Lake Hills vs. Lake Hills Reserve: What’s the Difference?
If you’re considering buying a home in Lake Hills in Riverside, California, one of the first things you’ll discover is that there are actually two distinct communities on the hill: Lake Hills and Lake Hills Reserve.
While the two communities share the same beautiful hillside setting and many neighborhood amenities, there are some significant differences between them—particularly when it comes to home sizes, age, HOA fees and access to the Residents Club.
My connection to Lake Hills dates back to 2008, and after years of helping buyers and sellers throughout both Lake Hills and Lake Hills Reserve, one of the most common questions I hear is:
“What’s the difference between Lake Hills and Lake Hills Reserve?”
Here’s what you should know.
Lake Hills: The Original Community
Lake Hills is the original and larger of the two communities, consisting of approximately 1,069 homes built between 1987 and 2001.
Homes in Lake Hills range from approximately 1,140 to 3,000 square feet, providing a fairly wide variety of floor plans and home sizes. Because the homes tend to be smaller and older than those found in Lake Hills Reserve, Lake Hills generally provides a more affordable entry point for buyers who want to live in the community.
The current HOA fee is approximately $109 per month.
For buyers who love the Lake Hills location, views and hillside setting but don’t necessarily need a 3,000+ square-foot home, Lake Hills can be an excellent option.
Lake Hills Reserve: Newer and Larger Homes
Lake Hills Reserve is the newer of the two communities and consists of approximately 511 homes built between 2005 and 2014.
The difference in home size is substantial.
Homes in Lake Hills Reserve range from approximately 2,320 to 5,700 square feet, making the Reserve particularly attractive to larger families, multigenerational households and buyers simply looking for more living space.
Lake Hills Reserve homes generally command higher prices than homes in Lake Hills, with sales in the community reaching as high as $1,669,888.
The current HOA fee is approximately $205 per month.
Amenities: An Important Difference
Residents of both Lake Hills and Lake Hills Reserve benefit from nighttime security patrol, maintenance of common areas and access to the community parks.
There is, however, one important distinction that buyers sometimes misunderstand.
The Lake Hills Reserve Residents Club is exclusively available to residents of Lake Hills Reserve. Lake Hills residents do not have access to the Residents Club.
The Residents Club includes a pool and spa, tot lot, large park and outdoor pavilion, adding another layer of community amenities for Reserve homeowners.
This distinction is worth understanding before purchasing because buyers sometimes assume that living anywhere within Lake Hills provides access to the Residents Club.
It does not.
Lake Hills vs. Lake Hills Reserve at a Glance
Lake Hills
- Approximately 1,069 homes
- Built from 1987–2001
- Approximately 1,140–3,000 square feet
- HOA approximately $109/month
- Nighttime security patrol
- Community parks and maintained common areas
- Generally lower home prices
Lake Hills Reserve
- Approximately 511 homes
- Built from 2005–2014
- Approximately 2,320–5,700 square feet
- HOA approximately $205/month
- Nighttime security patrol
- Community parks and maintained common areas
- Exclusive access to the Residents Club
- Generally larger and higher-priced homes
HOA fees and community information are subject to change. Buyers should independently verify current fees, amenities and HOA rules.
The Views Can Make a Big Difference
One thing that’s difficult to understand from simply looking at a map or scrolling through listings online is just how much the location of an individual home matters in Lake Hills and Lake Hills Reserve.
The hillside setting is one of the biggest reasons buyers are attracted to these communities.
Some homes offer spectacular city-light, mountain, valley or lake views, and those views can be a major part of the home’s appeal and value.
But not every home on the hill has a view.
Depending on its location, a home may instead back to a hillside or have a much more limited outlook. Two homes with similar floor plans located relatively close to one another can therefore feel very different when you actually stand in their backyards.
That’s why I strongly recommend that buyers interested in Lake Hills or Lake Hills Reserve see the homes in person rather than evaluating them solely by square footage, photos or their location on a map.
In this community, the specific lot can be almost as important as the house itself.
Which Community Is Right for You?
There isn’t really a “better” choice between Lake Hills and Lake Hills Reserve. It depends on what you’re looking for.
Buyers working within a more conservative budget or those who simply don’t need a very large home will often find Lake Hills to be the better fit.
Buyers looking for newer construction, considerably more square footage and additional community amenities frequently gravitate toward Lake Hills Reserve. Larger families in particular tend to appreciate the additional space available in the Reserve.
For some buyers, however, the deciding factor isn’t Lake Hills versus Lake Hills Reserve at all. It’s finding the right home, on the right lot, with the right view.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Hills and Lake Hills Reserve
Are Lake Hills and Lake Hills Reserve the same community?
No. They are neighboring HOA-controlled communities with some shared characteristics and amenities, but they differ in age, home sizes, HOA fees and certain amenities.
Can Lake Hills residents use the Lake Hills Reserve Residents Club?
No. The Residents Club is for Lake Hills Reserve residents. This is one of the most common misconceptions about the two communities.
Which community has newer homes?
Lake Hills Reserve. Homes there were built approximately between 2005 and 2014, while homes in Lake Hills were built approximately between 1987 and 2001.
Which community has larger homes?
Lake Hills Reserve. Homes range from approximately 2,320 to 5,700 square feet, compared with approximately 1,140 to 3,000 square feet in Lake Hills.
Does Lake Hills have an HOA?
Yes. Both Lake Hills and Lake Hills Reserve are HOA-controlled communities, although their HOA fees and amenities differ.
Do all homes in Lake Hills have views?
No—and this is particularly important for prospective buyers to understand. While many homes have impressive city-light, mountain, valley or lake views, others may have limited views or back to a hillside. The individual lot and location within the community matter considerably.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Lake Hills?
I’ve been connected to the Lake Hills community since 2008 and have spent many years helping homeowners and buyers navigate both Lake Hills and Lake Hills Reserve.
If you’re considering buying in either community, I’m happy to help you understand the differences between individual homes, streets, lots and locations that aren’t always obvious from an online listing.
And if you’re a Lake Hills or Lake Hills Reserve homeowner considering selling, I’m always happy to provide some perspective on your home’s value and how its location, condition, floor plan and view may affect its position in today’s market.
Chris Taylor
Taylor Realty Group
Lake Hills Real Estate Specialist