Hemet Apartments and Rentals

Incorporated in 1910, Hemet joined the communities of San Jacinto Valley in Riverside County as a city known for its prosperous agricultural industry. Once Hemet became the site for the country's first mobile home subdivision, its character began to change dramatically as it became a popular location for other mobile home parks and retirement housing developments in the 1960s.

Although Hemet still contains high number of retirement communities, Hemet apartments for rent are increasingly popular among young families providing services to the senior community. Hemet is less urbanized than most areas of Southern California, and its rural atmosphere also contributes to it growth and development.

With a growing population of more than 75,000 residents, Hemet is 25 miles north of the Temecula wine country and 45 miles west of Palm Springs, making it an ideal location starting point for day trips to Los Angeles, San Diego or Orange County. It is also the home to thriving shopping centers that attract residents from neighboring desert communities.

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive in Hemet, and many retailers have chosen to open businesses within the city. Residents take pride in supporting local businesses, and actively participate in Small Business Saturday, a nationwide initiative designed to foster support for locally owned enterprises.

Hemet residents enjoy proximity to the Diamond Valley Lake Recreation Area, which offers boating, hiking and camping throughout the year thanks to the dry, sunny climate in Riverside County. Hemet is also home of the Western Science Center, which features exhibits of Ice Age mammals including the largest mastodon found in the western United States.

Businesses and retailers are attracted to Hemet because of its low development fees, custom incentives and site selection assistance. The education-health industry was the largest job sector in 2010, followed by retail, leisure-hospitality and professional-management. According to Hemet's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in Hemet are the Hemet Unified School District, Valley Health System, Deutsch Industrial and Wal-Mart.

The Hemet Unified School Districts covers all of Hemet, along with parts of San Jacinto and Valle Vista. The district operates 26 schools, four of which are high schools serving students in Hemet.

Low crime rates in Hemet contribute to the popularity of Hemet apartments, and an active neighborhood watch program in the city has been a significant deterrent to crime. The Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program is a coalition of law enforcement, business and apartment owners and tenants dedicated to providing a safe living environment for Hemet residents in apartment complexes. The program has proven to be extremely effective, and some complexes report up to an 84 percent reduction in law enforcement calls since the program was implemented.

The cost of living in Hemet is markedly lower than that of other Southern California cities, and city-data.com reports that the median gross rent in 2009 was $933.

The annual Tinsel Triathlon is a proud Hemet tradition, and features the largest reverse sprint in the nation. Proceeds from this community event are donated to the United Way charity, and local businesses sponsor the event.

Pilots and performers bring crowds to their feet at the Hemet-Ryan air show, a free community event that attracts visitors from all of Southern California. The United States Air Force A-10 West Demonstration Team provides one of the most highly anticipated performances, demonstrating extreme speed and breathtaking aerial maneuvers.

Hemet's Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre is home of "Ramona," the longest running drama in America. The 5,400-seat amphitheatre also hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year, in addition to summer programs designed to teach community youth the basics of musical theater.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Hemet, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.