Anza is a census-designated place in Riverside County, California, in the high-desert Anza Valley at a mean elevation of nearly 4,000 feet. It sits along State Route 371, about 13 miles south of the mountain community of Idyllwild, 32 miles northeast of Temecula, and 40 miles southwest of Palm Springs. With a population of about 3,000, Anza is a rural mountain community with a distinct identity separate from the lowland cities of Southern California. The area's history runs deep. The Anza Valley lies within the traditional territory of the Mountain Cahuilla people, who inhabited the surrounding San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains for thousands of years and used the valley seasonally. That Indigenous heritage, along with the region's later ranching history, remains part of Anza's character. Today the community is one of several collectively known as "the Hill," a term that also covers Garner Valley, Idyllwild, Pinyon Pines, and Aguanga. Housing and lifestyle reflect the setting. Anza's homes range from manufactured homes and cabins to custom ranch and equestrian properties, many on large lots with room for horses, hobby farming, workshops, and renewable-energy systems. The equestrian culture is strong, with a local gymkhana horse-showing circuit, and the community values its space, quiet, and dark skies. Services are limited, so residents travel to Hemet, Temecula, or Palm Springs for major shopping and medical care, with the average commute running well over half an hour. Education is provided by the Hemet Unified School District, and recreation is a defining advantage. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California's largest state park and a designated International Dark Sky Park, lies to the southeast, while the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains offer hiking, and nearby Idyllwild adds arts, dining, and seasonal recreation. The Pacific Crest Trail and numerous forest roads extend the outdoor options. For households, Anza offers an affordable, spacious, and independent high-desert lifestyle within reach of Temecula, Palm Springs, and San Diego. It suits those who prioritize land, horses, mountain views, and outdoor access over urban convenience and short commutes.