Menifee is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country right now, and new construction is happening in every direction. If you are looking for a brand-new home in a master-planned neighborhood with modern layouts, lower HOA fees, and access to the 215 freeway, Merit at Banner Park by Pulte Homes deserves a serious look.

In this guide, we are breaking down:

• The Path Maker and Visionary floor plans

• Pricing and square footage

• HOA fees and tax rate

• Solar options and costs

• Assigned schools

• Pros and cons of living at Banner Park

• Important tips before buying new construction

If you are considering buying in Menifee or anywhere in the Temecula Valley, this is exactly the type of breakdown you need before making a move .

Where Is Merit at Banner Park Located?

Merit at Banner Park is located in Menifee, just off Newport Road before it turns into Domenigoni Parkway heading toward Winchester and Hemet.

That location gives you:

• Quick access to the 215 freeway

• Central positioning within Menifee

• Close proximity to shopping, dining, and everyday essentials

• A short drive into Murrieta and Temecula

It offers a suburban neighborhood feel while still being commuter-friendly for those heading north toward Riverside or south toward Temecula.

The Floor Plans at Merit at Banner Park

Pulte is offering multiple floor plans in this community, including single-story and two-story options, with multi-generational flexibility available.

Path Maker Plan

4 to 6 Bedrooms | 2.5 to 3 Bathrooms | 2,391 Sq Ft
Starting at $626,000

The Path Maker is a versatile two-story layout with:

• A downstairs bedroom near the entry, ideal for guests or a home office

• Open-concept kitchen, dining, and family room

• Walk-in pantry

• Upstairs loft that can be converted to an additional bedroom

• Spacious primary suite with dual sinks and walk-in closet

• Large secondary bedrooms upstairs

The kitchen flows directly into the living space, which is what many buyers are looking for right now. The lot sizes provide usable backyard space, and some homes offer hillside views .

Brennan Plan

4 to 5 Bedrooms | 2.5 to 3 Bathrooms | 2,654 Sq Ft
Starting at $647,000

The Brennan was not modeled during the tour but offers a larger footprint for families who want more interior space while still staying under the mid $600,000s.

Visionary Plan

5 to 6 Bedrooms | 3 to 4 Bathrooms | 2,824 Sq Ft
Starting at $661,000

The Visionary is the largest floor plan offered and includes:

• Optional downstairs bedroom

• Open-concept great room

• Large kitchen island

• Pantry and upgraded appliance layout options

• Upstairs loft

• Spacious primary suite with dual sinks and walk-in closet

• Multiple secondary bedrooms

• Optional California Room for covered outdoor living

This layout works especially well for larger families or multi-generational living.

HOA Fees at Banner Park

One of the strongest advantages of Merit at Banner Park is the HOA.

HOA: $81 per month

That is extremely competitive for new construction in Southern California. Many new communities easily exceed $100 per month.

Keep in mind, this is not a resort-style HOA. There is:

• A centrally located community park

• Picnic areas

• Tot lots and play structures

• Walking paths

There is no pool, no gate, and no clubhouse. The lower HOA reflects that simplicity .

Property Taxes at Merit at Banner Park

The tax rate here is approximately:

1.95%

This is higher than many resale homes in the Temecula Valley, where you might see rates closer to 1.1%.

To calculate your monthly property tax:

1. Take the purchase price

2. Multiply by 1.95%

3. Divide by 12

That number gets added to your monthly mortgage payment.

This is a critical factor buyers must understand before purchasing new construction .

Solar at Merit at Banner Park

Solar is required on new construction homes in California.

Buyers have two options:

Option 1: Lease

• Approximately $152 to $178 per month

• Lower upfront cost

• Adds to monthly payment

Option 2: Purchase

• Roughly $30,000 to $32,000

• Typically rolled into the mortgage

• Often results in similar monthly impact

• Cleaner when selling later

Purchasing the solar system tends to create fewer complications when reselling the home in the future .

Schools Assigned to Banner Park

Merit at Banner Park is located in the Menifee Union School District.

Assigned schools include:

• South Shore Elementary – Rated 6/10

• Bell Mountain Middle School – Rated 5/10

• Liberty High School – Rated 6/10

Ratings are based on GreatSchools.org, which many buyers reference during their home search .

While these schools are solid and functional, they are generally considered average compared to top-tier districts like Temecula Valley Unified.

Pros of Living at Merit at Banner Park

• Detached single-family homes

• Lower HOA compared to most new builds

• Modern layouts and open floor plans

• Solar efficiency

• Central Menifee location

• Park within the community

• Variety of floor plans, including multi-gen flexibility

This community offers strong value for buyers wanting new construction under the mid $600,000s.

Cons to Consider

• Higher property tax rate at 1.95%

• Schools are average, not top-tier

• Solar adds to monthly cost

• No resort-style amenities

For some buyers, those trade-offs are worth the benefits of owning brand-new construction.

Two Critical Tips Before Buying New Construction

1. Always Bring Your Own Realtor on the First Visit

If you walk into the sales office without your agent, you waive your right to representation.

The builder’s agent represents the builder, not you.

Having Andrew Lewis and Performance Real Estate Group alongside you ensures:

• Negotiation of incentives

• Guidance on upgrades

• Review of contracts

• Protection of your interests

2. Understand Builder Incentives

Incentives often require using the builder’s preferred lender.

These incentives can include:

• Interest rate buy-downs

• Closing cost credits

However, builder lenders can sometimes feel more rigid than local lenders, so preparation is key .

Is Merit at Banner Park a Good Fit for You?

Merit at Banner Park is ideal for:

• Buyers wanting brand-new construction in Menifee

• Families who need 4 to 6 bedrooms

• Buyers seeking lower HOA fees

• Those comfortable with a higher tax rate

• Commuters needing 215 freeway access

If you want luxury resort amenities, gated living, or top-ranked schools, other Temecula Valley communities may be a better fit.

Watch The Full Guide Below

Thinking About Buying in Menifee or Temecula Valley?

Andrew Lewis and Performance Real Estate Group are the #1 trusted real estate team in the Temecula Valley and surrounding areas. We specialize in:

• Temecula

• Murrieta

• Menifee

• Winchester

• Wildomar

• Canyon Lake

If you are considering buying new construction at Merit at Banner Park or anywhere in Southern California, schedule a one-on-one consultation with our team.

We will:

• Help you compare new construction vs resale

• Break down your real monthly numbers

• Negotiate builder incentives

• Guide you through the entire process

Let’s Talk About Your Move

Whether you are two weeks, two months, or two years away from buying, we are here to help you make the right decision for your family.

Website: www.PerformanceREGroup.com
Email: Andrew@PerformanceREGroup.com
Phone: (951) 501-4994
DRE: 01914085
Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/cvrheu22

Reach out today and let’s build your plan for buying in Menifee or anywhere in the Temecula Valley.