Temecula Culture (Los Angeles, Riverside, Moreno Valley: fit in, crime, house)

[jlsmiles]

My husband and I, along with our two young children are considering moving from Los Angeles to Temecula. We'd like somewhere with good schools, lower cost of living, good weather, and easy, master-planned communities. Temecula seems to fit the bill.

However, recently I ran into someone who grew up there and shared that Temecula is very conservative and made up of mostly evangelical Christians. I don't necessarily have a problem with this, but we are very liberal, non-religious people and want to be sure we fit in, and that our children don't feel like outsiders.

Can someone please give me some honest feedback about the culture of Temecula? Any other suggestions of places to look where people are more on the liberal side and home values are reasonable?

Thank you!

[Count David]

Most newer master planned communities in Southern CA are usually populated by more conservative people.

If you want them to be populated by more liberal people, they will likely be in much more affordable, not as desirable areas with average or below schools (think Lancaster, Moreno Valley, etc), or will be in more expensive areas (think South Pasadena, Santa Monica), which is what you aren't trying to accomplish.

[Gandalara]

Originally Posted by jlsmiles

My husband and I, along with our two young children are considering moving from Los Angeles to Temecula. We'd like somewhere with good schools, lower cost of living, good weather, and easy, master-planned communities. Temecula seems to fit the bill.

However, recently I ran into someone who grew up there and shared that Temecula is very conservative and made up of mostly evangelical Christians. I don't necessarily have a problem with this, but we are very liberal, non-religious people and want to be sure we fit in, and that our children don't feel like outsiders.

Can someone please give me some honest feedback about the culture of Temecula? Any other suggestions of places to look where people are more on the liberal side and home values are reasonable?

Thank you!

In the state legislature Temecula is represented by a Republican and in the Assembly District is represented by Republicans
In the US House of Representatives, Temecula is represented by Republicans.

Non-denominational, Christians, Mormons, Islamics, Catholics, synagogues ... got them all. Just like any other city.

And we've got lots of Harley riders in leather jackets on the weekends. Just like any other city.

Local newspapers - Valley News
Online news - The Patch

[knighttof3]

Originally Posted by jlsmiles

My husband and I, along with our two young children are considering moving from Los Angeles to Temecula. We'd like somewhere with good schools, lower cost of living, good weather, and easy, master-planned communities. Temecula seems to fit the bill.

However, recently I ran into someone who grew up there and shared that Temecula is very conservative and made up of mostly evangelical Christians. I don't necessarily have a problem with this, but we are very liberal, non-religious people and want to be sure we fit in, and that our children don't feel like outsiders.

Can someone please give me some honest feedback about the culture of Temecula? Any other suggestions of places to look where people are more on the liberal side and home values are reasonable?

Thank you!

There is some truth to this, though living in Temecula is not exactly like living in the deep South! The advantages you mention outweigh that factor (IMHO). You may have to actively seek out liberal friends but it's not like the schools refuse to teach evolution in school. It just means that Republicans consider it a safe seat

One data point: I am not religious but I haven't felt like an outsider. But then again, I am not quick to take offence at things like Christmas decorations... there is a nativity scene at the duck pond, and a minora, during Christmas/Hanukka time. It's nice and festive.

Overall I'd say it's "California conservative" - fairly rational with a conservative bias. Support gay marriage and racial equality; oppose big government.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by knighttof3

Support gay marriage and racial equality; oppose big government.

Prop 8 passed in Riverside County with 65% of the vote. A woman in Murrieta had her "No on Prop 8" sign torn down multiple times, so many in fact, she nailed a homemade one to her tree.

If the local people oppose big government, then how can they want a government that can't find a way out of our pants?

[Snort]

So, what's the difference between Temecula and a container of yogurt?

[arleigh]

both are filled with fruits and nuts.

[Snort]

Originally Posted by arleigh

both are filled with fruits and nuts.

No, but good guess.
A container of yogurt HAS culture.

[arleigh]

I live in Temecula .
Dad bought here over 30+ years ago, it's changed a lot .
If there is any crime here I don't know about it.
Hemit and Muretta might have things going on but things are pretty normal here .
The sheriffs Department is in the Promenade mall , probably the largest mall in the area.
From my own POV I see plenty of liberals , though I believe my self to be conservative , probably why I notice the difference.
There is a lot of new construction going on right now near the wine country.
Not cheap I would bet.
We have several theaters including a live one in old town ,lots of activities going on for the kids.
There is a Starbucks every few miles around here .
Ask me any thing you like .
Glad to be of help.

[arleigh]

There is lots of culture here too if you get involved in town goings on.