The inland city of riverside, California offers a great quality of life for all the residents that call it home. From its beautiful green spaces to its thriving economy and low crime rates, there is something about this place that makes people want to stay here. We've compiled a list of some things you should know before moving to Riverside so you can make an informed decision about your next move!
If you are wondering what life may look like in Riverside, California continues reading about the exciting things this beautiful and historic city has to offer!
Real Estate Options for All
One of the best things about Riverside, California is that there are a variety of real estate options for all types of people. This includes everyone from first-time homeowners to families looking to move into a new home with more space. Riverside has many beautiful neighborhoods and quality homes to choose from.
Some popular Riverside neighborhoods include:
Arlington is a neighborhood with plenty of homes and large lots, perfect for those looking to build their dream home from scratch or move into an area that has already been established. Arlington also boasts great schools, which make it ideal for families who want to raise their children in a safe and nurturing environment.
La Sierra is an established neighborhood that has some of the best schools in Riverside as well as a variety of restaurants, shops, and other entertainment options. With close proximity to freeways, La Sierra also provides quick access to downtown Los Angeles for those who work there or are looking for nightlife activities.
Fairmount is another established neighborhood and one of the most sought-after places to live in Riverside. With plenty of shopping, restaurants, entertainment options and access to a number of freeways, Fairmount offers something for everyone.
Highgrove is an older neighborhood with many characteristics that make it ideal for those looking for affordable housing or families with children. The neighborhood is family-friendly and has a number of parks, schools, shops and entertainment options that make it an ideal place to raise a child or retire in peace.
Ample Amount of Outdoor Activities
There are lots of outdoor activities in Riverside, California to be enjoyed. There are parks and open green spaces where friends and family can gather and play outside. There are many opportunities for fishing, boating and other water activities dotted throughout the area.
The city is also home to the University of California Riverside Botanical Garden with a Japanese garden among its highlights. Riverside is also home to a handful of beautiful parks and trails as well which offer an ideal getaway from everyday city life.
Some of the parks found in Riverside include:
- Rancho Jurupa Park
- Fairmount Park
- Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
- California Citrus State Historic Park
There are also many scenic trails that offer a tranquil escape, including some of those in Hemet Hills which has great views of Mount San Jacinto. Other options include hiking at the Murrieta Hot Springs Municipal Natural Area or taking part in one of the many other activities like mountain biking.
Golf is another popular pastime for residents of Riverside, California and they are able to enjoy a number of amazing courses. Favorite locations include:
- Wilson Creek Golf Course
- Anaheim Hills Golf Club
- Tripp Lake Golf Course
Ideal Weather all year round
Riverside is known to be a city of amazing weather. The weather is great all year round so regardless of season one can enjoy spending time in the great outdoors comfortably.
The average temperatures in Riverside, California are mild. In the summer, it reaches highs of about 76°F (24°C). In winter, temperatures average about 60°F - 67°F (16°-19°C).
In addition to a great climate all year round, Riverside offers its residents ideal sunshine. The highest amount of sun is usually in late October and early November. The lowest amount of sun is usually in late December and early January, but it's still a lot better than the east coast!
Riverside also has an average humidity level that never goes over 50%. This makes for perfect weather year-round with no unbearable heat or cold spells.
Many Job Opportunities
The economy in Riverside is centered on major employers such as Kaiser Permanente, the University of California-Riverside, and The Boeing Company.
At least three Fortune 500 companies call this city their home: Ingram Micro, First American Corporation (which includes Fidelity National Financial), and Fluor Corporation.
Consumer services are also a prominent industry with companies such as Pep Boys and Telstra.
In short, Riverside is a great place for those looking to start or advance their career in business. There are many different types of jobs available for every type of person! If you're interested in starting your own company there's even a startup incubator at UC-Riverside.
The following is just a sampling of the industries that are available in Riverside:
- Construction
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Retail Trade
- Public Administration and Defense; State and Local Government Support (includes police protection)
- Other Services (includes waste management)
- Financial Activities
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
- Education and Health Services; Social Assistance
- Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Accommodation & Food Service.
