Living in Menifee, CA: Top 5 Pros & Cons You Must Know Before Moving

Thinking about moving to Menifee, California? You're not alone—and if you're anything like the people who call us every week, you're probably wondering, “What’s the catch?” You’ve heard the good, but you want the truth—the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Hi, I'm Andrew Lewis, your local Temecula Valley realtor. In this blog, we’re diving into the brutally honest pros and cons of living in Menifee so you can decide if this booming Inland Empire city is right for you and your family.

Pros of Living in Menifee, CA

1. Affordability (for SoCal, at least)

If you're coming from outside Southern California, “affordable” might sound like a stretch—but compared to nearby cities, Menifee is a steal.

• Menifee’s average home price: Low $600,000s

• Compare that to Murrieta ($725K) and Temecula ($850K+)

You’ll save hundreds of thousands by choosing Menifee, making it one of the best-value cities in the region when you consider both price and livability.

2. Rapid Growth and Development

Menifee has been named a Top 10 Boom Town in the U.S., and for good reason:

• Tons of new construction

• Generous builder incentives due to higher interest rates

• Expanding infrastructure, including new schools and a police department

• Businesses and commercial centers are flocking in

This is a city on the rise—literally and economically.

3. One of the Safest Cities in California

In 2020, Menifee launched its own police department—and it’s made a big difference.
Menifee is now ranked among the Top 20 Safest Cities in California. Residents benefit from proactive policing and a strong sense of security.

4. Close to Everything in SoCal

Want to surf, snowboard, hike, or sunbathe—all in the same week?

• 1 hour to beaches in San Diego or Orange County

• 1 hour to the mountains for hiking or skiing

• 1 hour to Palm Springs for desert relaxation

While entertainment in Menifee itself is limited (more on that in the cons), you’re surrounded by top destinations that people fly in from around the world to see.

5. Parks & Recreation Galore

With 48 public parks and one of California’s largest Action Sports Parks, Menifee is great for families and outdoor lovers.

• Bike tracks, skate parks, pump tracks

• A new amphitheater is under construction for concerts and events

You may not get Taylor Swift, but you will get a solid mix of community fun.

Cons of Living in Menifee, CA

1. Hot, Hot Summers

Menifee sits between the coast and the desert—meaning it gets hot.
Expect:

• Weeks of 100°F+ temperatures in the summer

• High electric bills and a likely need for solar panels

• AC units working overtime

The average summer temp sits in the mid-90s, but when the heatwave hits, it hits.

2. Limited Dining Options

Menifee has made strides, but fine dining still hasn't caught up:

• Think chain restaurants like Texas Roadhouse and Buffalo Wild Wings

• For a more elevated dining experience, head to Old Town Temecula (20+ minutes away) or San Diego

If you're a foodie or love upscale eats, this may be a dealbreaker.

3. Traffic & Congestion

Boomtown growth has outpaced infrastructure.

• Only one major freeway (I-215) runs through the city

• Heavily congested Newport Road is the central shopping/dining hub

• Expect daily traffic headaches, especially during peak hours

Until further road expansions happen, patience is a must.

4. Commuter City Vibes

Most residents don’t work locally—they commute:

• San Diego, LA, Orange County, Riverside are common job hubs

• Commuting time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic

• That adds up to 3 hours a day on the road

If you work remotely or locally, you’re in luck. If not, prepare for long days.

5. Education System Still Catching Up

Menifee’s schools currently score below the California average.
Why?

• The population and tax revenue haven’t yet supported a top-tier school system

• That said, new schools and hires are underway, and the trend is improving

If education is your top priority, you may want to compare Menifee with Temecula or Murrieta, which have higher-rated schools (for now).

Final Thoughts: Is Menifee Right for You?

Menifee offers a lot of value: it's affordable, safe, and growing fast. But it's also hot, has traffic challenges, and may not offer all the lifestyle perks you’ll find in more developed parts of SoCal. If you're okay trading a longer commute for more house and community space, Menifee could be a great fit.

Still got questions?
Drop a comment or reach out to my team—we help people move to Menifee and the Temecula Valley every day and would love to walk you through the process.