The Colony
at California Oaks
Guard-Gated 55+ Community in Murrieta, California
The Colony at California Oaks is an established 55+ gated community in Murrieta, California, featuring 1,586 homes, an extensive clubhouse and recreation program, and the California Oaks Golf Club winding through portions of the neighborhood. Developed in phases from approximately 1989 through 2005, The Colony offers more than 60 floor plans and a wide range of home sizes and configurations. Its central Murrieta location also provides convenient access to shopping, dining, medical services and major transportation routes.
About The Colony
According to The Colony at California Oaks HOA, the community contains 1,586 homes developed between 1989 and 2005 by Ryland Homes, Mastercraft and Crowell & David. More than 60 floor plans were built within the community, with homes generally ranging from approximately 947 to 2,100 square feet and typically offering two to three bedrooms. Most homes are single-story, although some two-story models were also constructed. Architectural styles commonly include stucco exteriors and tile roofs, and many properties have golf-course or greenbelt orientations. Because homes were constructed over multiple phases and by several builders, floor plans, lot configurations, garage arrangements, interior layouts and improvements can vary considerably from one property to another.
California Oaks Golf Club
One of The Colony's defining physical features is the California Oaks Golf Club, which winds through portions of the community. The public golf course was designed by David Rainville and features 18 holes with a par of 70. The current course measures approximately 5,199 yards from the Championship tees. Golf-course views vary by property; some Colony homes overlook fairways or greenbelts while others are located on interior residential streets. California Oaks Golf Club operates separately from a home's HOA assessment and golf rates, memberships and course policies can change. The course currently states that residents of The Colony may use their privately owned golf carts on the golf course while playing, subject to course rules.
The Colony Clubhouse & Amenities
The Colony's clubhouse serves as the center of many of the community's recreational and social activities. Residents have access to amenities that currently include a fitness center and fitness programs, swimming pool and spa, auditorium and entertainment space, tennis, pickleball and bocce facilities, along with numerous clubs, classes, games and organized activities. The community's activity calendar includes a variety of fitness, recreation, card and game groups, hobby organizations and social clubs. Available programs and amenities may change, so buyers interested in a particular activity should confirm current offerings with the HOA.
Homes in The Colony
With more than 60 floor plans constructed during approximately 16 years of development, The Colony offers considerably more housing variety than its streetscape might initially suggest. Homes generally range from approximately 947 to 2,100 square feet, with most featuring two or three bedrooms. Most homes are single-story, although some two-story models exist. Individual properties can differ substantially based on floor plan, location, lot configuration, garage size, remodeling, condition and whether the property faces or backs to a golf-course or greenbelt setting. Buyers should evaluate the specific property rather than assume that features found in one Colony home are standard throughout the community.
The Colony HOA
The Colony is governed by a homeowners association that maintains community common areas and amenities and administers the community's governing documents. The HOA's published information currently identifies a monthly assessment of $333. The assessment helps fund items such as association administration, utilities, community facilities and amenities, common-area and front-yard landscaping, irrigation water, gate-attendant and community-patrol services and association reserves. HOA dues, services, rules, transfer charges and assessments can change. Buyers should verify all current HOA information directly through the association and review the HOA documents provided during the purchase process.
Guard-Gated Access
The Colony provides 24-hour access control, including gate-attendant and community-patrol services. Visitors and real estate professionals must comply with the community's current entry procedures. The HOA should be consulted for current guest-access and gate policies.
Property Taxes & Special Assessments
Property taxes and special assessments can vary by individual property. Rather than relying on a communitywide estimate, buyers should review the actual tax bill and assessment information for the specific property they are considering. HOA dues are separate from property taxes and governmental assessments. During a purchase, buyers should verify the property's tax rate, special assessments and any other parcel-specific charges before removing applicable contingencies.
Location in Murrieta
The Colony is located in the California Oaks area of Murrieta, with access to both the I-15 and I-215 corridors. Its location places residents near shopping, restaurants, medical services, recreation and other amenities throughout Murrieta and the surrounding Southwest Riverside County area. For buyers comparing Murrieta's 55+ communities, location can be an important distinction because The Colony, Four Seasons and The Knolls each offer a different combination of housing type, amenities, HOA structure and surrounding development.
