A fascinating mix of the old and new, Riverside, California offers everything you need for fun, relaxation, and the simple joy of living. About 60 miles from Los Angeles, this stunning city has lush green lawns, beautiful parks, and magnificent mature trees. Yet, with its location in the arid desert, it has a comfortably warm, low-humidity climate. At the same time, the area is replete with shopping, dining, and educational options for everyone.
Read this guide if you are moving to Riverside, CA to learn all about what sets this city apart from others. What can you see and do there? Where can you find the things you want and need? And which neighborhood is right for you and your family? Here, you will get these answers and more to help you prepare for your relocation to this wonderful destination.
History of Riverside California
Until the late 1700s, the Serrano and Cahuilla peoples lived in what is now Riverside California. Then, Hispanic ranchers, like Bernardo Yorba and others, set up their ranches in this area. In the late 1860s, John W. North moved to develop the area, starting with the formation of the Southern California Colony Association.
The area was known as Jurupa, but in 1870, it got the name of Riverside, California. It was about that time that a family named Tibbetts set the area on a new path. A family named Tibbits planted a few orange trees that they received as a gift. After a rocky start and transplantation to other properties, the trees began to thrive. This seemingly minor event marked the beginning of the Riverside area’s development into a major citrus producer. By 1882, there were a quarter-million orange trees in Riverside - about half of the orange trees in the entire state. Riverside was officially incorporated as a city in 1883.
Of course, the success of the citrus growers brought other types of development along with it. The city grew rapidly. Soon a small, Mission-Revival style hotel expanded to accommodate more visitors, some of them celebrities, presidents, and royalty. The Mission Inn, along with the extravagant homes and flourishing orange groves, attracted more and more tourists as the years went by.
What is more, many of the visitors stayed and settled in the area. With an appealing climate and the prosperity brought by the citrus industry, Riverside has been a haven for Easterners looking to avoid harsh winters and humid summers. Today, Riverside’s economy is built on citrus production as well as manufacturing, distribution, and education. After a long history of steady growth, the population of Riverside was counted as 334,772 people as of 2021.
Riverside, CA Neighborhoods
With 28 distinctive neighborhoods in the city, moving to Riverside, CA offers something for everyone. The following are some of the most notable neighborhoods.
Canyon Crest
Canyon Crest, a large neighborhood in eastern Riverside, is one of the most diverse areas of the city. Its parks feature walking trails, baseball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, and of course, plenty of beautiful, lush green spaces to relax. Some of the parks include:
- Lake Mathews State Recreational Area
- Sycamore Highlands Park
- Wildwood Regional Park
For shopping, Canyon Crest Towne Center is the place to find both quaint boutiques and the most popular retail stores. With shopping and dining options galore, you are sure to find what you want, need, and crave. About 61% of the homes are occupied by their owners, and most homes in the neighborhood are single-family homes.
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Downtown Riverside
The historic Downtown Riverside neighborhood has over 30 landmarks as well as many historical sites. Some of these interesting sites and buildings include:
- The Fox Theater
- The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
- Riverside County Courthouse
If you are moving to Riverside, CA to get back to nature, you can do it even in the downtown neighborhood. Here, you can play at the Fairmount Park, where you can climb Mt. Rubidoux or take in the spectacular fireworks on the 4th of July.
From the best and most interesting boutiques to shopping malls like Riverside Plaza, you can purchase unique items or the hottest trends any day of the week. Restaurants offer world cuisines, including French, Mexican, and Italian, as well as downhome barbecue or diner food.
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Hawarden Hills
The Hawarden Hills neighborhood is tucked away in the heart of Riverside, California. Named for the early investors who first occupied the neighborhood, this area has mostly single-family homes on medium to large-sized lots, along with several condominiums. Also, there are a few planned developments on Victoria Avenue.
Here, the property values and incomes are the second-highest in the city, so it is a much sought-after neighborhood. Amenities include the gorgeous expanse of Washington Park as well as trails for walking and biking alongside Victoria Avenue. Other parks include Shamel Park, Castleview Park, and Villegas Park.
This neighborhood has several dining options, including Mexican, Japanese, and American restaurants, as well as popular fast-food franchises. The California School for the Deaf is located very near this neighborhood, too. Although this is mostly a residential area, there are a few interesting stores, like Musical Munchkins, an instrument store.
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La Sierra
The La Sierra neighborhood gets its name from La Sierra University, which is located there. There are many interesting sites to explore, including the observatory, the arboretum, the library, and several museums.
In La Sierra, you will find gated communities, luxury apartments, and many single-family units, some with large lots. Shop or see a movie at the Galleria at Tyler, take a stroll along Riverwalk, or simply relax in the serene atmosphere of its many parks. You will find several restaurants, especially chains like Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s. Kaiser Hospital provides medical services right in this neighborhood.
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Mission Grove
Mission Grove takes its name from both the orange groves and the Mission Inn. With stunning views of the parks, this neighborhood is a wonderful place to consider if you are moving to Riverside, CA.
In Mission Grove, you will find many condos, apartments, and planned developments along Alessandro Boulevard. However, the rest of the neighborhood is mostly single-family homes with large yards and multi-car garages.
The neighborhood shopping centers include Mission Grove Plaza and Mission Village. With restaurants like D’Vine, Grapow Thai, Locals Public House, The Rustik Fork Eatery, and La Bufadora Baja Grill, you can find your favorite bites close to home.
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Orangecrest
Orangecrest is a prime location in the southeastern section of Riverside, California. Its popularity is partly due to its convenient proximity to both the Orange Terrace Community Park and the 215 freeway. One of the newer neighborhoods in the city, Orangecrest was mainly an orange-producing area until the 1980s.
The neighborhood offers mostly single-family houses, with 91% of those homes owned by their occupants. Within this neighborhood, you can discover tons of shopping along Van Buren Boulevard and Trautwein Road. When you are ready to dine, try out Dorry’s Bar & Grill, Lefty’s Cheesesteaks, Maria’s Mexican Kitchen, or Mokkoji Shabu Shabu.
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Victoria
An older section of Riverside, CA, the Victoria neighborhood is where you will find Victoria Avenue, a thoroughfare listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Other notable slices of history here include Matthew Gage’s home, known as Rockledge, the Victoria Country Club, and the wooden Victoria Bridge. The neighborhood is also the site of the California School for the Deaf.
Victoria is a place where gracious living meets city life. One side of the neighborhood has many commercial buildings and office spaces. Yet, the residential areas are friendly and family-oriented. Among the peaceful, tree-lined streets, you will mostly find affordable bungalow style single-family homes.
Shopping on Victoria Avenue is a must. Within this neighborhood, you can shop at Kohl’s Trader Joe’s, or Home Depot. Favorite dining options include Mario’s Place, Johnny’s Burgers, Islands Restaurants, and Backstreet Restaurant. There are also several popular coffee shops and fast-food restaurants.
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Amenities
After moving to Riverside, CA, you can easily maintain a comfortable lifestyle with all the convenient amenities in the city. From shopping to a range of personal services, you have what you want and need to live the good life.
Shopping
Whether you are searching for a one-of-a-kind gift for a treasured friend or looking for the latest fashions, Riverside offers a variety of stores to meet your needs. The most popular shopping centers in Riverside include:
- Riverside Plaza - Located on Central Avenue, this plaza has some of the best names in retail, including Marshall’s, Nordstom’s, and Trader Joe’s, along with many fine restaurants.
- Galleria at Tyler - This shopping center is convenient and popular for quick buys. Many shoppers come here to buy shoes, browse new shops, or stop at Teavana for a spot of tea.
- Canyon Crest Towne Centre - A quaint community center, this shopping mall features clothing stores, pet shops, jewelry stores, and more, along with gourmet cupcakes and an assortment of restaurants.
- Main Street Pedestrian Mall - With its exquisite statues and gorgeous landscaping, this beautiful outdoor mall offers a pleasant shopping experience. This is a pedestrian-only shopping center with unique stores and many fine restaurants. It is also within easy walking distance of the historic Mission Inn.
Personal Services
Outstanding personal services are available throughout Riverside, California. You can relax, get a massage, or indulge yourself with a facial at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, The Spa at Canyon Crest, or any of several independent day spas. Other personal care services have reopened as well. Some of these include nail salons, body art and tattoo services, esthetician services, and massage therapy services.
Education
Are you moving to Riverside, CA with children? Or maybe searching for a college to continue your own education? If so, you will be happy to know that this city has many excellent schools. Two public school districts, many private schools, and various higher education institutions serve this community. In addition, Riverside is home to Saint Francis de Sales Catholic School, which has been a cornerstone in the academic community for over 100 years.
Riverside Unified School District
The Riverside Unified School District has been an innovative educational system, being among the earliest to offer online instruction and digital textbooks. Within the RUSD are 30 elementary schools, six middle schools, seven high schools, two alternative schools, a virtual school, and a special education preschool. It also offers an adult education program. Among California school districts, RUSD is the 15th largest.
Over half of the RUSD schools have achieved the honor of California Distinguished Schools, and three of them have gained the title of National Blue Ribbon Schools. The district teaches about 42,000 school-age children as well as 7,000 adults. With numerous awards in a variety of academic competitions, the district offers an outstanding education.
Alvord Unified School District
On the western side of Riverside, California, the Alvord Unified School District serves public school students. This school district includes 14 elementary schools, four middle schools, 3 high schools, and one alternative education school. About 20,000 K-12 students attend AUSD schools.
Some of the best features of this school district are its smaller size and its title as the only National Certification School with Distinction in the United States. The school district offers the International Baccalaureate and includes the only United States National Certification School with Distinction. Three of its schools are National Demonstration Schools for the AVID Program.
Private Schools
Riverside also has over two dozen private schools for children and teens. These include schools with various religious affiliations, Montessori schools, and special needs schools.
Higher Education
If you are moving to Riverside, CA, you will find plenty of opportunities for you or your young adult to continue education after high school. Universities like La Sierra University and the University of California, Riverside provide an excellent traditional college experience. Here you will also find the Riverside Community College as well as the California Baptist University. Other higher education schools include:
- Brandman University
- Best American Healthcare University - Riverside
- American College of Healthcare
- California Southern Law
- InterCoast Colleges - Riverside
- Mission Career College
- Southern Illinois University - Riverside
- North West College - Riverside
- Glen Oaks College
Playing and Sightseeing
California is known as the place for fun in the sun, and Riverside is no different. Riverside provides a large variety of activities, lots of beautiful scenery, and plenty of cultural venues and events.
Scenery and Parks
One of the best spots to see the scenery is from the rooftop of The Mission Inn & Spa. From there, you can see the majesty of Mt. Robidoux. Going to California Citrus State Historic Park is another visual treat as you gaze at the vast orange groves. While there, you can take a tour and sample any of the citrus fruits grown on the site. For a tranquil experience, get back to nature at the UCR Botanical Gardens.
Outdoor Sports
The most popular sport in Riverside, California has to be golf. Golf courses include Jurupa Hills Country Club and Oak Quarry Golf Club. You can also hike on the trails at the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area or take in some extreme sports at the Sky Dive Lounge. Marcellini’s Martial Arts Academy offers sports camps and clinics, instructing students in kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, and other forms of the Martial Arts.
Cultural Activities
In Riverside, you will discover a thriving arts community. Here, you can take in a live performance, view amazing art, or spend a weekend enjoying a crafts festival. Some of the best cultural experiences in Riverside happen at:
- Riverside Art Museum
- UCR California Museum of Photography
- Culver Center of the Arts
- Fox Performing Arts Center
Restaurants
Restaurants in Riverside range from popular fast-food chains to extravagant fine dining. Upscale eateries include the Mission Inn Restaurant, named in OpenTable’s Diners Choice Awards as one of the top outdoor dining experiences in America. Other fine dining options, like Mario’s Place, Degrees at Duane’s, and Le Chat Noir, give you more to get excited about when moving to Riverside, CA.
For steaks, go to Duane’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, or for local cuisine, try Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar or Market Broiler. Other restaurants in the city feature Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and Indian cuisines. You can also find pizza places, barbecue restaurants, steakhouses, seafood restaurants, diners, and plenty of places to grab a quick meal.
Find Your Joy in Riverside, California!
Moving to Riverside, CA may be the beginning of the most satisfying years of your life. With so many convenient amenities, a fascinating culture, outstanding schools, and restaurants to suit any taste and lifestyle, you cannot go wrong. In fact, for most people, living in this city is intensely enjoyable and rewarding. If that sounds good to you, simply choose one of Riverside’s beautiful neighborhoods, find your new home, and prepare to take advantage of everything the city has to offer.
Hasina Hason & Leo Esparza, located in Riverside, California are highly skilled and knowledgeable real estate agents. Hasina, Leo & the ReMax Impact Team are committed to their key core values of trustworthiness, integrity, and loyalty providing quality service is his highest priority. Whether you are buying, selling, or curious about the market, they have the answers.