Considering moving to Riverside? Known as the birthplace of California’s citrus industry, this SoCal city is also a hub for golfing, entertainment, and unique annual festivals. Here are 17 things to know about living in Riverside!
Riverside at a Glance
- The city of Riverside has a population of 323,057, making it the 12th-largest city in California and the 65th most populous city in the U.S.
- Riverside, California, is located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, about 50 to 60 miles east of Los Angeles, and about 10 miles north of San Bernardino.
- This Inland Empire city is best known as the birthplace of the California citrus industry, with the Washington navel orange playing a major role in the city’s growth during the 1870s.
- The median age of Riverside residents is around 32 years old, reflecting the city’s appeal to young professionals and growing families.
- Riverside is home to the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, which spans an entire city block and is the largest Mission Revival-style building in the U.S.
Live Comfortably in the Inland Empire
Though California cities tend to have higher costs than many other parts of the U.S., Riverside’s cost of living is lower than the state average. It’s especially more affordable than major Golden State cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Additionally, Riverside’s median home price sits at $687,895—lower than the California median—while the average rent for Riverside apartments is $2,184 per month. If you need financial assistance, the city has a number of affordable housing projects, as well as down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers in