Recap on Temeclua, Murrieta, French Valley, etc.?

[temeculaguy]

5yes, thanks for the props, been away for a while and trying to catch up. Arches, you are right about the tax difference between Morgan and Redhawk and the Redhawk HOA is $20 a month but the housing was primarily built pre-bubble so you may find more foreclosures in Morgan and Redhawk lacks a community pool while Morgan’s is resort like. Morgan is also not in the city and does not have paramedic service, it only matters if you have a heart attack or some other medical calamity but if you do, paramedics are better than EMT’s when you need it. Hopefully Morgan will be annexxed at some point. They are both in the top tier of communities so it’s a coin flip based on what you are looking for but you can’t go wrong with either one.

I’ve grown weary of defending the area to those who have a macro view of the region so I will sit that one out for now, but if you are seriously considering the area, the higher elevation is better. The better tracts are seeing repos in the 400’s for 3000 sq ft and they have been consistently dropping, Rancho Madera, the Fairways, Eagle point, Augusta, Rancho Serrano and many others on the southern part of the loop is the best part of Redhawk, so hang in there a little longer while you familiarize yourself with the area.

[temeculaguy]

5yes, thanks for the props, been away for a while and trying to catch up. Arches, you are right about the tax difference between Morgan and Redhawk and the Redhawk HOA is $20 a month but the housing was primarily built pre-bubble so you may find more foreclosures in Morgan and Redhawk lacks a community pool while Morgan’s is resort like. Morgan is also not in the city and does not have paramedic service, it only matters if you have a heart attack or some other medical calamity but if you do, paramedics are better than EMT’s when you need it. Hopefully Morgan will be annexxed at some point. They are both in the top tier of communities so it’s a coin flip based on what you are looking for but you can’t go wrong with either one.

I’ve grown weary of defending the area to those who have a macro view of the region so I will sit that one out for now, but if you are seriously considering the area, the higher elevation is better. The better tracts are seeing repos in the 400’s for 3000 sq ft and they have been consistently dropping, Rancho Madera, the Fairways, Eagle point, Augusta, Rancho Serrano and many others on the southern part of the loop is the best part of Redhawk, so hang in there a little longer while you familiarize yourself with the area.

[snail]

TG,
I have question as newbee in Temecula and still trying not to get lost as they are changing the street signs. Why is the south of 79/Temecula prkwy is a more desirable? For me the traffic from Penchanga (did I spell it right) is such a turn-off. I love Redhawk, but do have issue with Morgan Hill. High property tax, big hugeeee Houses, Traffic at Temecula prkwy (is there another way to get there from the freeway?) I just passed my first summer here, and really wondering what is the average energy cost for a 3500 sf.ft house in the summer? (to keep it at 75F about 12 hours/day). A dashing single guy like you don’t need all those space, you just want the 3 car garage. How I wish to be single again 🙁

[snail]

TG,
I have question as newbee in Temecula and still trying not to get lost as they are changing the street signs. Why is the south of 79/Temecula prkwy is a more desirable? For me the traffic from Penchanga (did I spell it right) is such a turn-off. I love Redhawk, but do have issue with Morgan Hill. High property tax, big hugeeee Houses, Traffic at Temecula prkwy (is there another way to get there from the freeway?) I just passed my first summer here, and really wondering what is the average energy cost for a 3500 sf.ft house in the summer? (to keep it at 75F about 12 hours/day). A dashing single guy like you don’t need all those space, you just want the 3 car garage. How I wish to be single again 🙁

[snail]

TG,
I have question as newbee in Temecula and still trying not to get lost as they are changing the street signs. Why is the south of 79/Temecula prkwy is a more desirable? For me the traffic from Penchanga (did I spell it right) is such a turn-off. I love Redhawk, but do have issue with Morgan Hill. High property tax, big hugeeee Houses, Traffic at Temecula prkwy (is there another way to get there from the freeway?) I just passed my first summer here, and really wondering what is the average energy cost for a 3500 sf.ft house in the summer? (to keep it at 75F about 12 hours/day). A dashing single guy like you don’t need all those space, you just want the 3 car garage. How I wish to be single again 🙁