Amazing Dining Scene
If you've ever wanted to explore a new city while indulging in some of the best food and drink that it has to offer, Riverside, California is your place. Home to over 200 restaurants and bars, this city has something for everyone. From authentic Mexican cuisine at La Fiesta Grande to traditional American fare at The Spot Barbecue & Grill; from vegan dishes like seitan steak with mashed potatoes at Vegan Kitchen to the finest French pastries at Le Cafe de Paris Patisserie, there's truly no shortage of options.
Riverside is also home to an impressive wine and beer scene. Whether you're in the mood for a night of dancing at Brooklyn Bowl or a post-work cocktail at The Public House, Riverside can cater to your every need. With so many amazing restaurants and bars, it's no wonder how this Southern Californian gem has become such a hot spot for restauranteurs and baristas alike.
Other popular restaurant options in Riverside include:
- The Town Square
- Bijou Café
- The Riverside Diner
- Karma
- Alice's Restaurant
Top-Quality Education
The Riverside Unified School District has been the second-largest school district in the state of California. It covers an area of around 185 square miles and spans over five cities. There are approximately 30 Elementary schools, 7 Middle schools and 9 High Schools which serve the students of Riverside. Within these schools, there are nearly 42,000 students who receive a top-quality education.
Not only does the Riverside Unified School District administer education to the city of Riverside, but it also encompasses incorporated areas such as Highgrove and Woodcrest, both located in Riverside County.
Along with the standard curriculum, students who attend Riverside schools are able to enjoy a wide range of extracurricular activities and enrichment programs. Whether participating in STEM programs, arts and drama clubs or interscholastic sports, students throughout the city are able to excel academically and personally.
Education doesn't necessarily end after high school in Riverside. The city is home to a number of post-secondary educational institutes.
Riverside is home to three higher-education schools that offer a number of programs and majors for students to choose from.
The University of California, Riverside is a public research university. It was founded in 1954 and has more than 20,000 students enrolled.
The list also includes The National Hispanic University which offers undergraduate degrees designed specifically for the needs of Latinos who are looking to obtain jobs or higher education positions within their fields but need extra assistance because they're not fluent in English.
Riverside City College is the third college in Riverside that offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and certificates for students to earn.
Additionally, there are a number of vocational training programs offered by both high schools and colleges in town.
For more information about the schools in Riverside, California and what they offer, look here:
- Riverside Unified School District
- University of California - Riverside
- National Hispanic University
- Riverside City College
Ideal Location
Riverside, California is ideally located just minutes away from the Pacific Ocean, major freeways and international airports. Residents are able to venture to areas along the west coast in no time. Whether wanting to commute for work or simply take a day trip and visit, Riverside residents have plenty of options!
Some of the nearby cities include:
- 10 miles to San Bernardino, CA
- 32 miles to Anaheim, CA
- 32 miles to Santa Ana, CA
- 49 miles to Long Beach, CA
- 50 miles to Los Angeles, CA
- 52 miles to Glendale, CA
- 88 miles to San Diego, CA
- 94 miles to Chula Vista, CA
Throughout these cities travelers can access some of the country's most beautiful beaches, amazing shopping opportunities, exciting entertainment venues and so much - all while enjoying a quiet and comfortable pace of life a short distance away.
Shopping options galore
Riverside is home to a wide array of stores, services, merchants, retailers and more. Regardless of what you are in the market for, whether it be a one-of-a-kind find or a simple errand, Riverside is sure to have all you need!
There are a vast variety of stores in the Riverside city center and its surrounding neighborhood. You have the luxury of choosing between Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, or Neiman Marcus.
The Riverside Plaza mall offers a grocery store, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
There is also The Galleria at Tyler that features over 100 shops and eateries. Continue your shopping trip by taking a stroll around Downtown's Old Town district with its charming boutiques.
The Riverside Outlets provide more than 100 retailers and restaurants. The easy access to the 60 freeway makes this a great location for shopping in Southern California.
