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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2025 7 By Irene Reyes, Resident I live in a lovely neighborhood, Solera Diamond Valley, and I have lived here the past five years. Initially, I came to discover Solera as I drove to my chemotherapy appointments in Beaumont from my home in Canyon Hills, Lake Elsinore. My route took me down Warren Road, so I drove by the west side of the community on a regular basis. "What a nice-looking area," I thought to myself. As my treatments continued, and I became very sick with the accumulation of the chemo and the side effects that entails, I always took heart in driving by this lovely community, though, not knowing very much about it. What I did know was that I always breathed a little slower when I drove by and decreased my speed as I admired the look of this place, while feeling a serenity that brought a smile to my face. After seven grueling months of treatment at the oncology center in Beaumont, my enjoyable drive on Warren Road came to an end. I honestly didn't give the lovely neighborhood much thought throughout the following year as I continued with cancer and chemo recovery. In time, I realized I wasn't going to die of cancer in the foreseeable future; so, I found myself in the position of downsizing to a smaller home. The search was on! To my disappointment, it proved to be somewhat daunting and not as fun as I thought it would be. Though I had been a homeowner my whole adult life, for the first time I even considered leasing instead of buying in order to simplify my lifestyle, especially after a serious illness with an unknown outcome. As I broadened my possibilities on Zillow and opened the door to areas I had not previously considered, I dared to look at Hemet. And then, there on Zillow popped up the "lovely neighborhood." Yes, the neighborhood I drove by for seven months. There was even an Open House for a home in my search zone! Without hesitation, I went. I had never been inside the community, so when I drove into the entrance on Mustang Avenue, I gazed at this beautiful fountain flowing with sparkling water, surrounded by seasonal vibrant spring flowers. There were tall green trees everywhere and lush, mature foliage. What a heartwarming surprise! At that moment, I knew. This is my neighborhood. It was confirmed at the Open House and two months later I closed escrow on my home and moved in. And now, I truly do live in the lovely neighborhood with all the trees and pretty yards. I am part of a community where your neighbors become family and don't think twice about lending a helping hand when needed. I feel so fortunate and blessed to live in my little corner of Hemet. True to form, every time I drive into my lovely neighborhood, my breathing still slows a bit, and I smile as I admire the beauty of my neighborhood. I'm so happy to live in Solera Diamond Valley! My Lovely Neighborhood

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