[snail]

TG,
I have question as newbee in Temecula and still trying not to get lost as they are changing the street signs. Why is the south of 79/Temecula prkwy is a more desirable? For me the traffic from Penchanga (did I spell it right) is such a turn-off. I love Redhawk, but do have issue with Morgan Hill. High property tax, big hugeeee Houses, Traffic at Temecula prkwy (is there another way to get there from the freeway?) I just passed my first summer here, and really wondering what is the average energy cost for a 3500 sf.ft house in the summer? (to keep it at 75F about 12 hours/day). A dashing single guy like you don’t need all those space, you just want the 3 car garage. How I wish to be single again 🙁

[hipmatt]

SDhousehunter… great post, spot on.

I would like to add that the high cost of energy(especially in the future) will play a factor on the fall of the Temecula Valley home prices and possible the population as well. As mentioned before it is a bedroom community, a commuter town, or an exburb … http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exburb.

There are relatively few “real” jobs here, you know, ones that require a degree and pay over 6 figures. I expect gas prices to rise sharply again over the next year, as well as electic bills and gas bills. Luckily this area has a decent climate compared to the rest of the country, but I still hear of $800 elec. bills this past summer. All these McMansions will take their tolls on the residents utilities bills.

Combine the high mortgages(and resetting higher) with high taxes, HOA fees, rising fuel costs, rising utilities, rising food costs, and now the guy who commutes to San Diego is in a big pinch, even with a decent salary(if he keeps his job). The locals who work at the mall, Costco, and school districts aren’t getting raises that come close to keeping up with inflation. They may not commute, but the few dollars they make aren’t able to keep up. + There are a lot, I mean A LOT of homes up in this area.

I would say way too many even to accommodate a decent economy that can afford to commute. From the lakes in Menifee to Morgan Hill in south Temecula, to Canyon Hills in Lake Elsinore, to Greer Ranch and Mapleton in Murrieta, and back to our favorite Harveston in Temecula, there are a lot of stucco boxes built during the boom years. Many are vacant, many are for sale, many are being foreclosed on, and they will all loose a large portion of their equity.

[hipmatt]

SDhousehunter… great post, spot on.

I would like to add that the high cost of energy(especially in the future) will play a factor on the fall of the Temecula Valley home prices and possible the population as well. As mentioned before it is a bedroom community, a commuter town, or an exburb … http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exburb.

There are relatively few “real” jobs here, you know, ones that require a degree and pay over 6 figures. I expect gas prices to rise sharply again over the next year, as well as electic bills and gas bills. Luckily this area has a decent climate compared to the rest of the country, but I still hear of $800 elec. bills this past summer. All these McMansions will take their tolls on the residents utilities bills.

Combine the high mortgages(and resetting higher) with high taxes, HOA fees, rising fuel costs, rising utilities, rising food costs, and now the guy who commutes to San Diego is in a big pinch, even with a decent salary(if he keeps his job). The locals who work at the mall, Costco, and school districts aren’t getting raises that come close to keeping up with inflation. They may not commute, but the few dollars they make aren’t able to keep up. + There are a lot, I mean A LOT of homes up in this area.

I would say way too many even to accommodate a decent economy that can afford to commute. From the lakes in Menifee to Morgan Hill in south Temecula, to Canyon Hills in Lake Elsinore, to Greer Ranch and Mapleton in Murrieta, and back to our favorite Harveston in Temecula, there are a lot of stucco boxes built during the boom years. Many are vacant, many are for sale, many are being foreclosed on, and they will all loose a large portion of their equity.

[hipmatt]

SDhousehunter… great post, spot on.

I would like to add that the high cost of energy(especially in the future) will play a factor on the fall of the Temecula Valley home prices and possible the population as well. As mentioned before it is a bedroom community, a commuter town, or an exburb … http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exburb.

There are relatively few “real” jobs here, you know, ones that require a degree and pay over 6 figures. I expect gas prices to rise sharply again over the next year, as well as electic bills and gas bills. Luckily this area has a decent climate compared to the rest of the country, but I still hear of $800 elec. bills this past summer. All these McMansions will take their tolls on the residents utilities bills.

