Overview
Centennial is one of the newest large-scale developments in Menifee, sitting in the northern part of the city near Scott Rd. Multiple builders have phases here — Lennar, KB Home, Richmond American, and others depending on when you're reading this. If you want a brand-new home with builder warranty, modern energy efficiency, and the latest floorplans, this is the area to focus on.
Centennial Quick Facts
- Built
- 2020s — actively building
- Type
- New-construction master-planned community
- Typical Price Range
- Mid-$500s to mid-$700s (varies by builder/incentive)
- Home Sizes
- 1,600–3,400 sq ft
- Lot Sizes
- 4,000–5,500 sq ft typical
- Solar
- Typically included or required (CA mandate)
- Mello-Roos
- Higher than older communities — verify per home
- Builders
- Lennar, KB Home, Richmond American (varies by phase)
Who Lives Here
- First-time buyers and young families
- Buyers relocating from coastal counties wanting a brand-new home at IE pricing
- Investors are mostly priced out — this is owner-occupied
Price Ranges (Approximate — Verify Current)
New construction varies dramatically by builder, phase, and incentives. Generally mid-$500s to mid-$700s depending on size and builder. Always negotiate — list price is rarely the final price when builders are motivated.
Housing Styles
- Brand-new construction, 2020s-built
- Two-story dominant, some single-story options
- 1,600–3,400 sq ft typical
- Modern floorplans: open-concept main floors, loft spaces, multi-gen suites
- Smaller lots (4,000–5,500 sq ft typical) — this is the tradeoff for newer construction at this price point
- Solar typically included or required
Pros & Cons (The Honest Version)
Pros
- Brand new — builder warranty, modern systems, current building code, energy efficient
- Modern floorplans that work for today's lifestyles (home office options, multi-gen)
- Solar included — meaningful long-term savings
- Newest schools in the district
- Lower maintenance for the first decade
Cons
- Smaller lots — if outdoor space matters, look at older neighborhoods
- Mello-Roos / CFD assessments are typically high in newer construction — can add hundreds per month to your effective cost
- Community is still being built — you may live next to construction for a while
- Streets and homes can feel similar (true of all new master-planned)
- Resale comps are limited because the community is too new — you're trusting the builder pricing
Lifestyle and Amenities
- Parks and playgrounds within the community
- New schools nearby
- Easy access to Scott Rd retail and the I-215
- Less community identity than Heritage Lake or Audie Murphy Ranch — too new for that yet
Critical for New Construction Buyers — Read This: Brand-new construction in Menifee almost always carries higher Mello-Roos than older communities. Builders don't always volunteer this information clearly. Always:
- Get the actual property tax rate (not just 1.25% — check the special assessments)
- Calculate your total monthly payment with HOA + Mello-Roos
- Compare that to a comparable resale home in an older community
You may find the older home with lower Mello-Roos is actually cheaper monthly, even if the purchase price is similar.
Schools, Shopping, Commute
- Menifee Union SD (newest schools in the district)
- Heritage HS for high school
- Scott Rd retail buildout (and Newport Rd 10 min south)
- I-215 access at Scott Rd interchange (rebuilt to handle the new growth)
Is Centennial Right for You?
Centennial is the right call if you want a brand-new home, you value modern construction and floorplans, and you're financially prepared for the higher Mello-Roos. It's the wrong call if you want larger lots, mature trees, or the lowest possible total cost of ownership.
Pro tip on buying new construction: Builder reps work for the builder. They are trained, professional, and friendly — and they are not negotiating on your behalf. You can bring me as your buyer's agent at no cost to you (the builder pays the commission either way). I'll negotiate incentives, design center credits, lot premiums, and rate buydowns. Sometimes that's worth tens of thousands.
Thinking About Centennial?
Bring me before you sign anything with a builder. The first conversation is free, and the savings on the back end can be enormous.
Compare With Other Menifee Neighborhoods
Audie Murphy Ranch
South Menifee's premier new-construction family community with a sports park and modern floorplans.
Read the Guide
Heritage Lake
Built around an actual private lake with paddle boats, splash pad, and beach club. Real community identity.
Read the Guide
Menifee Lakes
Two private lakes, golf course, and a strong family base. The most established master-planned community.
Read the Guide