$1,591,242Average Value$511Average Price per Sq Ft54Homes For Sale
La Cresta, remote hilltop living with modern joys
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, a 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.”
Neighbors interconnected by lush horseback riding trails
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.
Play a round of golf at Bear Creek Golf Club located near La Cresta.
Ride or hike along the Sylvan Meadows Trail in La Cresta.
1/2
Luxury living among farmland and vineyards
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.
Many La Cresta homes feature terracotta roofs to keep cool in the summer.
Spanish-style home built on a large lot in La Cresta.
Trees surround a home built in a classic American style in La Cresta.
1/3
Dining down the hill
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.”
Barons near La Cresta offers everyday groceries and household items.
Pick up some fresh produce at Barons near La Cresta.
The Finch near La Cresta serves delicious modern country cuisine.
1/3
Top-rated schools serve La Cresta students
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.
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 area?
Reach out to
Maria Garcia,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Serenity Park
Basketball
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Serenity Dog Park
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Marna O'Brien Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Perret Park
Basketball
Lake
Picnic Area
Oak Bluff's Playground
Picnic Area
Playground
Bear Valley Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Hiking
Transit
Airport
Ontario International
96 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
La Cresta
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in La Cresta, Murrieta sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in La Cresta, Murrieta over the last 12 months is $1,634,031, down 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your own slice of the California countryside. This isn’t just a home—it’s a way of life, where every sunrise over the hills reminds you that you’re living in some place truly special. Nestled in the heart of the La Cresta Highlands, this charming hacienda-style retreat sits on a scenic hillside surrounded by natural rock formations, mature trees, and wide-open skies. The home itself
Welcome to 19011 Calle Juanito – A Tranquil Country Retreat in the Heart of La Cresta, nestled behind the gates of the private exclusive Meadow Oaks community. This elegant estate offers the ultimate blend of luxury, privacy, and scenic natural beauty. Spanning 4.77 acres of usable, gently rolling land, this property is an idyllic haven for equestrian enthusiasts and those seeking wide-open space
You Must Walk This La Cresta Property - It truly has it ALL! Welcome home to one of the finest equestrian parcels with resort-style living in La Cresta that is fully fenced and tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac with direct access to riding trails. The property features 2 beautiful single-story homes, custom barn, 3,498 sf workshop/car garage with MX-10 ACX auto lift and 2 large roll-up doors that
You must walk this property in person to truly experience its breathtaking mountaintop views, quietness and refreshing breath of fresh Air. The pictures simply cannot capture the beauty and serenity this property offers and don't do the justice. Discover your dream oasis on this stunning 5.78-acre property, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and valleys in the prestigious La Cresta
Raw land includes both parcels 901-170-020 and 901-170-021. 21 acres represents a unique opportunity to create a personalized retreat in a picturesque settling, combining the best of rural living with access to urban amenities, conveniently situated near the cities of Murrieta and Temecula, which offer shopping, dining and entertainment.Don't miss this opportunity!
EQUESTRIAN DREAM! FLAT AS A PANCAKE IN THE HEART OF LA CRESTA! This fully fenced, gated single-story ranch and 7-stall (plus tack room) breezeway barn are in original condition representing an extremely rare opportunity to put your own stamp on it and create the horse ranch of your dreams. 100% flat and usable land with trail access, within the beautiful rolling hills of the Santa Rosa Plateau
Property Id: 1784239Welcome to a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Murrieta. This beautifully appointed home boasts serene surroundings, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy a cozy balcony for evening gatherings under the stars. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, our home offers the ideal base to explore Southern California's beauty. Book your
This Brand New Built Beautiful Home sits on 5 acres, and is AVAILABLE! We welcome you to Murrieta in the family friendly area of La Cresta/Teneja! The actual Home is surrounded by about 2 acres, but should you have Animals, there is an separate additional 3 acres, which is Perfect for those with Horses, etc., and can be leased at an additional cost. Upon arriving you’ll notice the expansive
Welcome to your own Tuscan-inspired equestrian retreat in the highly sought-after La Cresta community on the Santa Rosa Plateau in Murrieta, CA. This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home sits on approximately 2 acres within the 6.54-acre La Cuesta Encantada estate, offering the perfect blend of privacy, modern comfort, and equestrian amenities.Bring your horses! The property features
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Maria Garcia,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,581
Median Age
46
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
21.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$124,835
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$154,552
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.9%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.9%
% Population in Labor Force
51.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
97°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 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.
