Thinking about moving to Murrieta?

When people ask me about this area, the first things they want to know are: Is it safe? Is it good for families? What’s the commute like?

Murrieta has been growing fast and attracting families, commuters, and remote workers alike. But just like anywhere, living here has both its ups and downs.

So today, I’m going to give you the good, the bad, and the honest truth about life in Murrieta, California.

1. Outdoor Lifestyle (Pro)

If you love being outside, Murrieta is a dream.

Southern California is known for sunshine, but Murrieta takes it a step further with year-round great weather. Yes, summers can get hot (triple digits happen!), but the evenings cool down beautifully into the 60s and 70s.

Here’s what that means: you can hike, bike, walk the dog, or take the kids to the park just about any time of year.

• Santa Rosa Plateau: perfect for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding.

• Dozens of parks and playgrounds for families.

• Splash pads and pools for cooling off in summer.

• Just an hour to the beach or an hour to the mountains, your weekend adventures are covered.

2. Traffic & Commuting (Con)

Here’s the not-so-fun part: traffic.

Murrieta is a commuter city. Many residents work in San Diego, Orange County, or Los Angeles. That means mornings and evenings on the 15 Freeway and 215 Freeway can get congested fast.

Even surface streets, like Murrieta Hot Springs Road, can take 15–20 minutes to get through during peak times.

It’s not as bad as downtown LA or San Diego, but if you’re coming from a smaller city or another state, the traffic will be an adjustment.

3. Safety (Pro)

This one’s huge for families: Murrieta consistently ranks as one of the Top 10 Safest Cities in California.

The police department takes a proactive approach—patrolling, engaging with the community, and even having a social media presence that locals love.

For many families moving in, the peace of mind that comes with Murrieta’s low crime rate is one of the biggest deciding factors.

4. Job Market (Con)

Here’s the reality: Murrieta doesn’t have a large local job market.

If you’re in healthcare, there are opportunities here, but if you’re in tech, finance, or other big industries, you’ll likely be commuting.

The good news? Remote work has made Murrieta even more attractive. Many people move here for bigger homes and safer neighborhoods, then commute into the city once or twice a week—or not at all.

5. Location (Pro)

When it comes to location, Murrieta really shines.

• San Diego → About 1 hour south.

• Orange County → About 1 hour west.

• Los Angeles → 1.5–2 hours north.

• Beaches → 45 minutes to 1 hour.

• Mountains & snow → 45 minutes to 1 hour.

• Temecula Wine Country → Right next door.

You’re basically an hour away from everything—without paying the “coastal premium.”

6. Dining & Shopping (Con)

This one stings a little if you’re a foodie: Murrieta doesn’t have a huge dining scene.

Sure, you’ll find plenty of chain restaurants, family spots, and a few gems in Old Town Murrieta, but if you’re looking for fine dining or international cuisine, you’ll be heading to San Diego, Orange County, or Temecula.

Shopping is solid (Target, Walmart, Costco, etc.), and Temecula Mall is close by. But for specialty stores, you may need to drive a bit.

7. Affordability (Pro)

Here’s the big draw: affordability compared to coastal Southern California.

The average home price in Murrieta hovers around the $700,000 range—much higher than the U.S. average, but still significantly lower than San Diego, Orange County, or LA.

What does that mean for you? More space, bigger lots, family-friendly neighborhoods, and often the ability to add features like a pool, all while living in one of California’s safest cities.

8. Property Taxes (Con)

This is something buyers are often surprised by: property taxes in Murrieta vary widely.

• Base rate: around 1.1%

• With Mello-Roos and assessments: up to 2.3%

That difference can mean $500+ per month in your mortgage payment—just depending on which side of the street your home is on.

The taxes do go toward local improvements like parks, schools, and infrastructure, but it’s something you’ll definitely want a local real estate expert to help you navigate.

The Bottom Line: Is Murrieta Right for You?

I love living in Murrieta, and many families feel the same.

The outdoor lifestyle, affordability, safety, and location are major perks. But you’ll want to weigh them against the reality of traffic, fewer dining options, and variable property taxes.

For many, the trade-off is worth it: more house for the money, a safe place for kids, and access to everything Southern California has to offer, all within reach.

Thinking About Moving to Murrieta?

If you’re considering a move to Murrieta, Temecula, or the surrounding areas, my team and I would love to help you.

Schedule a call with us, or check out our video below for more insights into what life in Murrieta is really like.