Hemet is a city in Riverside County, California, in the San Jacinto Valley, which it shares with the neighboring city of San Jacinto. With a population of roughly 90,000, Hemet covers about half the valley and is bordered by the San Jacinto Mountains to the east and Diamond Valley Lake to the south. Founded in 1887 as a stagecoach stop, the city grew into a substantial residential and retirement community within the Inland Empire. Hemet's history as a retirement destination shaped much of its housing stock, with ranch-style homes and established neighborhoods built across the valley floor. In recent decades, newer subdivisions have expanded the city, and the area's relative affordability compared with coastal Southern California has drawn a broader mix of residents. The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians maintains a presence in the area, with the Soboba Springs neighborhood and the nearby casino adding to the local economy. Hemet Unified School District serves the city and surrounding valley communities. Major roadways including State Route 79 and State Route 74 connect Hemet to the rest of Riverside County, while Interstate 215 provides regional access to the west. The city's location places the San Jacinto Mountains, Diamond Valley Lake, and the Ramona Bowl amphitheater, home of the long-running Ramona pageant, at the center of local recreation and culture. Residents value the valley's sunny climate, open space, and lower cost of living compared with the coast, while accepting longer commutes for those working in the western Inland Empire or greater Los Angeles. The combination of mountain views, lake access, and an established community fabric defines Hemet's character within the broader Inland Empire.