When families flee the absurd housing prices of San Diego and Los Angeles they typically have two priorities in mind. 
1) Find a place they can afford to purchase a home, or at least a place they can afford to rent while they work to build their nest egg. 
2) Excellent public schools so the lower costs don't come at their children’s expense. 
Murrieta satisfies these requirements quite nicely. Median home prices are ~$650k, which by California standards, is quite reasonable. Match that with the city’s A+ ratings for public schools on [**niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/murrieta-valley-unified-school-district-ca/) and you can see why it’s a popular choice. 


Excellent Education at a Discount

The Best Thing About Murrieta?

Complaining about Southern California traffic is incredibly boring but that doesn’t make it untrue. If you live here and have to commute to San Diego or LA every day we’ll just say don’t. Life’s too short. It can be two hours or more each way and seriously, that’s no way to live. Some do it via a 5 am start and mid-afternoon return and we guess that could be a way to make it work but seriously, if you’re considering moving here make sure your job is in the Inland Empire or you’re a full time work-from-homer or at least only have to commute a day or two a week


The Commute

The Worst Thing About Murrieta?

Murrieta is well known as a safe, high-quality school system, suburb. It’s boring in a way many families appreciate. Minimal city-type quality of life issues, even if at the expense of the fun and culture that come from those city experiences. For nights and days out there is a small downtown area called Old Town. It ain’t La La Land for entertainment but there is a fun mix of microbrewer options like [**8 Bit Brewing Company**](https://exploremurrieta.com/food-drink/8-bit-brewing-company/), inspired by 1980’s video games, the design is fun and family friendly (and dog-friendly). There’s also a multi-activity spot called [**Mulligan Family Fun Center**](https://murrieta.mulliganfun.com/attractions/) with go-kart racing, laser tag, miniature golf, arcade, rides, batting cages, water slides and food. It’s a pretty awesome spot for the kiddos to recreate. 

There are also tons of parks like the [**California Oaks Sports Park**](https://www.murrietaca.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/California-Oaks-Sports-Park-Pool-12), that has not just the usual play structure and sports fields, but also a community pool and skate park to keep suburban kids busy. 

Most transplants from the big cities will make fun of it for being a bit boring but also note that between [**Old Town**](https://exploremurrieta.com/blog/exploring-urban-murrieta/) (Downtown) and the places for families to recreate make it work when you feel the need to escape to a lower cost and higher quality school city. 


Lifestyle of Murrieta

The quality of the school system is probably tied with housing prices as the number one reason people move to Murrieta. As was noted it rates and A+ on [niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/murrieta-valley-unified-school-district-ca/) and virtually all the schools in the district grade out at an A so you don’t have to get too picky about the neighborhoods you consider as far as which school zone they fall under. Special props go out to Murrieta High School, recently named one of [**America's Most Spirited High Schools**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRQd0adBpF4). 

For those considering alternatives there are private Christian Schools that are highly rated. [**Calvary Murrieta Christian**](https://cmcsweb.com/) runs schools from elementary to middle school and high school that are all considered excellent. 


Schools in Murrieta

If you’re freed from the tether of going into an office in LA or San Diego, or at least don’t have to go in more than once a week (twice at most) then Murrieta is a great option. One note, some progressives find it too conservative for their tastes, relative to the politics back in San Diego or LA, so just keep that in mind if a more red-leaning city ain’t your cup of tea. 


WFH Lifestyle

Why You Should Move Here Now? 

Copper Canyon is a master-planned community known for young families who flock here for the safe streets, affordable homes, median home price under $700k, and excellent schools. Families appreciate the access to wonderful hiking spots including [**Copper Canyon Fitness Trail**](https://www.murrietaca.gov/561/Take-A-Walk-Hike-or-Run), 
and the Santa Rosa Plateau, a 9,000 acre nature conservation with miles of open trails and beautiful views. The neighborhood also has wonderful parks including [**Copper Canyon Park**](https://en.parkopedia.com/parking/lot/copper_canyon_park/92562/murrieta/?arriving=202310071600&leaving=202310071800&referrer=here), that has two actual parks, plenty of athletic fields and tons open space for kiddo and doggo play. 

It's close to groceries and plenty of big box shopping. The neighborhood is zoned for Cole Canyon Elementary, Thompson Middle and Murrieta Valley High, all solid choices.  



Families/Young Families

Copper Canyon

[**Bear Creek**](https://www.bearcreekcommunity.com/) is a private, gated community on the rolling hills of Murrieta. There are 620 homes, both single-family and town homes, all built round a Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course. Median home price for homes in the community is right around the $800k level with many single family homes above $1m. 

If you buy in the community you share in the common amenities of an Olympic-sized pool, spa, fitness facility, clay and concrete tennis courts, Bocce courts, and event spaces. Residents love both the neighborhood privacy and the community aspect of the community spaces. The views from the hills ain't bad either.  

Schools include [**Cole Canyon Elementary**](https://www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/cole), [**Thompson Middle**](https://www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/thompson) and [**Murrieta Valley High**](https://www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/domain/1416). 


Families

Bear Creek

Alta Murrieta is a central neighborhood, built in the 80’s/90’s and filled with nicely designed Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes, It's close to the 215 for commuters who want to hop right on the freeway. Young families enjoy the median home price of ~$600k as well as the bountiful shopping and eats. There is also a big medical facility so retirees also appreciate like the neighborhood as well. 

