Hemet, CA, started off as a small establishment of just 177 people when its residents voted to incorporate it in 1910, but in the century since its founding, it’s become a thriving Southern California city of just under 82,000 people. Home to an outdoor play (The Ramona Pageant) that is one of the longest running in the U.S., Hemet is a great place to find an intersection of art, culture, history and recreation.
The 27-square mile city boasts a thriving business community that has welcomed thousands of women- and minority-owned storefronts to cultivate a diverse place to shop, dine and recreate. Much of the population consists of a retired community (over 22% are over the age of 65), stemming from its development of retirement homes after World War II, and its businesses offer financial help and health care services stemming from that mission.
It’s an ideal place for anyone trying to take a fair-weather getaway to Southern California. Not only does Hemet have its own scenic parks, it is also close to such breathtaking landscapes as Palomar Mountain and Joshua Tree National Park. Its warm year-round climate, with average temperatures ranging from 65-100 degrees Fahrenheit, invites people from all over the country to partake in its spectacular summers.
Hemet’s downtown area is filled with great dining experiences, from baked goods at Polly’s Pies, to Asian cuisine at Spicy Sushi and Grill, to classic American sandwiches and burgers at Oryz Family Restaurant. Whatever your fancy, Hemet has something to offer everyone from all walks of life.