Looking for a nice place to buy a home with my family in the Riverside general area. (San Diego: vs., shop)

[nickbackerman]

Originally Posted by mattb101

Hello everyone,

My wife and I are looking at buying a home in reasonable distance to Riverside (within a half hour drive). We'd like a somewhat larger home, at least 1750+ square feet. However, not really sure where to look, and not sure about the cities/towns in general. We've been looking at new builds in Beaumont, Perris, Menifee, Lake Elsinore and Murrieta (that general area). Open to OC and San Bernardino as well.

We would like an area that is diverse (we are black/hispanic) and our budget is around 400k, with good schools as well as my wife is pregnant with twins! Safety is a priority. Looking at and prefer newer builds, but not opposed to an older build. Preferably somewhere that is more liberal or centrist politically, but that's not a deal breaker.

We currently live in Riverside, the area is decent but not good enough to really raise a family, and the schools are just okay in our opinion, as we work in the district.

If anyone has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated!

Murrieta is definitely the best city on that list and you can get a huge amount of space for 400k. Keep in mind that it's more of a right-wing city in terms of politics.

[Olways779]

What about Manifee, specifically Sun City ZIP 92586. I believe it is close to Murrieta and one freeway to Temecula 215 not bad. I am trying there but need advise. thank you.

[JohnSoCal]

Originally Posted by Olways779

What about Manifee, specifically Sun City ZIP 92586. I believe it is close to Murrieta and one freeway to Temecula 215 not bad. I am trying there but need advise. thank you.

Menifee is hit and miss. The 215 goes through Menifee, Murrieta, and Temecula from North to South in that order. Sun City is ok but is pretty old. Part of Sun City is age restricted ( 55+ ). I would stick to the newer areas of Menifee.

The nicest area of Menifee is at Heritage Lake. What specifically do you want to know?

[lulu1972]

We are under contract to build in Winchester. Temecula schools. Easy commute to Riverside. We make the drive frequently as our family lives there.

[Noaol111]

We have lived in Rialto for over 30 years and before retirement I worked in Riverside. I worked on 3rd Street and it was a 20 minute drive. I didn't use the freeway. My house will be up for sale soon because we are moving to Tennessee. I would suggest that you look at an older home but get a good home inspector to check it out.

Rialto and Fontana have plenty of shopping and you are a short drive (10 minutes) to San Bernardino to the mall and to Ontario (15 minutes) to the Ontario Mills Outlet mall with its 100 stores.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

For a family, Murrieta is your best choice...good schools, diversity accepted,

Otherwise...

Perris & Lake Elsinore, no.

Menifee & Beaumont, check the schools where your children would attend. I always found Beaumont a bit bleak, but had friends who lived there & liked it, but had no kids. If heading that direction, I would go to Yucaipa.

I would avoid Rialto, not sure about Fontana.

San Bernardino? HELL, no, never!!! Read about it, you will know why.

[Lraien]

Question about Murrieta for anyone in the area.

Are there any rental services for the area? I'm in another state which adds a layer to looking for rentals. In my home area, I know of a few local news websites and also of an agency or two specializing in rental homes. I've been looking on Trulia and Realtor but their information doesn't seem to be very current - at least when I reach out about the listing.

In my area Craigslist is more the scam ads that end up with replies about how you can wire money, etc. etc. so I have stayed away from looking there.

Any ideas on good places to find legitimate listings?

Thank you!

[Olways779]

Menifee , is it good or not?

[JohnSoCal]

Originally Posted by Olways779

Menifee , is it good or not?

Like I said, Menifee is hit and miss. There are good areas and bad areas, It is not as good as Murrieta or Temecula but it is for the most part pretty good. Stick to the new areas and you should be OK.

[kttam186290]

Originally Posted by JohnSoCal

Murrieta is a suburb to what?

San Diego.

Like much of the rest of the TemecHELLa Valley!