Alta Murrieta has great outdoor experiences available including  
[**Warms Springs Park and Preserve**](https://mymurrieta.com/parks/48), a beautiful spot with bike and walking trails, horse shoe pits and tons of open spaces for picnics or general play. It also has Pond Park, a catch and release fishing spot, for those hankering to cast a line. 

Schools include [**Alta Murrieta Elementary**](**url**), [**Warm Springs Middle**](https://www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/warmsprings), and [Vista Murrieta High](https://www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/domain/1674), all highly rated. 

Families/Young Families/Retirees

Alta Murrieta

Central Park is farther east and more secluded than other neighborhoods in Murrieta. It's a classic (and beloved) California suburban neighborhood with a fun clubhouse, swimming pool, sports fields, and plenty of open spaces for families and kiddos to play together. It gets hot in the summers here and the pools are critical for beating the heat and creating a social culture to pull families together. There is some grocery shopping, boutique restaurants (amidst the bigger chains), and a couple cafes for getting your tasty caffeine fix. The neighborhood borders Temecula and so many locals frequent the Promenade Mall, for shopping, higher-end restaurants and entertainment. Median home prices are typically right around $800k but the homes run bigger with 4-5 bedrooms very common. 

Schools include [**Alamos Elementary**](https://www.tvusd.k12.ca.us/aes), [**Bella Vista Middle**](https://www.tvusd.k12.ca.us/bvms) and [**Chaparral High School**](https://www.tvusd.k12.ca.us/CHS). You can’t do better for quality of schools in the area.


Central Park

Spencer's Crossing is in the northeast corner of Murrieta. It's the newest community in the city so all the homes and amenities are brand new. These amenities include [**Spencer's Community Space**](https://www.livelovespencerscrossing.com/post/oasis-the-club-pools-are-open) that has two pool areas, a spa, a clubhouse and event gathering space for local events. Murrieta gets toasty and the community enjoys the opportunity to cool off and be social with other families. 

It's also well known for [**Spencer’s Crossing Sports Park**](https://www.gorecreation.org/spencer-s-crossing-sports-park). It's a massive multi-sport facility with multiple baseball/softball diamonds, including several that are lighted. It also has soccer fields, basketball courts and tons of open green spaces, picnic areas and general play spaces for the kiddos. 

The homes in Spencer's Crossing are mostly large, often 4-5 bedrooms, Spanish and Mediterranean styles, and a median home price of ~$725k. One unusual characteristic of the neighborhood is that nearly all the homes in this master-planned community come with solar and seller's often pay off the solar in escrow. 

The schools zoned for the neighborhood include [**Lisa J. Mails Elementary**](https://www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/mails), [**Dorothy McElhinney Middle**](https://www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/domain/2297) and [**Vista Murrieta High School**](https://www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/domain/1674), all excellent options.  


Spencer’s Crossing

Murrieta

**Moving to Temecula/Murrieta from Indiana**

Temecula/Murrieta/Winchester are both full of good neighborhoods and good schools. You really can't pick a bad place to live in either of these cities. Now if you expand your search out to include Wildomar/Menifee/Lake Elsinore/Canyon Lake, that's when you want to be more selective.

If you compare this area to San Diego and Oceanside, the housing, shopping, and restaurants are slightly less expensive. The "Inland Empire" has always been the place to live if you were priced out of San Diego or Orange County. But this has led to the IE now being the fastest-growing area in southern CA, and you will have competition for any home you're interested to buy or rent. You'll want to have a pool, or a community pool, and solar panels are a huge plus when you're running your A/C this much.

The worst thing about living in this area is that it's become too crowded. Expect freeway traffic, not just during rush hour, and having to make reservations or wait a long time to get in to any restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night. If you work in San Diego, the commute is horrible because so many others are headed the same direction. And the best thing about living in this area is that you have so many different options within reach: the beach, the mountains, the desert, San Diego, Los Angeles, wineries, golf, hiking, casinos, and more.

**Moving to Temecula/Murrieta from Indiana**

Moved here from LA two years ago. It's way too conservative for me. My house was affordable (430k for a brand new 1800 sq ft home with 9/10 schools on great schools) and it's beautiful and way bigger than anything we could afford in LA, but I can't staaaaand the Trump supporter and anti vax, anti mask vibes. I struggle to make friends, since I am a white woman they assume they can make racist and/or homophobic remarks to me and I literally cringeeee. The flags and trucks are constantly in your face and it's exhausting for me. People are stepford wives fake here and always all up in your business. Can't wear a crop top or cute clothes like I used to in LA without getting judgey looks from chunky middle aged white women carting around 3-4 kids in their minivans. LOL needless to say, we are definitely looking to move back to a major city. Probably San Diego for chiller vibes (compared to LA).

Edit: LA = Los Angeles (not Louisana)

**Thinking of moving from FL to the Temecula/ Murrietta area, what’s the vibe?**

I'm a liberal democrat and absolutely love it here. There is a small, loud and obnoxious contingency of Trumpers but you really don't notice anymore.

Everyone is respectful and the community is top notch on quality of life.

I embrace robust debate regarding politics and refuse to play into the identity politics nonsense.


Temecula is great, the demographic has been getting younger since a lot of young people have been moving up from San diego. As for schools I find that the Murrieta school board is a little more normal than the Temecula one is for now. My son goes to Vista Murrieta high school and it's an amazing school the kids seem extremely well integrated. Over all its a great place to raise a family.

Murrieta, California

Grab a horse and some wine

Looklyloo Score: 80

Reviews

What's it like to live in Murrieta?