Temecula, California is a city located in Riverside County, about 60 miles north of San Diego and 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles. It is known for its award-winning wineries, historic Old Town, and gastronomic paradise. But what is it like to live in Temecula? In this article, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of living in this Southern California city.
History of Temecula
The area now known as Temecula was originally inhabited by the Luiseño Indians, an indigenous people who were part of the Cupeno Nation. The name Temecula comes from the Luiseño word for "place of the sun" or "where the sun breaks through the mist." The area was later colonized by Spanish settlers, who Anglicanized the name to Temecula.In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain and the area became part of Mexico until 1848 when it was ceded to the United States after the Mexican-American War. In 1859, Ewing Young and Isaac Galbraith founded the first settlement in Temecula, which was later joined by John Turner and Sal Muñoz. In 1882, the Southern California Railroad arrived in Temecula, connecting it to Los Angeles and San Diego. This led to an influx of settlers and businesses, and by 1889 Temecula had become an incorporated city.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Temecula is slightly higher than the national average. According to Numbeo, the average cost of living for a single person in Temecula is $2,845 per month.This includes housing costs ($1,072), food ($400), transportation ($400), health insurance ($200), and other expenses ($973). The average household income in Temecula is $90,000 per year, which is slightly higher than the national average. However, poverty levels are also higher than average at 13.3%. Health insurance coverage is also lower than average at only 68%.
Employment Sectors
The main employment sectors in Temecula are real estate, finance and insurance, retail trade, health care and social assistance, and accommodation and food services.The unemployment rate in Temecula is 4.3%, which is lower than the national average of 5%. The largest employers in Temecula are loan servicers such as Wells Fargo and mortgage loan servicers such as Bank of America.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Temecula is currently a seller's market. Home prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years due to strong demand from buyers. The median home price in Temecula is $450,000, which is higher than the national median home price of $320,000.Investment property is also a popular option for passive investors looking to make a return on their money.
Transportation
Temecula is served by the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA), which provides bus service throughout the city. There are also several car services available such as Moovit and Sunrider Jeep Tours. For those looking to travel outside of Temecula, there are several options including train service to Los Angeles and San Diego via Amtrak or bus service via Greyhound or Megabus. For those traveling to San Diego Airport (SAN), there are several shuttle services available such as CA-163 N/I-15 N/I-5N or Destination Temecula's The Grapevine Tours. For those looking for a more adventurous way to explore Southern California's wine country, there are several horseback riding tours available such as Falkner Winery's Vindemia Winery or Robert Renzoni Winemaker Nicholas Palumbo's Horseback Riding Tours.Things To Do
Temecula offers a variety of activities for residents and visitors alike.Popular activities include hot air balloon rides over wine country, mountain hikes in nearby Mount San Jacinto or Palomar Mountain State Park, winery visits at award-winning wineries such as Wiens Family Cellars or Hart Family Winery, golf courses such as Redhawk Golf Course or Paloma Del Sol Golf Course, wine cellars such as Leoness Cellars or Renzoni Estate Vineyards, beach trips to nearby Newport Beach or Laguna Beach, and more.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Living in Temecula has its advantages and disadvantages. Pros include great weather year-round, award-winning wineries nearby, a variety of housing options from Harveston to Meadowview to De Luz to Wolf Creek to Redhawk to Paloma Del Sol, access to nearby beaches such as Huntington Beach or Casinos such as Pechanga Resort & Casino or restaurants such as Ponte Winery & Vineyard Inn.Cons:
- High cost of living
- Higher than average poverty levels
- Lower than average health insurance coverage
- Higher than average gas prices
Conclusion
Living in Temecula has its advantages and disadvantages. It has great weather year-round, award-winning wineries nearby, a variety of housing options from Harveston to Meadowview to De Luz to Wolf Creek to Redhawk to Paloma Del Sol, access to nearby beaches such as Huntington Beach or Casinos such as Pechanga Resort & Casino or restaurants such as Ponte Winery & Vineyard Inn. However it also has a high cost of living with higher than average poverty levels and lower than average health insurance coverage. Overall though living in Temecula can be a great experience for those looking for a unique Southern California experience with access to some of the best wines in the world.Whether you're looking for an investment property or just want to experience all that this wine region has to offer - there's something for everyone in Temecula.
