Riverside Overview
Riverside is a diverse Southern California city that is considered the centerpiece of Riverside County. It is located approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles, and is the largest city of the Inland Empire.
According to current government data, Riverside has a population of over 321,000 residents, making it the 12th-largest city in California. Fueling Riverside's diverse economy are several key industries, including advanced manufacturing, higher education, healthcare, and a strong retail and other professional services. The city has established itself as a hub for the business startup scene, which is essential for creating new jobs that fosters local economic growth.
With over 100 landmark locations, including 24 sites registered with national historic societies, Riverside is a city rich with character. This deep appreciation for its past, combined with a thriving innovation scene, offers an attractive environment to raise a family.
It is not surprising that Riverside is one of the fastest-growing communities in the country.
What is the history of Riverside?
Riverside is the birthplace of California's citrus industry. The navel orange industry began with the planting of two Brazilian orange trees in 1873. The site has been renamed as the Parent of Navel Orange Trees and has been deemed a state landmark by the California Citrus State Historic Society.
Why Live in Riverside?
Riverside is a vibrant college town and the central educational center in the Inland Empire. The city is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of California, Riverside (UCR), California Baptist University, Riverside City College, and La Sierra University. The presence of these campuses fosters a diverse community and contributes to the city's ever-growing cultural landscape.
Beyond its academic scene, Riverside offers career growth in various industries. It has positioned itself as a hub for innovation in sectors such as agtech and biotech. While living expenses in other Southern California cities have been increasing, Riverside remains a relatively more affordable market to live in.
Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Riverside
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,716 | $1,150 | $3,312 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,073 | $800 | $3,280 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,566 | $545 | $4,625 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,004 | $515 | $5,200 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,847 | $649 | $3,800 |
What is the Best Area to Live in Riverside?
Riverside offers affordable neighborhoods that are considered the best area to live compared to other Inland Empire cities. Here are the best options:
Mission Grove
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,805 | $1,805 | $1,805 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,210 | $1,725 | $3,100 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,610 | $1,725 | $3,890 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,235 | $2,795 | $3,915 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,169 | $3,122 | $3,216 |
The Mission Grove neighborhood is located in the southern part of Riverside. The area features a mix of single-family homes, condominiums, and apartment complexes. The neighborhood is bordered by Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, which contributes to the neighborhood's natural beauty. You have convenient road access from Highway 215 and 91 via Canyon Crest Drive and Allesandro Boulevard. Mission Grove Parkway is a central artery to stores, shops, and malls.
Orangecrest
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,195 | $1,892 | $2,345 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,556 | $1,725 | $2,850 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,080 | $2,804 | $3,602 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,169 | $3,122 | $3,216 |
Orangecrest is known for its scenic beauty, and a short ride or walk to local shops and dining venues. Families love spending a day at Orange Terrace Community Park. The southwestern neighborhood has become Riverside's most popular destination because of the newly constructed housing complexes. Orangecrest has easy access to all the area's major highways.
Canyon Crest
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,852 | $1,805 | $1,900 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,197 | $915 | $3,100 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,605 | $883 | $3,890 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,409 | $2,795 | $3,915 |
Canyon Crest offers the perfect suburban neighborhood setting for young families. The neighborhood is filled with great schools and numerous parks for your children. The scenic hills overlooking Canyon Crest feature a variety of hiking trails that offer a great opportunity to stay active while enjoying nature. Additionally, the neighborhood is a short distance away from the UC Riverside campus.
La Sierra
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,796 | $1,665 | $2,045 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,050 | $1,210 | $2,595 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,470 | $2,000 | $2,930 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,268 | $2,570 | $4,077 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,597 | $3,395 | $3,800 |
La Sierra is a viable option for those who prefer living in an old-style neighborhood environment. You have various apartment and condo complexes to choose from. Plus, it seems a park is located at every street corner. Work commuters will love the convenience of having a Metrolink rail station in the neighborhood. It provides another option to get to work without delay. And you are within walking distance of the World Museum of Natural History.