Other shopping options near Riverside include:
- Canyon Crest at Town Center
- Main Street Pedestrian Mall
- Eastvale Gateway
- The Crossings at Corona
- Towngate Promenade
- Ontario Mills
A Great Place to Retire
Riverside, California is a fantastic place to retire because of its warm, dry climate. This enables residents to live in peace and comfort without the worries of extreme cold or humidity. Riverside also has been ranked among the best cities for retirement by Money magazine.
The cost of living in Riverside, California is very reasonable when compared to other large cities. The median home cost is about $560,000 which is significantly less than the national average. The cost of living in Riverside even ranks among one of the lowest in America and residents can expect to spend an average of around 25% on housing each year.
When considering the cost of expenses such as food, health and housing, though slightly higher than the national average, Riverside is considerably lower when looking at the rest of California.
A Safe and Friendly Community
Riverside is considered one of the safest cities in all of California and provides an idyllic location for families to raise their children.
One of the main reasons that Riverside is considered one of the safest cities in all of California is due to the low crime rate. This is also mirrored by an impressive police force as well as diligent and committed community members who strive to work together to create a better city.
Residents can relax without being afraid for their safety or the theft of personal property because it's one of the safest cities in America according to Business Insider.
Diverse Art and Culture Scene
The arts scene in Riverside, California is well-known for its diversity. Throughout the city, you will find many different cultural museums that celebrate the art and culture of different social and ethnic groups living in Riverside. The highly diverse makeup of the city means that you're sure to find an artist or gallery that speaks to you. For example, there are galleries that showcase African American art, Islamic art, Indian runway shows, and Mexican folk dance performances.
The Riverside Art Museum is the only museum in the city of Riverside, California that has been around for more than a century, starting out as a private institution and now part of the community. It's housed in what was once known as the "Casa de Adobe" built in 1887. There are seven exhibit galleries that feature an eclectic mix of world art including African American, Iranian, Native American, Japanese, and Mexican art. The museum also includes a sculpture garden with some of Alexander Calder's pieces on display.
Other museums located in Riverside include:
- March Field Air Museum
- Mission Inn Museum
- Univeristy of California, Riverside Museum of Photography
- and more...
Exciting Community Events and Festivals
Riverside, California is a city with a rich history and culture. It’s not just the site of the first Fourth of July celebration west of the Mississippi River; it has also played an important role in shaping American culture as we know it today. As such, Riverside has an exciting mix of annual events that celebrate its heritage while taking on new themes and adding new experiences for residents to enjoy year-round. From hot air balloon festivals to rodeos, from foodie gatherings to concerts, Riverside offers something for everyone looking to experience life outside their comfort zone. Here are some highlights:
March – The Festival Of Colors (Holi) celebrates Hinduism with music and dance performances by local Indian-American groups, coloring for children and adults, traditional Indian food vendors and a parade of participants.
July – The Riverside Fourth commemorates Independence Day with fireworks displays, entertainment events such as the annual Red Hot Chili Peppers concert free to all residents in town, family-friendly activities from ice cream socials to arts & crafts booths and much more.
November – The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival includes a wide range of activities such as animal exhibits, livestock contests and showings, live entertainment and more than 250 food vendors serving up the best in Middle Eastern cuisine (date shakes!), carnival rides for children of all ages who are footloose after school or work, and more.
December – The Riverside County Fair Christmas Tree Contest is a longstanding tradition that began the year after the Great Flood of 1862, when an early settler donated a pine tree to decorate town buildings in place of trees lost during flooding. It has been held every year since 1865, with all proceeds from this event going
The Riverside International Film Festival is a two-week-long event that takes place at a variety of theaters in the city of Riverside. It includes screenings, parties, and industry guest speakers. The festival program contains films from all countries and genres and for all age ranges. A few of the films screened during the festival have gone on to garner international success in award shows like the Oscars.
It's not surprising to learn that year after year buyers are considering a move to Riverside. The city is bursting with things to see and do throughout the year as well as a host of amenities. When combined with the fact is home to top-rated schools, safe and friendly neighborhoods and a slew of restaurants and shopping opportunities, the only question left to ask is - have you considered Riverside?
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 their highest priority. Whether you are buying, selling, or curious about the market, they have the answers.
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