One of the largest established 55+ communities in the Inland Empire — 1,500+ homes in Murrieta with 24-hour gate guard security, a golf course setting, and a long resale history. Almost every home backs to either the golf course or a greenbelt. Here is what ownership actually costs.
The Colony's 24-hour staffed gate guard is one of its defining features in the IE market. Very few communities in the region maintain round-the-clock human security — most rely on electronic access systems, unstaffed gates, or daytime-only guards. At The Colony, every visitor, delivery, and guest is logged through a staffed entry point at all hours.
This security level is reflected in the HOA fee. Staffed gates are expensive to operate — guard salaries, training, management, and facility costs add significantly to monthly assessments compared to an electronic gate system. When comparing The Colony to nearby communities with lower HOA fees, part of that gap is attributable to this specific operating cost. The question is whether the security level justifies the premium for your situation — that is a personal judgment, but you should understand what you are paying for.
The Colony's resale prices have generally ranged from the mid-$400s to upper $600s depending on floor plan, condition, and golf course position. At a $520,000 purchase price:
| Cost Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Property tax (Prop 13 base 1%) | $5,200 | $433 |
| Voter-approved bond overrides (~0.2%) | $1,040 | $87 |
| Mello-Roos CFD (verify specific parcel) | $0–$2,000 | $0–$167 |
| HOA (~$340/month estimated) | $4,080 | $340 |
| Homeowners insurance (estimated) | $2,600 | $217 |
| Estimated all-in monthly (excl. mortgage) | ~$12,920–$14,920 | ~$1,077–$1,243 |
HOA fee verification critical here: The Colony's HOA covers significant operating expenses — gate staffing, common area maintenance, the golf course arrangement, and community amenities. Fees have increased with labor and operating costs. The figure you budget should come directly from the HOA management, not a listing site. Request the current HOA financial disclosures, reserve fund study, and any pending special assessments as part of your due diligence.
The Colony's layout wraps around its golf course, and K. Hovnanian's original site plan positioned the majority of homes to back to either the course fairways or greenbelt corridors. This is a deliberate community design choice that gives the neighborhood a resort feel — more open space behind homes, more views, less back-to-back density. It also means the golf course's ongoing health directly affects property values and the community's visual appeal.
The two large established Murrieta 55+ communities are frequently compared. Murrieta Hot Springs offers a lower HOA fee, no 24-hour gate staffing (electronic access), and a slightly different amenity package. The Colony's premium is largely explained by the gate operation cost and the golf course positioning. See the full comparison page for the detailed cost and feature breakdown.
Our IE specialists can look up CFD status on specific parcels and compare The Colony against your other shortlisted communities.
Talk to an IE Specialist