Living in Temecula: Pros and Cons

Written by Aaron Steed

Temecula is part of the Greater Los Angeles area, known for its picturesque wine country. It’s home to more than 40 wineries and vineyards. Living in Temecula, California, offers a blend of pros and cons which we will cover today. Home to more than 100,000 people, this could be your next destination.

If you’re here for the short answer, Temecula offers a high quality of life with its relatively affordable housing when compared to the rest of California, low crime rates, and good schools.

On the other side, there is also heavy traffic congestion and limited public transportation options, and some of the locals, don’t like the peak tourist season because it gets as busy as it can be.

Today we will be looking at the pros and cons of living in Temecula. As a top-rated moving company in the area, we know both sides of the story from the local people we move in and out of the county as well as long distance.

Pros Of Living in Temecula, CA

Good Weather

Many people stay in California because of its great weather, even though living costs are high. Weather is a big factor when deciding to move to Southern California. If you compare Temecula to the coast, Temecula is hotter in the summer, especially from June to September. Unlike the beach, Temecula gets sunshine most days and doesn’t have as many gloomy days. This sunny weather is a big reason why many people like living here.

From our moving experience, we have seen an influx of people coming from all around the US, because the weather here is nice.

Everything Is In Short Distance

No matter if you want to catch a flight to the other side of the US, or if you fancy a short drive to the beach and get all of the California vibes, Temecula offers them all. Being located in Southern California everything is a short driving distance.

Temecula is close to several beaches, like Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Clemente, which are all about an hour’s drive away. One of the best things about these Southern California beach towns is the restaurants. There are so many to choose from, and the food is always excellent. In San Clemente, there’s even a restaurant on the pier where you can enjoy Sunday brunch and happy hour deals, like $1 oysters.

Temecula Is Full Of Wineries, Finger-Licking Restaurants, and Good Vibes

Did we say oysters? Temeculans love good food, have a good taste for wine, and you won’t be disappointed by the food any time of the year.

Temecula’s wine country is growing fast, with more than 40 wineries as of the time of writing this article about the pros and cons of living in Temecula. It offers beautiful views, hotels, restaurants, and, of course, great wine. Some think Temecula could become as popular as Napa Valley in the future. Another advantage of the Temecula wine region is that there’s still land available for people who want to build a new home just the way they like it.

Booming Real Estate

As we mentioned above there is a booming real estate market, driven by the available land people can buy. Unlike other places around California where new properties are hard to build, driving up real estate prices, Temecula still offers room for people who want to get hands-on affordable living prices.

Temecula Is A Golfer’s Paradise

If you love playing golf, Temecula is perfect for you. There are seven courses right in the city and twenty-three more nearby. These courses are beautiful, well-kept, and have great facilities.

Some of the favorites include Temecula Creek Golf Club, Redhawk Golf Course, Cross Creek Golf Course, and The Legends Golf Club. Plus, if you stay at Journey at Pechanga Resort & Casino, you can use their 18-hole public golf course and driving range for free.

Temecula Cost Of Living

Of the biggest pros of living in Temecula is the cost of living. According to data powered by ERI’s Geographic Assessor & Relocation Assessor Temecula ranks 33% higher than the national average and 3% lower than the state average. With an average salary of $69,442 (USD), people in Temecula expect to pay anywhere between $464,900 for a new home.

Because Temecula is a very touristic place there will always be a mismatch between the recorded data and what living in Temecula costs. According to our research and local expertise on average, for a single person, the monthly cost of living in Temecula might range from $2,500 to $3,500.For a family of four, it could range from $4,500 to $6,500 or higher. These estimates include rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other basic expenses.

Temecula Is Safe and Locals Love Living in Temecula

People living in Temecula often describe a strong sense of community and involvement. Many residents appreciate the city’s safety, with the overall crime rate being 38% lower than the national average. Additionally, the relatively lower cost of living compared to major cities in California adds to its appeal.

This feeling of safety and affordability makes Temecula a desirable place to live for families and individuals alike. The community’s active engagement in local events and the welcoming atmosphere further enhance the overall positive living experience in Temecula.

Cons Of Living In Temecula, CA

Traffic

If you’re not a fan of traffic, Temecula might not be your ideal destination. With rapid population growth, traffic has become a significant concern, especially during rush hours on weekdays.

Many residents commute to San Diego for work, leading to congested roads along the 15 freeway during morning and evening commutes.

Before deciding to move to Temecula, it’s essential to research and consider the best area to live for your employment to minimize the impact of traffic on your daily routine.

High Taxes

In Temecula, taxes are on the higher side, like in the rest of California. Even though living costs are high, tax cuts aren’t common. The property tax rate in Temecula is about 1.2%, which is one of the highest in California.

When you buy something, you’ll also pay a sales tax of 8.75%. Besides federal income tax, you’ll also have to pay state taxes, which can be from 1% to 12.3% of your yearly income.

Lack Of Career Opportunities

One downside of living in Temecula is the lack of diverse career opportunities. Common jobs include teaching, law enforcement, and service industry roles like bartending and serving. While there are some opportunities in healthcare with a few hospitals in the area, many residents find themselves commuting to other cities for work.

San Diego is a major employment hub for Temecula residents, but the lack of public transportation options like trains or buses can make commuting, challenging. Carpooling with coworkers can help make the commute more enjoyable and pass the time with conversation.

The Housing & Living Cost Are Going Up On The Daily

Previously, we mentioned the booming real estate market and available land for purchase in Temecula, which serves as a pro for businesses or contractors.

However, this can be a con for individuals looking to buy homes and settle in the area, as the increasing demand for land and property contributes to rising housing costs.

While the availability of land may benefit certain industries, it presents challenges for those seeking affordable housing options in Temecula.

You Will Most Likely Need A Car

If you’re living in the southern area of Riverside County, having a car is almost a necessity due to the limited infrastructure. Over the past two decades, the region has seen significant growth without corresponding improvements to roadways.

During peak rush hour times, off-ramps can become incredibly congested, with backups extending from Menifee to Temecula. Finding an exit that isn’t heavily backed up during these times can be a challenge.

Air Quality

While Temecula enjoys better air quality than many other large cities in Southern California, the area still experiences significant traffic-related pollution. If you’re seeking pristine air quality, Temecula might not meet your expectations. Finding an area with excellent air quality in Southern California can be challenging due to traffic and other factors.

High Risk Of Natural Disasters

Temecula is susceptible to earthquakes and wildfires. The city faces a high risk of earthquakes, although the frequency of tremors has dropped in recent years. Scientists estimate a 97.05% chance of a significant earthquake hitting the area in the next fifty years.

Summary

As a locally owned and operated moving company in Temecula, we highly advise you to read through the article and consider all the pros and cons of living in Temecula. If you’re ready to move in and out of Temecula we’re here to assist you with all sorts of moving services like local, long-distance, commercial as well as storage options.