What Does the Commute Look Like in Riverside?
The Riverside commute can be best described as typical freeway congestion found in most cities today. The peak hours of traffic are from 6:30 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The biggest culprits are I-215, SR-91, and SR-60, as each road travels directly through Orange County and the city of Los Angeles. Keep in mind, 31 percent of Riverside residents work in these two locations.
For alternative transportation options, the city provides exclusive carpool lanes that avoid peak traffic congestion. Most local companies offer van services that meet at various park-and-ride lots in town. For longer commutes, the Metrolink rail runs hourly during weekday rush hours, connecting passengers to Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Bernardino major work campuses.
How is the Weather in Riverside?
Riverside is known for its warm weather conditions for most of the calendar year. The ideal climate offers residents an opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, such as mountain climbing, hiking trails, or playing a round of golf at one of the various golf courses located in town.
But Riverside does reside at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. So, it will snow at the mountain's higher elevation. The amount of snowfall fluctuates based on the weather conditions. The yearly accumulation ranges from a light dusting to a few feet of snow. The winter conditions last from early fall to late spring.
The western region of Riverside offers a chaparral ecosystem, which is filled with low-lying shrubbery that flourishes in the Mediterranean climate. It offers hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters.
What Riverside Landmarks and Other Sites Should I Visit?
As the oldest city in the Inland Empire, Riverside offers a rich array of cultural attractions rooted in its deep history. Visitors can explore a variety of options, from historic landmarks like the Mission Inn to the contemporary art collection at the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture, or educational exhibits at the World Museum of Natural History. This rich blend of culture and history is sure to make for a memorable weekend.
Locals love visiting landmark sites, as they reflect Riverside's rich history. One of the popular landmark locations is the Trujillo Adobe. Constructed in 1862, it is the oldest structure in the Inland Empire, preceding the establishment of Riverside. Guests can hear a tour guide who will discuss Adobe's intricate design.
Mount Robidoux is one of the city's most popular parks. It offers a variety of hiking trails that lead to the best panoramic view of Riverside. California government officials deemed Mount Robidoux a state landmark.
Downtown Riverside has become a hub for arts and culture enthusiasts. Many will flock to the historic Mission Inn as their meeting place before heading out for a fun evening with friends. Literally, the Mission Inn takes up one entire block in the downtown area, as it offers one of the more unique architectural designs (Spanish Colonial, Moorish, and Renaissance) in town. It was first opened as a cottage before gradually transforming into the area's most popular hotel.
After opening its doors in 1929, the Fox Performing Arts Center holds the distinction of being the first Inland Empire movie house to host a public screening of Gone with the Wind. The historic venue offers a full calendar of live music, comedy shows, and Broadway productions throughout the year.
Another popular attraction is the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, which has become a worthy addition to the Riverside Art Museum. The Marin Center showcases the artwork of local Chicano artists. It also displays exhibits from his personal collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures that best represent the Chicano culture.
Any Annual Events or Festivals to Know?
Some of the popular annual events in Riverside include the Festival of Lights, which is a holiday event hosted by the Mission Inn. The organizers transformed downtown Riverside into a winter wonderland filled with holiday lights and live street entertainment.
The Riverside Book Festival is an annual literary event that features author panel discussions, book-selling exhibits, and children's storytelling performances. It is held at the main library in downtown Riverside.
Where are the Nearby Vacation Spots?
Riverside residents have several outstanding vacation spot options that are within driving distance from home. You can spend time in a desert oasis, Palm Springs, hit the ski slopes in Big Bear, or relax on the beaches of San Diego.
If you want to stay closer to home, then plan a wine-tasting weekend at one of the over 40 wineries in Temecula. The area is known for its unique shopping scene on the streets of Old Temecula, as many shoppers conclude their day with a memorable dining experience. Others will schedule a hot air balloon ride that offers an unreal visual look at Temecula.
