Murrieta Area 55+ Community Guide
The Knolls Homes & 55+ Community Guide in Murrieta, CA
The Knolls is an established 55+ residential area in Murrieta, California, made up of three separate homeowners associations: Spring Knolls, Golf Knolls and Warm Spring Knolls. Unlike a traditional manufactured-home park where a resident leases the underlying homesite, the official Knolls community information states that homeowners own both their home and the land beneath it. This is one of the most important distinctions for buyers researching The Knolls.
The three associations are separate. Each has its own governing documents, HOA responsibilities and clubhouse facilities. Current official community information identifies: Spring Knolls, 380 homeowner lots; Golf Knolls, 520 homeowner lots; Warm Spring Knolls, 216 homeowner lots. That represents approximately 1,116 homeowner lots across the three associations.
Housing consists primarily of manufactured homes on individually owned lots, with homes developed across several decades and substantial differences today in foundation status, condition, remodeling, garages, carports, patios, landscaping and other improvements. This guide explains land ownership, the three HOAs, amenities, manufactured-home financing considerations, golf-course proximity, age qualification, buying, selling and how The Knolls compares with other Murrieta-area 55+ communities.
The Knolls at a Glance
Community Type
Age-qualified 55+ residential community
Location
Murrieta, California 92563, near Murrieta Hot Springs Road and Via Princesa
Structure
Three separate homeowners associations
Spring Knolls
Approximately 380 homeowner lots
Golf Knolls
Approximately 520 homeowner lots
Warm Spring Knolls
Approximately 216 homeowner lots
Combined Official Lot Count
Approximately 1,116 homeowner lots
Housing
Primarily manufactured homes on individually owned lots
Land Ownership
Homeowner owns both the home and the lot; no traditional leased-space arrangement
HOA
Yes, three separate HOAs with separate governing documents and assessments
Clubhouses
Each HOA has its own clubhouse/recreation facilities
Street Maintenance
Official association information indicates HOA responsibility for streets or roads/common areas; verify the applicable HOA documents
Golf
Some Golf Knolls properties have golf-course frontage or views; The Golf Club at Rancho California is a separate golf operation
Age Qualification
55+ community; review the current governing documents of the applicable HOA
Utilities
Paid by the homeowner according to official Knolls information; verify property-specific services
What Exactly Is "The Knolls"?
"The Knolls" commonly refers collectively to three neighboring 55+ communities in Murrieta. They are not three phases of one master homeowners association; they are three separate associations, each with its own board, bylaws, CC&Rs, HOA assessments, clubhouse, common areas, rules, budget and maintenance responsibilities.
Spring Knolls
Approximately 380 homeowner lots, centered around the Via Princesa area.
Golf Knolls
Approximately 520 homeowner lots, centered around Camino Alba.
Warm Spring Knolls
Approximately 216 homeowner lots, centered around Via del Largo.
These are three separate homeowners associations commonly grouped under the name "The Knolls". That distinction matters when purchasing: an answer correct for Golf Knolls may not automatically apply to Spring Knolls or Warm Spring Knolls. Buyers should review the current governing documents for the specific association they are considering.
Do You Own the Land in The Knolls?
Yes. According to the official Knolls community FAQ, homeowners own both the home and the land. This differs from many manufactured-home communities where the resident owns the home but pays monthly space rent to lease the land. For Knolls buyers there is generally no traditional monthly space rent. However, land ownership does not mean no ongoing community expenses; homeowners may still be responsible for HOA assessments, property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, trash, home maintenance, lot maintenance, repairs, manufactured-home systems and other property-specific expenses. The complete ownership cost should be reviewed for the individual property.
You own both the home and the land.
No space rent does not mean no HOA or ownership expenses.
Does The Knolls Have One HOA or Three?
Three separate HOAs: Spring Knolls HOA, Golf Knolls HOA and Warm Spring Knolls HOA. Each maintains its own bylaws and CC&Rs. This matters because HOA assessments, rules, clubhouse facilities, maintenance responsibilities, architectural requirements, rental requirements, pet rules and age-qualification procedures may differ. Buyers should obtain the current disclosure package for the specific HOA governing the home they are considering.
How Much Are The Knolls HOA Fees?
HOA assessments should be verified directly from the applicable association and current transaction disclosures. The official Knolls FAQ has historically published relatively modest annual assessments, but budgets and dues can change. Buyers should verify the current assessment, the payment schedule, what the assessment includes, the HOA budget, reserve information, insurance information, planned projects, special assessments and street-maintenance responsibilities.
Remember that no space rent and HOA assessments are two different things: a Knolls homeowner owns the land but still belongs to an HOA.
Can Residents Use All Three Knolls Clubhouses?
Not automatically. The official Knolls FAQ states each HOA has its own clubhouse, generally restricted to residents of that HOA, with occasional events involving multiple associations. Buyers should not assume that purchasing in one association automatically gives unrestricted use of every facility in the other two. This is an important correction to some third-party information.
Ask: Which HOA am I buying into, and exactly which facilities will I have the right to use?
Spring Knolls Amenities
Official Spring Knolls information identifies approximately 380 homeowner lots. Clubhouse and recreation facilities include two pools, a spa and an exercise room. The association also maintains common areas and roads and organizes resident activities. Specific amenities, schedules and programs can change and should be verified through the current HOA.
Golf Knolls Amenities
Golf Knolls has approximately 520 homeowner lots. Official association information identifies clubhouse facilities including a pool, spa, exercise room, kitchen and dining room. The HOA also maintains clubhouse facilities, common areas and streets and sponsors resident activities. Golf Knolls is geographically associated with portions of the nearby golf-course setting, and some individual homes have golf-course frontage or views. That does not mean golf privileges are automatically included with HOA membership.
Warm Spring Knolls Amenities
Warm Spring Knolls has approximately 216 homeowner lots. Official association information identifies clubhouse facilities including a pool, spa, kitchen and dining room. The association maintains clubhouse facilities, common areas and streets and offers resident activities. Buyers should review the current HOA documents rather than assuming amenities or operating schedules remain unchanged.
Is There a Golf Course at The Knolls?
The nearby Golf Club at Rancho California is an active 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened for play in 1971. Some Golf Knolls homes may have golf-course frontage, fairway views or golf-course-adjacent locations. However, the golf course is a separate operation from the Knolls homeowners associations.
Buyers should not assume that HOA dues include golf, that Knolls ownership includes golf membership, that every home has direct golf access, that every Knolls property has a golf view, or that residents receive permanent special rates. Anyone interested should review the golf course's current booking policies, rates and access directly with the course.
Visit The Golf Club at Rancho California
What Types of Homes Are in The Knolls?
Housing in The Knolls is primarily manufactured housing developed over several decades, and individual homes vary significantly. Buyers may find properties with two or three bedrooms, single-level layouts, carports, detached or attached garages on some properties, covered patios, enclosed patios or sunrooms, storage sheds, private yards, updated kitchens, remodeled bathrooms, newer flooring, updated windows, HVAC replacements, roof improvements, fencing, and golf-course views on certain properties.
Because the community was developed over many years, there is no single standard Knolls home. A property from an earlier decade may have been remodeled, replaced or modified while another retains much of its original configuration. Property-specific investigation is important.
Manufactured Home vs. Mobile Home: Why the Details Matter
Properties in The Knolls are commonly described as manufactured or mobile homes, but the legal and financing status of the individual property can vary. Buyers should verify: year manufactured, manufacturer, serial numbers, title and registration records, foundation type, whether the home is permanently affixed, whether a recorded foundation document such as a 433A exists where applicable, whether additions were permitted, recorded living area, property-tax treatment and lender requirements.
A home on owned land does not automatically mean every lender will finance every property the same way. Some properties may qualify for conventional, FHA or VA financing depending on the property, foundation, age and lender guidelines; others may require different financing. Confirm financing feasibility before relying on a loan program.
Streets and Common-Area Maintenance
The individual HOA pages state that the associations maintain roads or streets and common areas within their communities. HOA budgeting and reserve planning can matter even when assessments appear modest. Buyers should review street-maintenance obligations, planned paving or repair projects, reserve funds, special assessments, common-area maintenance and HOA financial statements. A low current HOA payment is only one part of evaluating an association.
Is The Knolls a Gated Community?
The Knolls should not be marketed as a single guard-gated community. The official information describes three separate private residential associations but does not present them as one master guard-gated development. Controlled access, where present, should be evaluated objectively for the individual association rather than described as a safety guarantee.
Is The Knolls a 55+ Community?
Yes. Spring Knolls, Golf Knolls and Warm Spring Knolls operate as age-qualified 55+ communities. Each HOA has its own governing documents, so buyers should review the current age-verification and occupancy requirements for the specific association before purchasing or planning occupancy. It is appropriate to identify The Knolls as 55+ housing, but buyers should not rely on an older website summary for every occupancy exception or qualification; the current governing documents control.
Utilities and Trash
The official Knolls FAQ states that utilities and trash are paid by the homeowner. Buyers should verify the individual property's electricity, gas or other fuel, water, sewer, trash, internet and solar if applicable. Older manufactured homes can have substantially different utility systems and efficiency characteristics from newer or remodeled homes.