Combine the high mortgages(and resetting higher) with high taxes, HOA fees, rising fuel costs, rising utilities, rising food costs, and now the guy who commutes to San Diego is in a big pinch, even with a decent salary(if he keeps his job). The locals who work at the mall, Costco, and school districts aren’t getting raises that come close to keeping up with inflation. They may not commute, but the few dollars they make aren’t able to keep up. + There are a lot, I mean A LOT of homes up in this area.

I would say way too many even to accommodate a decent economy that can afford to commute. From the lakes in Menifee to Morgan Hill in south Temecula, to Canyon Hills in Lake Elsinore, to Greer Ranch and Mapleton in Murrieta, and back to our favorite Harveston in Temecula, there are a lot of stucco boxes built during the boom years. Many are vacant, many are for sale, many are being foreclosed on, and they will all loose a large portion of their equity.

[hipmatt]

SDhousehunter… great post, spot on.

I would like to add that the high cost of energy(especially in the future) will play a factor on the fall of the Temecula Valley home prices and possible the population as well. As mentioned before it is a bedroom community, a commuter town, or an exburb … http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exburb.

There are relatively few “real” jobs here, you know, ones that require a degree and pay over 6 figures. I expect gas prices to rise sharply again over the next year, as well as electic bills and gas bills. Luckily this area has a decent climate compared to the rest of the country, but I still hear of $800 elec. bills this past summer. All these McMansions will take their tolls on the residents utilities bills.

Combine the high mortgages(and resetting higher) with high taxes, HOA fees, rising fuel costs, rising utilities, rising food costs, and now the guy who commutes to San Diego is in a big pinch, even with a decent salary(if he keeps his job). The locals who work at the mall, Costco, and school districts aren’t getting raises that come close to keeping up with inflation. They may not commute, but the few dollars they make aren’t able to keep up. + There are a lot, I mean A LOT of homes up in this area.

I would say way too many even to accommodate a decent economy that can afford to commute. From the lakes in Menifee to Morgan Hill in south Temecula, to Canyon Hills in Lake Elsinore, to Greer Ranch and Mapleton in Murrieta, and back to our favorite Harveston in Temecula, there are a lot of stucco boxes built during the boom years. Many are vacant, many are for sale, many are being foreclosed on, and they will all loose a large portion of their equity.

[Anonymous]

temeculaguy, thanks for your posting.

“I’ve grown weary of defending the area to those who have a macro view of the region so I will sit that one out for now…”

Despite your comment above, I would like to know your take on the area. If have posted your views before on this topic at piggington’s, just point me to them so you do not have to type them again.

Being an outsider (to Temecula – I live in Irvine), I may not know as much about the area as others on this forum; I, however, have a more positive view of this area as compared to some of the recent posts.

One of the reasons is schools; I feel that if you have only ONE factor to consider to gauge an area, then it should be the API index of the schools. Good schools attract good demographics and good demographics push up the school rankings. It’s a positive cycle. It has happened in Cupertino and in Irvine — these are among the best school districts in California. Temecula has very high API rankings, certainly the best in Riverside and San Bernardino counties put together.

The demographics is certainly better than other parts of Inland Empire; wineries and casino make it a touristy destination too. The afternoon breeze too is definitely and important factor … If you compare those factors with, for example Corona and Lake Elsinore, Temecula certainly stands out.

As far as real jobs are considered, I think everyone is right that there are few good jobs in the area. But that is true for most (if not all) of Inland Empire. If there were jobs too along with the above positives, then Temecula prices would have been more like those of Cupertino and Irvine!

I might be way off in my opinions as compared to facts, but mine’s a bird’s eye view. I would certainly appreciate everyone’s comments on this topic.

[Anonymous]

temeculaguy, thanks for your posting.

“I’ve grown weary of defending the area to those who have a macro view of the region so I will sit that one out for now…”

Despite your comment above, I would like to know your take on the area. If have posted your views before on this topic at piggington’s, just point me to them so you do not have to type them again.

