Thinking About Moving to Hemet, CA

📍 Hemet, CA at a Glance

• Population: 89,833
• Location: 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles, 85 miles north of San Diego
• Incorporated: 1910
• Known For: Diamond Valley Lake, Historic Hemet Theatre, Ramona Pageant

🗳️ Politics & Civic Life

Hemet leans conservative with active civic engagement through neighborhood councils and community organizations. The city council meets twice monthly, and residents participate in various boards and commissions addressing local issues from planning to parks.

🚓 Crime & Safety

While Hemet has worked to improve public safety in recent years, crime rates remain above California averages. The city has increased police presence and community policing programs, with particular focus on the downtown corridor and residential neighborhoods.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment

Local favorites include The Maze Stone Restaurant for upscale dining, Sweet Baby Jane’s BBQ for authentic barbecue, and Sunnyside Café for breakfast. The Historic Hemet Theatre hosts concerts and shows, while the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre presents California’s official outdoor play annually.

🏛️ Local Government

Hemet operates under a council-manager form of government with five elected council members. City services include utilities, public safety, and recreation programs. The city has focused on downtown revitalization and infrastructure improvements in recent years.

🚍 Transportation

Most residents rely on personal vehicles, with State Routes 74 and 79 providing main access. RTA bus service connects to nearby cities, though routes are limited. The city is working on pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements, particularly in the downtown area.

🏘️ Housing & Real Estate

Hemet offers some of Riverside County’s most affordable housing, with median home prices around $400,000. The market includes single-family homes, mobile home parks, and active adult communities. New developments are expanding on the city’s edges, offering modern amenities.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life

Diamond Valley Lake provides fishing, hiking, and boating opportunities. Simpson Park features sports fields and picnic areas, while Gibbel Park offers a community center and pool. The nearby San Bernardino National Forest and Mount San Jacinto State Park provide mountain recreation.

💼 Job Market

Top employers include Hemet Valley Medical Center, Hemet Unified School District, and the City of Hemet. The median household income is approximately $41,000. Many residents commute to jobs in Riverside, San Bernardino, or Temecula for higher-paying opportunities.

🧑‍🏫 Education

Hemet Unified School District serves most students with several elementary, middle, and high schools. Western Center Academy provides STEM-focused education. Private options include Cornerstone Christian School. Mt. San Jacinto College’s Menifee Valley Campus offers higher education nearby.

🌞 Climate & Weather

Hemet enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers averaging 95°F and mild winters around 65°F. The area receives about 11 inches of rain annually, mostly between December and March. Summer evenings cool pleasantly due to the valley location.

💬 Community Sentiment

Long-time residents appreciate Hemet’s small-town feel and natural beauty, though some express concerns about economic development and infrastructure needs. Newcomers often cite affordability and climate as major draws, while hoping for continued downtown improvements and job growth.

✨ Why People Are Moving to Hemet

People are discovering Hemet as an affordable alternative to costly coastal California living, where they can still enjoy year-round sunshine and outdoor recreation. The combination of reasonable housing prices, proximity to both mountains and major cities, and a growing sense of community renewal makes Hemet an increasingly attractive option for families, retirees, and remote workers seeking a more relaxed Southern California lifestyle.