Property Taxes and Special Assessments
Taxes should be reviewed for the specific Knolls property; do not assume that every home in the three communities has an identical tax structure. Buyers should review the current Riverside County tax bill, APN, property assessment, special-assessment line items, HOA disclosures and manufactured-home title and foundation status for the applicable property.
Best question: What does the actual tax bill show for this particular property?
Nearby Murrieta Hot Springs Area
The Knolls communities are near Murrieta Hot Springs Road and the Murrieta Hot Springs area. The restored Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is nearby but is a separate, privately operated resort, not a Knolls HOA amenity. Promotions or discounts offered to nearby residents can change; do not assume permanent resort access or discounted admission, and do not imply that resort amenities are included with Knolls HOA dues.
Getting Around From The Knolls
The Knolls is located in Murrieta near Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Via Princesa, Margarita Road and the Jackson/Inez corridor. Nearby routes and destinations include Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Winchester Road, Interstate 15, Interstate 215, Central Murrieta, Temecula, shopping and dining, medical services, The Promenade Temecula, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort and The Golf Club at Rancho California. Travel times vary with traffic and destination; verify the drive for your specific plans.
Buying a Home in The Knolls
Buying in The Knolls requires more investigation than confirming a sale price and an HOA fee. Team Integrity Realty helps buyers evaluate: which Knolls HOA governs the property, land ownership, HOA dues, HOA financial condition, CC&Rs and bylaws, age qualification, clubhouse rights, street-maintenance responsibilities, manufactured-home age, foundation status, 433A or related documentation where applicable, title and registration, financing eligibility, recorded square footage, permitted additions, property condition, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, windows, carport or garage, solar, property taxes, insurance, inspection findings, current comparable sales and the complete monthly ownership cost.
One particularly important question: Am I buying only a manufactured home, or a manufactured home and the land beneath it? In The Knolls the official community information confirms land ownership, but buyers still need to investigate the individual home's legal, physical and financing characteristics.
Comparing The Knolls With Other Murrieta-Area 55+ Communities
The Knolls
Three separate 55+ HOAs consisting primarily of manufactured homes on homeowner-owned lots; approximately 1,116 homeowner lots across Spring Knolls, Golf Knolls and Warm Spring Knolls.
The Colony
Approximately 1,586 detached single-family homes in a guard-gated 55+ community with extensive HOA recreation amenities. Read the full The Colony guide.
Four Seasons at Murrieta
Approximately 524 detached single-family homes centered around The Lodge and its recreation grounds; not gated; located in unincorporated Riverside County despite its Murrieta mailing address. Read the full Four Seasons guide.
The largest difference is the type of real estate being purchased: The Knolls primarily offers manufactured housing with owned land, while The Colony and Four Seasons primarily offer conventionally built detached single-family homes. Buyers should compare housing type, land ownership, HOA structure, age of home, condition, financing, taxes, insurance, amenities and total monthly ownership cost. For broader context, see the Murrieta Real Estate Guide.
Selling a Home in The Knolls
Automated estimates can have difficulty valuing manufactured homes where both the home and land are owned. Important factors include: which HOA the property is in, lot ownership, lot size and location, golf-course frontage or view, manufactured-home age, home size, foundation status, financing eligibility, garage or carport, remodeling, kitchen updates, bathroom updates, roof, HVAC, windows, flooring, patio additions, permitted improvements, landscaping, overall condition, current competing homes and recent comparable sales.
A renovated property on a permanent foundation with favorable financing characteristics may compete very differently from an older home needing substantial work, even with similar recorded square footage. For help, see the Murrieta Home Selling Guide and the Seller Fees and Closing Costs guide.
What We Look at When Pricing a Knolls Home
The Correct HOA
Spring Knolls, Golf Knolls and Warm Spring Knolls should not automatically be treated as identical markets; each association can behave differently.
The Home and Land
Both the manufactured home and the owned lot must be evaluated because market value reflects the combination of the home, land, location, condition and improvements.
Foundation and Financing
Financing eligibility can affect the number of buyers able to compete for the property.
Condition
Overall condition, update quality and recency drive how the home compares with neighbors.
Lot and Location
Lot size, position and any golf-course frontage or view influence buyer demand.
Garage, Carport and Storage
Parking and storage options add practical value and convenience for buyers.
Current Competition
Active Knolls homes competing for the same buyers, including pricing and days on market, shape positioning.
Recent Comparable Sales
The most relevant closed sales are analyzed with adjustments for HOA, lot, condition and improvements.
Market Positioning
Pricing should clearly explain that the land is owned and accurately describe foundation, improvements and HOA so buyers can compare fairly.