Being an outsider (to Temecula – I live in Irvine), I may not know as much about the area as others on this forum; I, however, have a more positive view of this area as compared to some of the recent posts.

One of the reasons is schools; I feel that if you have only ONE factor to consider to gauge an area, then it should be the API index of the schools. Good schools attract good demographics and good demographics push up the school rankings. It’s a positive cycle. It has happened in Cupertino and in Irvine — these are among the best school districts in California. Temecula has very high API rankings, certainly the best in Riverside and San Bernardino counties put together.

The demographics is certainly better than other parts of Inland Empire; wineries and casino make it a touristy destination too. The afternoon breeze too is definitely and important factor … If you compare those factors with, for example Corona and Lake Elsinore, Temecula certainly stands out.

As far as real jobs are considered, I think everyone is right that there are few good jobs in the area. But that is true for most (if not all) of Inland Empire. If there were jobs too along with the above positives, then Temecula prices would have been more like those of Cupertino and Irvine!

I might be way off in my opinions as compared to facts, but mine’s a bird’s eye view. I would certainly appreciate everyone’s comments on this topic.

[Anonymous]

temeculaguy, thanks for your posting.

“I’ve grown weary of defending the area to those who have a macro view of the region so I will sit that one out for now…”

Despite your comment above, I would like to know your take on the area. If have posted your views before on this topic at piggington’s, just point me to them so you do not have to type them again.

Being an outsider (to Temecula – I live in Irvine), I may not know as much about the area as others on this forum; I, however, have a more positive view of this area as compared to some of the recent posts.

One of the reasons is schools; I feel that if you have only ONE factor to consider to gauge an area, then it should be the API index of the schools. Good schools attract good demographics and good demographics push up the school rankings. It’s a positive cycle. It has happened in Cupertino and in Irvine — these are among the best school districts in California. Temecula has very high API rankings, certainly the best in Riverside and San Bernardino counties put together.

The demographics is certainly better than other parts of Inland Empire; wineries and casino make it a touristy destination too. The afternoon breeze too is definitely and important factor … If you compare those factors with, for example Corona and Lake Elsinore, Temecula certainly stands out.

As far as real jobs are considered, I think everyone is right that there are few good jobs in the area. But that is true for most (if not all) of Inland Empire. If there were jobs too along with the above positives, then Temecula prices would have been more like those of Cupertino and Irvine!

I might be way off in my opinions as compared to facts, but mine’s a bird’s eye view. I would certainly appreciate everyone’s comments on this topic.

[Anonymous]

temeculaguy, thanks for your posting.

“I’ve grown weary of defending the area to those who have a macro view of the region so I will sit that one out for now…”

Despite your comment above, I would like to know your take on the area. If have posted your views before on this topic at piggington’s, just point me to them so you do not have to type them again.

Being an outsider (to Temecula – I live in Irvine), I may not know as much about the area as others on this forum; I, however, have a more positive view of this area as compared to some of the recent posts.

One of the reasons is schools; I feel that if you have only ONE factor to consider to gauge an area, then it should be the API index of the schools. Good schools attract good demographics and good demographics push up the school rankings. It’s a positive cycle. It has happened in Cupertino and in Irvine — these are among the best school districts in California. Temecula has very high API rankings, certainly the best in Riverside and San Bernardino counties put together.

The demographics is certainly better than other parts of Inland Empire; wineries and casino make it a touristy destination too. The afternoon breeze too is definitely and important factor … If you compare those factors with, for example Corona and Lake Elsinore, Temecula certainly stands out.

As far as real jobs are considered, I think everyone is right that there are few good jobs in the area. But that is true for most (if not all) of Inland Empire. If there were jobs too along with the above positives, then Temecula prices would have been more like those of Cupertino and Irvine!

I might be way off in my opinions as compared to facts, but mine’s a bird’s eye view. I would certainly appreciate everyone’s comments on this topic.

[snail]

hipmatt,
you are joking about the $800/monthly utility right??! If you don’t, what is the size of the house that required this much?

[Author]

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