Scenic view of rolling hills and oak trees on the Santa Rosa Plateau near Tenaja, Murrieta
Rural Plateau Living

Tenaja

A rural residential community on the Santa Rosa Plateau — expansive acreage properties, equestrian facilities, and genuine country living just minutes from suburban amenities.

Tenaja is one of the Santa Rosa Plateau's most distinctive communities. While neighboring La Cresta is known for its luxury estates and equestrian culture, Tenaja offers a more rural, low-key version of plateau living — expansive properties, minimal governance, and the kind of peace and quiet that comes from having acres of space between you and your nearest neighbor.

Governed by a Community Services District (CSD) rather than a traditional HOA, Tenaja provides essential services like road maintenance while giving property owners maximum flexibility in how they use and develop their land. It's a community that values independence, space, and a connection to the natural landscape.

At a Glance

Location

Santa Rosa Plateau

Home Style

Custom Ranch / Estate

Price Range

$660K – $2M+

Lot Size

5 – 20+ Acres

Typical Beds

3 – 5+

Governance

CSD (No HOA)

The Tenaja Difference

What Makes Tenaja Special

Expansive Acreage Properties

Tenaja is defined by its spacious parcels — minimum 5-acre lots with many properties spanning 10 to 20+ acres. The low density and generous spacing between homes create a sense of privacy and rural character that is increasingly rare in Southern California.

Equestrian-Friendly Community

Like its neighbors on the Santa Rosa Plateau, Tenaja is a haven for horse owners. Properties are well-suited for barns, riding arenas, and equestrian facilities, with trail access to the broader plateau riding network.

Community Services District (No HOA)

Tenaja is governed by a Community Services District (CSD) rather than a traditional HOA. This means minimal dues focused on essential services like road maintenance, with far more flexibility in how you use and develop your property.

Rural Plateau Setting

Perched on the Santa Rosa Plateau, Tenaja enjoys cooler temperatures, ocean breezes, and stunning natural surroundings — oak woodlands, native grasslands, and panoramic mountain views. It's country living just minutes from suburban amenities.

The Tenaja Lifestyle

Life in Tenaja is defined by space, quiet, and a connection to the land. It's the morning coffee on the patio with views stretching to the mountains. It's the sound of horses instead of traffic. It's knowing your nearest neighbor is measured in acres, not feet.

The community sits on the Santa Rosa Plateau, a biologically diverse landscape of coastal oak woodlands, native grasslands, and dramatic granite rock formations. The elevation — around 2,000 feet — brings noticeably cooler temperatures than the valley floor, along with ocean breezes that roll in from the nearby coast.

Despite its rural character, Tenaja is far from isolated. The Cleveland National Forest is at your doorstep for hiking and nature exploration, Temecula wine country is roughly 15 minutes north, and the 15 freeway is a short drive east.

Rolling hills and oak woodland landscape on the Santa Rosa Plateau near Tenaja
Santa Rosa Plateau · Tenaja
Buyer Appeal

Why Buyers Choose Tenaja

Expansive 5 to 20+ acre properties
Equestrian-friendly with trail access
Community Services District governance — minimal dues, maximum freedom
Cooler temperatures and ocean breezes at plateau elevation
Stunning mountain and valley views
Proximity to Cleveland National Forest
Minutes from Temecula wine country
Genuine rural character with privacy and space

Interested in Tenaja?

Tenaja properties are limited in number and offer genuine rural character. Let us help you explore this unique plateau community.