Hemet, California
What It Is Like to Retire in Hemet
Hemet is a town in southern California that is east of Riverside in the San Jacinto Valley. The population is about 90,000 (2020 census) . The city is known for being the home of "The Ramona Pageant", California's official outdoor play. Started in 1923, the play is one of the longest running outdoor plays in the United States. Photos of Hemet City Hall and the Hemet Public Library courtesy of Wikipedia and Jstroudr, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/
Where to Retire in Hemet and Home Prices
There is at least one large active adult community in Hemet (see link at top left). Home prices are surprisingly low for California. The median home value was $444,221 in mid-2024, according to Zillow.com.
What Is Special about Hemet
The Ramona Project, a very large outdoor play, is a big part of the city. It takes place in the Ramona Bowl, where there is also an annual Shakespeare Festival. Hemet has a very large (52,000 sq.ft.) and new public library (2003). The Valley Wide Community sports park, part of the eastern recreation area of Diamond Valley Lake, hosts lighted baseball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, volley ball courts, pickle ball courts, fitness trails, play areas, picnic areas. The park is also adjacent to an aquatic center.
What Is Not Special about Hemet
Crime rate is higher than the national average.
Who Will Like Retirement in Hemet
Retirees who would like a community with lots of outdoor activity as there are many parks, a lake, recreational activities, and an outdoor amphitheatre.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Retail, health, educational services, and government.
Climate and Physical Environment
Hemet is in southern California's San Jacinto Valley, 67 miles from San Diego. The average July temp is in the low 80s and the average Jan temp about 50.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The City of Hemet has two museums, and an outdoor amphitheater where the outdoor play, Ramona, is held every year. The new public library is very impressive. Mt. San Jacinto Community College is 5 miles away.
Crime
The crime rate is a bit above average.
Medical facilities
Hemet Global Medical Center is located here and offers many of medical care services.
Transportation
Hemet offers public transportation by RTA. Air service provided by Hemet -Ryan municipal airport, and Palm Springs International Airport is the closest large airport.
Valuable Links
Hemet, California Wikipedia page on Hemet San Jacinto information
Comments on "Hemet"
Yolande says:
I used to live in So. CA for 30+ yrs so I know this area. I can't rubber stamp it. It's too far from everything, it's dry heat and gets above 100 in the summer, and the crime rate has risen. Any real estate you intend to buy will be expensive. Many 55+ communities are not new so you may end up moving further out than you bargained for. Traffic in the area is a nightmare, because there's only one way in and one way out.