What are the best 55+ communities in the Temecula and Murrieta area?

If you're looking for a 55+ active-adult community in the Temecula Valley, most of the options are in Murrieta rather than Temecula itself. The standout is The Colony at California Oaks — a guard-gated community of about 1,500 homes with resort-style amenities and a golf course running through it. Murrieta Hot Springs and Four Seasons at Murrieta are two more solid choices, and just south in Menifee you'll find Sun City and The Oasis. The right fit comes down to your budget, the amenities you want, and whether gated living and golf matter to you.

By Justin Short | October 22, 2026

Whether you're planning to retire, downsize, or just want a lower-maintenance lifestyle with a built-in social scene, a 55+ community can be a great move. In the video below I walk through the area's best options, the perks of active-adult living, and the things I'd want you to check before you buy. Here's the full rundown.

First, a quick reality check: Temecula vs. Murrieta

A lot of people search for "55+ communities in Temecula," so here's the honest answer up front: Temecula proper has very few dedicated age-restricted communities. The active-adult options in our valley are concentrated in Murrieta, with a few more a short drive south in Menifee. That's good news, not bad — Murrieta is right next door, slightly more affordable on average, and these communities put you minutes from Temecula's Wine Country, Old Town, and everything else the area offers.

The Colony at California Oaks (Murrieta) — the flagship

If there's one 55+ community everyone in the area knows, it's The Colony. It's the largest and most amenity-rich active-adult community in the valley. Here's what to know:

• Size & age: about 1,500 homes, built in phases from 1989 to 2005

• Type: 55+, guard-gated with 24-hour access control

• Homes: roughly 947 to 2,100 sq ft, mostly 2–3 bedrooms, with 60+ floor plans (many single-story)

• HOA dues: approximately 348–398/month on 2026 listings (confirm the current figure with the HOA)

• Amenities: clubhouse with auditorium, pool and spa, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, bocce, plus clubs and organized activities

• Golf: the 18-hole, par-70 California Oaks Golf Club runs through the community (note: golf is not necessarily included in your HOA dues)

• Prices: resale homes have generally ranged from about $400,000 to $1M+, with recent average sales around $529,000

Curious which 55+ community fits your budget and lifestyle? I know these neighborhoods inside and out and I'm glad to tour them with you. Call or text me, Justin Short, at 951-634-9322, or start at TheShortRealEstateTeam.com/visit.

Other 55+ options in Murrieta

The Colony isn't your only choice. Two more Murrieta communities are worth a look depending on your budget:

• Murrieta Hot Springs: an established 55+ community of about 1,040 homes (built 1971–2017), gated, with prices generally in the ~200,000sto~500,000s — often the most budget-friendly entry point

• Four Seasons at Murrieta: a smaller, newer community of about 524 homes built 2000–2004, with recent average sales around $700,000 — a step up in price and newer construction

Nearby in Menifee (a short drive south)

If you're willing to look just outside the immediate Temecula–Murrieta area, Menifee adds two of the region's biggest and most affordable active-adult communities:

• Sun City (Menifee): one of the original Southern California active-adult communities — roughly 4,762 homes (built 1962–1981), typically in the ~200,000sto~500,000s

• The Oasis (Menifee): about 1,158 homes built 1999–2005, generally in the ~300,000sto~600,000s

If you're weighing Murrieta against Menifee more broadly, my Murrieta vs. Menifee comparison digs into the trade-offs.

The benefits of 55+ living

Why do so many buyers in this stage of life choose an active-adult community over a regular neighborhood? A few reasons come up again and again: lower-maintenance living (smaller lots, and HOAs that often handle front-yard landscaping and common areas), resort-style amenities you'd never build for yourself — pools, fitness centers, pickleball, clubhouses — and, maybe most important, a built-in social life. These communities run clubs, classes, and events, which makes it easy to meet neighbors. Many also offer single-story floor plans, which are a big draw for anyone who wants to age in place without stairs.

What to know before you buy in a 55+ community

Active-adult communities come with a few rules and costs that regular neighborhoods don't, so go in informed:

• Age rules: these are age-restricted, typically requiring at least one resident 55 or older, with limits on younger occupants. The exact rules vary — always verify the community's governing documents

• HOA dues: your monthly dues fund the amenities and (where applicable) gated access. Confirm the current amount and exactly what's included — for example, golf is often a separate membership

• Special assessments & taxes: ask about any special assessments and whether a Mello-Roos tax applies, since these affect your true monthly cost

• Resale vs. new: most area 55+ communities are resale (not new construction), so floor plans, updates, and inventory vary home to home

• Location fit: think about proximity to medical care, shopping, and family — and how close you want to be to Temecula's amenities

If you're relocating to the area to retire, my guide to moving to Temecula from another state is a helpful companion, and for the broader pricing picture, check my latest Temecula–Murrieta market update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there 55+ communities in Temecula, California?

Temecula itself has very few dedicated 55+ communities. Most active-adult options in the Temecula Valley are in neighboring Murrieta — The Colony at California Oaks, Murrieta Hot Springs, and Four Seasons at Murrieta — plus Sun City and The Oasis a short drive south in Menifee.

What is the best 55+ community in Murrieta?

The Colony at California Oaks is the area's flagship — a guard-gated community of about 1,500 homes with a clubhouse, pool and spa, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, bocce, and an 18-hole golf course running through it. The best fit depends on your budget, the amenities you want, and whether you prefer gated living.

How much are HOA dues in a Murrieta 55+ community?

They vary. At The Colony at California Oaks, 2026 listings report dues of roughly $348 to $398 per month. Always confirm the current amount and what it includes (golf may be separate) with the HOA before buying.

Are 55+ communities a good investment?

They can be a great lifestyle fit and hold value well, especially established, amenity-rich communities with strong demand. As with any home, the key is buying the right one at the right price — which is where having a local agent who knows these communities pays off.

Ready to explore 55+ living in the Temecula Valley?

I'd love to help you find the community that fits your lifestyle and budget — and tour a few in person. Call or text me, Justin Short, at 951-634-9322, or get started at TheShortRealEstateTeam.com/visit.

About Justin Short

Justin Short is a local real estate agent with The Short Real Estate Team at Keller Williams Temecula, helping buyers and sellers across Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, and the rest of Southwest Riverside County. Through his YouTube channel, Living in Temecula & Murrieta California, Justin shares community guides, market updates, and everything there is to know about living in the area. Call or text Justin at 951-634-9322.

Community details, HOA dues, home sizes, and prices are from public sources as of October 2026 and are subject to change; age-restriction rules are set by each community's governing documents. This article is for general information only and is not financial advice — please verify current details with the HOA or your agent before making decisions.