A Veteran’s Guide to Moving to Murrieta, CA After Military Service
Leaving military service is one of the biggest life transitions many veterans undergo. After years of service, it is an important decision to transition to a community that has a high quality of life, strong support systems, family-friendly neighborhoods and access to opportunities.
Murrieta, California, is a popular choice among many veterans and military families for its suburban lifestyle, Southern California living, great amenities, and easy access to major employment centers and military communities.
If you are retiring from the military, finishing a PCS move, using your VA home loan benefits, or looking for your next chapter after service, this guide covers what veterans need to know before moving to Murrieta, CA, after military service.
Why Are Veterans Moving to Murrieta, CA, After Military Service
Murrieta is in southwestern Riverside County within the larger Temecula Valley region. The city offers a mix of quiet suburban neighborhoods and closeness to the great attractions and opportunities of Southern California.
Many veterans are choosing to settle in Murrieta because it provides:
- Family friendly communities
- More room than many parts of coastal California
- Outdoor recreation access
- Robust school choices
- Easy access to employment centers
- Suburban life style with proximity to larger cities
Murrieta is a great place for military families to transition to civilian life and put down roots while staying close to the resources of Southern California.
Military Relocation to Murrieta, CA
A military move is far more than an address change. Veterans and active duty families often experience:
- Housing choices
- Job openings
- Districts
- Time to travel
- VA loan qualification
- Community Support Community Support
- Future financial planning
It’s important to understand the area before making a decision and to be successful in a military relocation.
For military families who want a quieter community but still want to be within driving distance of major Southern California cities, Murrieta is especially appealing.
How Close Is Murrieta to Military Bases?
One reason veterans look at Murrieta is its location in Southern California.
Military installations in the area include:
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Camp Pendleton is a major Marine Corps base in the United States, and is located about 30-45 minutes away from Murrieta, depending on traffic and your exact location.
Many active duty military and veterans consider Murrieta because we offer:
- Bigger houses
- Suburban communities
- Communities for families
- Location meets affordability
March Air Reserve Base
Another key military connection in the region is at March Air Reserve Base, near Riverside.
Other Southern California Military Communities:
Murrieta also provides access to the greater Southern California military network that includes:
- Military communities of San Diego
- Orange County Employment Sectors
- Opportunities Riverside County
Using a VA Loan to Purchase a Home in Murrieta
One of the biggest perks of being a qualified veteran is the VA home loan benefit
A VA loan can help qualified buyers buy a home with benefits that may include:
Many situations have no requirements for down payment
- Competitive rates of interest
- No PMI is required.
- Versatile qualification methods
- But buying a home with a VA loan does take some preparation.
What veterans need to know:
- Eligibility requirements for VA loans
- Requirements of the property
- VA appraisal process
- Closing costs
- Long-term affordability
Veterans can gain more confidence in the home buying process when working with professionals who are familiar with military home buying.
Top Murrieta Neighborhoods for Military Families
Each military family has different priorities. Some families might prefer larger homes, while others might focus on schools, commute times, amenities or outdoor activities.
Some of the popular communities of Murrieta are:
Spencer’s Crossing
Spencer’s Crossing is a newer master planned community, known for:
- Contemporary houses
- Recreation Areas & Parks
- Facilities for families
- Community events
It can be appealing to families who are seeking a more modern neighborhood feel.
Greer Ranch
What Greer Ranch Offers:
- Great views
- Gated community choices
- Larger houses
- Resort-like amenities
This community is popular with buyers seeking privacy and upgraded living.
Bear Creek
Bear Creek is known for:
- Luxury Residences
- Golf Course Living
- Larger lots
- Exclusive community feel
Canyon Copper
Copper Canyon contains:
- Established communities
- Close to everything
- Shopping and school access
Cost of Living in Murrieta, California
California is an expensive place to live compared to many states, so veterans moving to Southern California need to plan carefully
Housing costs are usually the biggest expense.
Things veterans should think about:
- House prices
- Property tax
- Insurance premiums
- Public Services –
- Transportation cost
- Cost of commuting
Understanding your budget before you start your home search can help narrow your search to homes and communities that fit your long-term goals.
Schools and Family Life in Murrieta
For veterans relocating with children, education is often one of the top reasons.
What Murrieta has to offer:
- Public Schools
- Recreation Programs and Parks
- Activities for youth
- Family-focused communities
Military families often value communities where kids can build friendships and families can connect.
Outdoor Lifestyle and Recreation in Murrieta
One of the advantages of living in Southern California is access to outdoor activities.
Murrieta residents and families can look forward to:
- Walking Tracks
- Park’s,
- Golf Course
- Temecula Valley wineries nearby
- Beaches a drive away
- mountain places
The area is suburban but offers opportunities for an active life.
Things Veterans Should Consider Before Moving to Murrieta
1. Job Openings
Think about:
- Today Career Goals
- Opportunities for remote employment
- Nearby labor markets
- Employers Friendly to Veterans
-
Goals of Housing
Ask:
- Are you looking to buy or lease?
- How long are you going to stay?
- Do you want a newer home or an established neighborhood?
- Are you going to use your VA loan benefit?
-
Time to Travel
Traffic in southern California can be a real part of everyday life.
Research:
- Place of work
- School sites
- Military Base Trip
- Everyday travel behavior
-
Community Connection
Finding a supportive community can make it easier to transition from military service.
Look out for:
- Vets’ groups
- Local happenings
- Neighborhood Group
- Military-Friendly Companies
Why Work With a Murrieta Military Relocation Realtor?
Buying a home after serving in the military is not like buying a home in the civilian world.
A Realtor who is military-focused knows:
- Timeline for PCS
- VA Loan Questions
- Priorities for the military family
- Problems of Moving
- Remote home buying scenarios
Getting assistance from someone who understands the local Murrieta market and has experience with military relocation needs will make the process even easier.
Final Thoughts: Is Murrieta a Good Place to Live for Veterans
For those veterans seeking a community in Southern California with suburban neighborhoods, outdoor activities, family-friendly living, and access to military resources, Murrieta might be a good fit.
Preparation is the key to a successful relocation:
- Learn your housing options
- Find out the benefits of VA loans
- Explore neighborhoods
- Lay out your transition schedule
- Work with experts who have experience with military relocations
Moving on after military service is a big step, but finding the right community can help lay the groundwork for the next chapter.
About Larry Gordon
Larry Gordon is a retired U.S. Murrieta realtor Navy Command Master Chief familiar with the challenges military families face when moving. Larry has experience in helping buyers and sellers navigate real estate in Southern California, with a focus on helping veterans, active duty families and those transitioning into civilian life.