Proposition 19 for Eligible California Homeowners
Some homeowners considering a move to The Colony may qualify for a Proposition 19 base-year-value transfer. Under California Proposition 19, qualifying homeowners who are at least 55 years old may be able to transfer the taxable value of a principal residence to a replacement principal residence anywhere in California, subject to eligibility requirements, timing rules and valuation calculations. Because every situation is different, homeowners should review the current Proposition 19 rules and consult the appropriate county assessor or qualified tax professional before relying on a potential property-tax transfer when making a purchasing decision.
Learn More About Proposition 19Homes for Sale in The Colony
Home prices in The Colony change with market conditions and vary according to factors such as home size, floor plan, condition, renovations, lot location, garage configuration and golf-course or greenbelt orientation. Instead of relying on a static price range, view the current listings to see homes that are actively available in The Colony today.
View Homes for Sale in The ColonySee something you would like to tour? Laura Holbert and Cheryl Shadden can help you compare available properties, review HOA considerations and evaluate how a particular home fits your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Colony
Answers to common questions buyers ask about The Colony at California Oaks.
How many homes are in The Colony in Murrieta?
The Colony at California Oaks contains 1,586 homes. The community was developed in phases from approximately 1989 through 2005 and includes more than 60 floor plans.
Is The Colony a 55+ community?
Yes. The Colony at California Oaks is a 55+ age-qualified community. Buyers should review the current HOA governing documents for the specific age and occupancy requirements that apply when purchasing or occupying a home.
Are all homes in The Colony single-story?
No. Most homes are single-story, but the community also includes some two-story models. Because more than 60 floor plans were constructed, buyers will find a variety of layouts.
How large are homes in The Colony?
According to the HOA, homes generally range from approximately 947 to 2,100 square feet and typically have two to three bedrooms.
Is The Colony guard-gated?
Yes. The Colony provides 24-hour access control with gate-attendant and community-patrol services. Visitors must follow the community's current entry procedures.
How much are The Colony HOA dues?
The HOA's currently published information lists a monthly assessment of $333. HOA dues and included services can change, so buyers should verify the current amount and review the association's financial documents before purchasing.
What does the HOA include?
The HOA states that assessments support association administration and utilities, community amenities and events, common-area and front-yard landscaping, irrigation water, gate-attendant and community-patrol services, clubhouse and common-area maintenance, and association reserves.
Does The Colony have a golf course?
The California Oaks Golf Club winds through portions of The Colony. It is an 18-hole, par-70 course designed by David Rainville and is available for public play.
Are golf fees included in the HOA?
Buyers should not assume that golf is included in the HOA assessment. Golf rates, memberships and course policies are established by the golf-course operator and should be verified directly with California Oaks Golf Club.
What amenities does The Colony offer?
Current community amenities include a clubhouse, fitness facilities and programs, swimming pool and spa, auditorium and entertainment space, tennis, pickleball, bocce and numerous clubs and organized activities.
Does every home have a golf-course view?
No. Some homes have golf-course or greenbelt views, while others do not. View orientation and location are property-specific.
Does The Colony have Mello-Roos?
Rather than making a blanket communitywide assumption, buyers should review the specific property's tax bill for Mello-Roos, special taxes and other assessments. These charges can be parcel-specific and are separate from HOA dues.
Can Proposition 19 be used when buying in The Colony?
Potentially. A qualifying California homeowner age 55 or older may be eligible to transfer a base-year taxable value to a replacement principal residence under Proposition 19, subject to its requirements. Eligibility should be verified based on the homeowner's individual circumstances.
Last reviewed and updated: August 2026
Get in Touch
Whether you have questions about The Colony, want to tour homes, or are ready to start the next chapter, we are here to help.
Laura Holbert
Realtor/Broker · CA DRE# 01932682
Team Integrity Realty
(951) 704-4635 Laura@TeamIntegrityRealty.com
Cheryl Shadden
Realtor · CA DRE# 01932888
Team Integrity Realty
(951) 285-1245 Cheryl.Team@verizon.net
Team Integrity Realty · 37290 Los Alamos Rd, Murrieta, CA 92563
CA DRE# 01932682 (Laura Holbert) · CA DRE# 01932888 (Cheryl Shadden)
Explore more: Four Seasons · The Knolls · Murrieta Oaks · Not Ready to Buy Yet? · Relocation Guide