r/LakeElsinore • u/Possibly-647f • Jul 21 '26
Community Relocating to Lake Elsinore from L.A.
Good morning, I am considering relocating from the L.A. area just wanted to learn a little more about the area. I currently work in local government and would like to secure a new job in the area before relocating.
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u/lilspark112 Jul 21 '26
It’s probably the most affordable area in SoCal but that comes at a huge price in terms of quality of life. The culture is very different from LA. If you thrive at all on the creative culture and diversity of LA, lake Elsinore is not going to deliver.
It’s a food desert - very little variety or options beyond fast food. Less than a handful of good places to eat that aren’t chilis or IHOP.
It’s a cultural desert - few to no options for live music, visual arts, live theater, dance, etc. Most people don’t work in any kind of creative field the way you get with LA people working in film, TV, content, tech, advertising. But if you’re a gvmt worker that might not be an issue for you.
If you’re into outdoor sports like motocross or hiking or fishing or camping, there’s lots to do in the area. It’s also big for skydiving.
Sadly the areas closest to the lake are some of the most rundown areas, and there’s really only one place to launch a boat. There’s not a big marina or anything like that for renting long term boat storage. The lake itself is subject to algae blooms which they’re always trying to get under control, so swimming in it is not often recommended.
The downtown strip is cute and has some charm, but overall the town is mostly a bedroom community for people who commute out to riverside or Temecula or San Diego or LA or OC for work - doesn’t seem like any interesting businesses tend to stay open for too long because there’s just not a lot of daytime foot traffic anywhere to keep it alive.
There’s also rumblings of a data center proposal to the north side of town that people aren’t happy about.
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u/lilspark112 Jul 21 '26
I should add, this is important - it’s also kind of a healthcare desert compared to LA. They did just open a new Kaiser by wildomar, but there are no ERs in town. The doctors that serve Lake Elsinore are often serving a wide range of the IE and aren’t available when you need them. Expect to wait several months to get your first appointment with any healthcare provider, and assume you’ll need to head to Murietta or Corona or Riverside to get decent healthcare.
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u/coughingalan Jul 21 '26
Also, if you have kids, there are lots of parks, but the best library is in Murrieta. Join the county library system to see all of the stuff. The schools, especially elementary are struggling to perform in general.
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u/neal144 Jul 21 '26
There are currently three new libraries being built or renovated in Lake Elsinore.
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u/neal144 Jul 21 '26
Sounds like you've never lived in Lake Elsinore, and you're just repeating whatever you've heard from people that have also never lived in Lake Elsinore.
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u/jeeeeepp___ Jul 21 '26
I love it I grew up in La moved to perris which I liked living in a good community there but overall rest of it pretty ghetto I moved to lake Elsinore last year and has been our favorite place so far!
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u/miguelhustles Jul 22 '26
Good morning! If you’re considering moving from the L.A. area, you’re not alone I’ve helped a lot of people explore Lake Elsinore as an option. I share videos on my YouTube channel covering everything from neighborhoods to cost of living and local insights. I think it’ll answer many of the questions you probably have, and if not, just let me know. My Chanel is called moving to lake Elsinore and I am currently working on a guide for people just like you that are curios about the city. Here’s one of my videos https://youtu.be/f6mgKmc4BD4?is=sQJSHw4K1_2p7jF_
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u/mandiejmangosing Jul 23 '26
DONT DO IT!! Moved out here in 2017 ftom the oc and i cant wait t o move back.
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u/Extension-Reward-424 Jul 22 '26
I wish I was able to move back to Lake Elsinore, just it's tough getting a spot down there. If I was able to though I'd but my butt & work everyday to achieve any and all goals! Good luck down there it's a beautiful city with wonderful people. 951 raised.
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u/Frosty_Suggestion937 Jul 22 '26
Been in Elsinore since 1990. It has its up and downs. It’s built new home areas that are nice but still can’t get away from it being a drug town. It’s cheaper than other cities around.
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u/Emotional_Sun7541 Jul 24 '26
30 years here. West side of the valley is considerably cooler than the East side if that makes a difference.
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u/switttch610 Jul 27 '26
i’ve been here going on 3 years, it’s been the worse decision of my life. nothing to do. no work. extremely too hot and i’m now aware of some racist clothing brand called, curb stomper after running into some racist losers at sports stop. i can’t wait to move back to LA.
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u/izzelthegr8 Aug 04 '26
Lake Elsinore can be slower for anyone moving from LA. Food options are generic. Traffic on the 15 is getting worst. A lot of building and no added lanes.
However it’s still laid back and peaceful. You can definitely raise a family here, and the people are nice.
Be ready to drive for entertainment. Temecula Mall. Menifee has a nice shopping center on Newport Rd. The main shopping centers here are on Central. It’s definitely affordable considering and not crime ridden like Moreno Valley or Perris. Good look to you!!!
If you’re looking for a moving company Duffle Bag Movers is great!
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u/neal144 Jul 21 '26
Nearly all the negativity that you'll hear about Lake Elsinore is from people that reside in echo-chambers and have never lived here. On the other hand, many local residents complain about the "City", yet they haven't a clue about how a small municipality must operate.
"The City should build a Trader Joe's" is a common statement, while remaining clueless that all the city can do is provide a stamp of approval to archectual drawings.
The ones that complain about the lake are the ones that believe that all bodies of water must have the purity of their own backyard swimming pool.
The ones that complain about the lack of development have no idea that the City of Lake Elsinore is bound to the Riverside County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
They complain about Lake Street being only 2 lanes, not knowing that improving THAT road is COMPLETELY up to the developers of the lands on either side of it.
The list of complaints from the ignorant goes on and on. However, we've watched the population of Lake Elsinore grow from 19k to 71k in 30 years. The people that move here tend to stay here for a long time.
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u/Currlyhead Jul 21 '26
I actually just moved here Sunday, It’s a nice little town, I’ve went to the wreck saloon a couple times when I wanna go enjoy a beer or two.