Nestled on a high desert plateau between Temecula and the Santa Rosa Mountains, Anza, California is a rural community known for open skies, wide lots, and a self-reliant lifestyle. Sitting along State Route 371, roughly 35 miles east of Temecula, Anza offers peaceful country living with easy access to mountain trails, nearby ranches, and the greater Coachella Valley.
Anza’s lifestyle centers on space and the outdoors. Residents enjoy horseback riding, stargazing, gardening, and off-road recreation. The nearby Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, Cahuilla Mountain, and local trails provide year-round hiking and biking. Community events, farmers markets, and small local eateries reflect a friendly, small-town rhythm, while Temecula’s wineries and Old Town dining are a scenic drive away.
Anza experiences a four-season high-desert climate with sunny days, low humidity, and cool evenings. Summers are warm to hot and dry; winters are crisp with occasional frost and rare snowfall at higher elevations. Spring wildflowers and clear autumn skies make shoulder seasons especially pleasant for outdoor activities.
The community is served by Hemet Unified School District, including local K–8 options and nearby high schools. Families also tap regional charter programs, homeschooling networks, and private schools in surrounding towns. Adult education and college extension opportunities are accessible in the Temecula Valley and Coachella Valley.
Anza is home to families, ranchers, retirees, and remote workers who value privacy and rural independence. Housing ranges from manufactured homes and cabins to custom ranch properties and equestrian estates, often with room for hobby farming, workshops, and renewable energy systems.
Public safety services are provided by Riverside County. As in many rural areas, residents often participate in neighborhood watch efforts, maintain private gates or fencing, and stay informed through community groups and local alerts.
Housing in Anza is generally more affordable than in many coastal and suburban markets, with value driven by acreage, water access, and outbuilding capacity. Everyday expenses vary based on travel distances and services used, while many residents offset costs through gardening, livestock, and solar or other off-grid solutions.
Anza’s heritage reflects Native American roots, ranching traditions, and a do-it-yourself ethos. The area’s name references Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza, whose expeditions crossed inland Southern California. Today, local events, crafts, and outdoor pursuits sustain a distinct high-desert identity.
State Route 371 connects Anza to State Route 79 and I-15 via Temecula, and to State Route 74 for access toward Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley. Most residents rely on personal vehicles; regional airports include Palm Springs International to the east and Ontario International to the northwest.
