8 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | JANUARY 2022
By Cindy Ponce de Leon, Resident
Have you ever dreamed of becoming an expat and living
somewhere in the Mediterranean? Every year I have friends that
visit the Amalfi Coast, Greece, and Spain. Shows like House Hunters
International entice us even further. We want the best weather, the
best ocean view, and it has to be affordable!
Recently, while watching Top 10 Reasons to move to Temecula, we
discovered that Temecula Valley has a Mediterranean climate! Not
only do we have the same weather, but we also have many similar
features and benefits. There are so many birds here; seagulls, snowy
egrets, swallows, hawks, pigeons, just like the coast. Wildflowers
bloom on the hillsides every spring. Not only are they aesthetically
pleasing to walk or bike through, they're perfect for watching bees
and other pollinators. We have a rich diversity of fresh local honey
from the various avocado, citrus and wildflower farms.
Hemet weather is excellent for growing year round crops, just like
in Europe. January brings stray lettuces, onions, celery and other
herbs like cilantro and dill that just-pop up! We have the perfect grape
and olive growing climate. In Temecula we have access to some of
the best wines and freshest olive oils. Cold pressed and Extra Virgin
please. Not only that, we have free range meats, farm fresh produce. I
mean who else has farm stands within a mile of their house?
We don't have all the downtown tourist shopping like in Barcelona
or Madrid, but we do have the Historic Hemet Theatre.
All in all, it's not bad having to drive an hour to get to the coast. I'll
take lower home prices and resort style living any day to be in a less
congested wonderful community like we have here on "The Island."
Ahh, The Mediterranean…
Temecula winery
