Yes. Menifee and Murrieta both have age-restricted 55+ communities. In Menifee, the best known are Sun City and The Oasis. In Murrieta, they include The Colony and Four Seasons. These are communities that federal law allows to limit occupancy by age, and each one has its own association, rules, amenities and monthly costs.
What is a 55+ community?
A 55+ community is age-restricted housing that operates under an exemption in the federal Fair Housing Act for housing for older persons. To qualify, a community must meet occupancy requirements centered on residents age 55 or older, publish and follow policies showing that intent, and verify the ages of occupants. California law adds its own requirements for senior housing developments.
In practice, the recorded CC&Rs for each community spell out who may live in a home, including rules for a younger spouse or partner, caregivers and how long younger guests may stay. Those rules differ between communities, so read the documents for the one you are considering.
Which 55+ communities are in Menifee?
Menifee has several, and they differ a good deal in age and layout:
- Sun City: one of the earliest large age-restricted developments in California, begun in the 1960s and now part of the City of Menifee. Homes are mostly single-story, and an association operates the shared recreation facilities. Not every property with a Sun City address is inside the age-restricted area, so confirm for each home.
- The Oasis: a gated community of newer homes with a clubhouse and recreation amenities.
There are other age-restricted neighborhoods in the city as well. See the Menifee real estate page for more on the area.
Which 55+ communities are in Murrieta?
Murrieta’s established 55+ communities include:
- The Colony: a gated community with a golf course, a clubhouse and a mix of attached and detached single-story homes.
- Four Seasons at Murrieta: a gated community of single-family homes with a clubhouse and recreation facilities.
More on the city is on the Murrieta real estate page.
What costs should I compare?
Compare the full monthly cost of each home, not only the price. Look at:
- Association dues: what they are today, what they cover, and whether there is more than one association.
- Special taxes: newer communities may carry Mello-Roos or other assessments, which appear on the property tax bill.
- Optional fees: golf, clubs or other amenities may be billed separately from dues.
- Reserves and special assessments: the association’s budget and reserve study show how well future repairs are funded.
Dues and taxes change, so ask for the current fee schedule and tax bill for the specific property.
What should I check before buying?
Check the rules and the association’s finances along with the home itself. During escrow you will receive the CC&Rs, rules, budget, reserve study and meeting minutes. Read them for:
- Age and occupancy rules, including what happens if the qualifying resident no longer lives in the home.
- Rental restrictions, if you may want to lease the home later.
- Rules on vehicles, RV parking, pets and exterior changes.
- Pending litigation or planned special assessments.
If you have questions about what a rule means legally, ask a real estate attorney. To talk through the differences between communities, contact Aimee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone in the household have to be 55 or older?
Not necessarily. Rules usually require at least one qualifying occupant age 55 or older and set conditions for other occupants, such as a younger spouse or a caregiver. The exact requirements are in each community’s CC&Rs and in California law.
Can I buy in a 55+ community if I am under 55?
Purchase and occupancy are separate questions. Some communities allow ownership by a younger person as long as the occupants meet the age rules, and others are stricter. Confirm with the association before you write an offer.
Are homes in 55+ communities financed differently?
Generally no. The same loan types used for other homes are typically available, and the lender will count association dues and any special taxes in your monthly payment. Ask a lender about your own situation.
Are there 55+ communities in Temecula too?
Yes, Temecula and other nearby cities also have age-restricted neighborhoods. If location is flexible, it is worth comparing communities across several cities.
Questions About 55+ Communities in Menifee or Murrieta?
Aimee Ghafouri is a real estate agent based in Temecula who grew up in Murrieta and works with buyers, sellers and investors across the Temecula Valley and southwest Riverside County.
Aimee Ghafouri, 951 Properties, CAL DRE #02193341. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.
