Dirty Wheels.
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