Romoland is easy to misread on a map. The name once covered a wide stretch of farmland between Perris, Menifee, Nuevo and Homeland, but when Menifee became a city in 2008 it took in a large part of that territory. What remains as Romoland today is a small unincorporated community along Highway 74 just east of Interstate 215. Aimee Ghafouri of 951 Properties, a real estate agent based in Temecula and licensed across California, works with buyers, sellers and investors. Call or text (951) 331-8453.
Is It Romoland, Menifee or Perris?
This is the question that matters most for Romoland real estate, because the answer changes who governs the property.
- Unincorporated Romoland is under Riverside County. County zoning, county building permits and county code enforcement apply.
- Homes inside Menifee city limits, including newer tracts north of the city’s core that many people still call Romoland, follow Menifee’s rules.
- Homes to the west and north may be inside the City of Perris.
A mailing address does not settle it. Listings in the area may show Romoland, Menifee or Perris as the city, and the Romoland School District serves homes well beyond the unincorporated community. Look up the parcel on the county assessor’s or planning website to see the actual jurisdiction before relying on anything about zoning, permitted uses or rental rules.
A Short History That Explains the Lots
The area began as a railroad siding called Ethanac. In the 1920s it was subdivided and sold as Romola Farms, small ranches of a few acres intended for figs and grapes. That is why older Romoland has deep, wide parcels with a house near the road and open ground behind, and why you still see agricultural buildings and equipment yards. The barn-shaped Motte building on Highway 74 is the local landmark.
Romoland Homes for Sale: What Is Out There
- Older houses on large lots. Single-story homes from various decades on half-acre to multi-acre parcels, often with outbuildings.
- Manufactured homes on their own land. Common in the unincorporated area. Lending rules depend on the foundation and the age of the home.
- Newer tract homes. Built from the 2000s onward on the edges, many of them inside Menifee, with HOAs in some neighborhoods and special assessments on the tax bill.
- Land. Vacant residential parcels, plus land along the highway and rail corridor that is zoned or planned for commercial or industrial use.
People searching houses for sale in Romoland are often looking for room: space for a workshop, vehicles, animals or a second unit. Whether a given use is allowed depends on the parcel’s zoning, so verify it. Do not go by what a neighbor is doing.
Due Diligence on Older and Rural Parcels
- Sewer or septic. Newer tracts are on sewer. Many older parcels have septic systems, which should be pumped, inspected and located on the lot.
- Water. Most homes are on a public water system, with Eastern Municipal Water District the main provider in the area. A few older properties may have wells. Confirm the source.
- Permits. Additions, garage conversions and outbuildings on older rural lots are not always permitted. Compare the house with county records.
- Flooding and drainage. The land is flat, and parts of the valley floor drain slowly in heavy rain. Check the flood map and ask the seller about standing water.
- Surrounding land use. Warehouses and other industrial projects have been built and proposed along the Interstate 215 and Highway 74 corridors. Ask the county and the neighboring cities what is approved near a property you like, since truck traffic and views can change.
- Tax bill. In newer tracts, look for Mello-Roos and other assessments.
Roads, Rail and Schools
Highway 74 runs through the middle of Romoland, east to Homeland and Hemet and west to Perris. Interstate 215 is a few minutes away, with Ethanac Road as another crossing. The Metrolink line from Riverside ends at the South Perris station just to the west. Elementary and middle grades are served by the Romoland School District, and high school by the Perris Union High School District, which operates Heritage High School nearby. Check assignments with the districts for a specific address.
Selling a Home in Romoland
The buyer for an older Romoland property is usually buying the land as much as the house. A listing should make the lot size, zoning, utilities and outbuildings obvious, with aerial photos and a simple site plan where possible. Sellers help themselves by pulling permit records, getting the septic system inspected and clarifying the jurisdiction up front, so a buyer’s lender or appraiser does not raise surprises late in escrow. Aimee applies 15+ years of sales and marketing experience and a business degree to pricing and presentation, and she communicates at every step.
Working With Aimee
Aimee Ghafouri grew up in Murrieta and has her office in Temecula, a short run down Interstate 215 and Interstate 15 from here. She is licensed to represent buyers, sellers and investors anywhere in California. If you need a Romoland real estate agent who will check the parcel’s jurisdiction, zoning and utilities before you commit, start with the contact page or call (951) 331-8453.
Nearby Communities
- Menifee: the city directly south, with many planned neighborhoods.
- Perris: west across Interstate 215.
- Homeland: the next unincorporated community east on Highway 74.
- Nuevo: rural lots to the north.
- Winchester: southeast, toward Highway 79.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Romoland part of Menifee?
Partly. When Menifee incorporated in 2008 it absorbed a large share of what had been called Romoland, and the rest is still an unincorporated community under Riverside County. Check the parcel’s jurisdiction, because the mailing address alone will not tell you.
What school district serves Romoland?
The Romoland School District serves elementary and middle grades, and the Perris Union High School District serves high school. Confirm the assigned schools for an address with the districts.
Why are some Romoland lots so large?
The area was sold in the 1920s as small farms of a few acres under the name Romola Farms. Many of those parcels, or pieces of them, remain, which is why older homes often sit on deep lots.
Are Romoland homes on septic or sewer?
Newer tract homes are connected to sewer. Many older homes on large lots use septic systems, which should be inspected during escrow.
How do I search for real estate in Romoland?
Call or text Aimee Ghafouri at (951) 331-8453. She can set up a map-based search that catches listings labeled Romoland, Menifee or Perris, and confirm which jurisdiction each property is in.
Buying or Selling in Romoland?
Aimee Ghafouri is a real estate agent based in Temecula who grew up in Murrieta. She is licensed to work anywhere in California and represents buyers, sellers and investors.
Aimee Ghafouri, 951 Properties, CAL DRE #02193341. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.