Estimated Seller Proceeds
We model what the seller can expect to net after estimated costs so the listing price connects to real outcomes.
Selling Another California Home Before Moving to The Knolls?
California homeowners age 55 or older may potentially qualify under Proposition 19 to transfer an eligible property-tax base to a replacement primary residence elsewhere in California. Eligibility and tax calculations are property- and taxpayer-specific, and buyers and sellers should consult the appropriate county assessor and/or a qualified tax professional. We do not promise eligibility or savings.
Current Knolls Real Estate Market
Because The Knolls consists of three separate HOAs and older, individualized manufactured homes, broad community averages can be misleading. More useful factors include: which HOA, current active listings, pending sales, recent closed sales, home age, square footage, foundation status, lot, golf-course frontage or views, condition, garage or carport, financing eligibility, days on market and current competing inventory. Review current inventory and relevant comparable sales for the specific association rather than relying on a fixed price range.
Last reviewed and updated: August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About The Knolls
What is The Knolls in Murrieta?
The collective name commonly used for three neighboring 55+ homeowners associations in Murrieta: Spring Knolls, Golf Knolls and Warm Spring Knolls.
Is The Knolls one HOA?
No; three separate HOAs with separate governing documents and clubhouse facilities.
How many homes are in The Knolls?
Approximately 380 in Spring Knolls, 520 in Golf Knolls and 216 in Warm Spring Knolls, approximately 1,116 combined.
Do homeowners own the land?
Yes, per the official Knolls FAQ homeowners own both their home and their land.
Is there space rent?
Not structured like a traditional leased-space park; homeowners own their lots rather than paying conventional space rent to a park owner; HOA assessments and normal property expenses still apply.
How much are HOA dues?
No single fee because the three associations are separate; assessments can change so verify the current amount directly from the applicable HOA and disclosures.
Can a Spring Knolls resident use the Golf Knolls clubhouse?
Not automatically; each clubhouse is generally for residents of that HOA, though occasional events may involve multiple associations.
Spring Knolls amenities?
Two pools, a spa and an exercise room, plus common areas and activities.
Golf Knolls amenities?
Pool, spa, exercise room, kitchen and dining room.
Warm Spring Knolls amenities?
Pool, spa, kitchen and dining room.
Is The Knolls a 55+ community?
Yes; the three associations are age-qualified 55+; verify requirements through the applicable HOA governing documents.
Is there a golf course?
Some Golf Knolls properties are adjacent to or have views of The Golf Club at Rancho California; the course is a separate operation; do not assume HOA dues include golf.
Are The Knolls homes manufactured homes?
Primarily manufactured housing on individually owned lots; verify the exact classification, year, foundation and title records for the individual home.
Can I get conventional financing?
Possibly; depends on the individual home's age, foundation, title status, condition and lender guidelines; have the property and loan program reviewed.
Does every Knolls home have a permanent foundation?
No blanket assumption; verify for the individual property.
Who maintains the streets?
The individual HOA websites state their associations maintain roads or streets/common areas; confirm through current HOA documents.
Does The Knolls have low property taxes?
Review for the individual home; do not rely on a blanket low-tax claim.
Is The Knolls gated?
Not described as one master guard-gated community; evaluate the actual access arrangements of the individual association and property.
What affects a Knolls home's value?
Specific HOA, land and lot characteristics, home age, foundation status, financing eligibility, condition, remodeling, parking, views and current comparable sales.
How can I find out what my Knolls home is worth?
A useful valuation compares with relevant manufactured-home sales considering the specific HOA, owned land, foundation, financing characteristics, condition and current competition.
Looking for a Home in The Knolls?
We can help you compare Spring Knolls, Golf Knolls and Warm Spring Knolls, understand the separate HOA structures, verify land ownership and foundation information, evaluate financing, and determine your complete estimated ownership cost.
Own a Home in The Knolls?
We can prepare a Knolls-specific valuation based on the correct HOA, lot, manufactured-home characteristics, condition, foundation, improvements, recent comparable sales and the current competition.
Local Murrieta 55+ Real Estate Guidance
Laura Holbert and Cheryl Shadden are California real estate brokers with Team Integrity Realty, serving Murrieta and Southwest Riverside County. Their approach to 55+ communities includes helping buyers understand the complete ownership structure, land ownership, HOA documents, manufactured-home financing, taxes, property condition and total estimated monthly costs. For sellers, they help accurately explain the home's land ownership, foundation, condition and improvements so buyers can compare with competing 55+ homes.
Team Integrity Realty, 37290 Los Alamos Rd, Murrieta, CA 92563 · Contact Team Integrity Realty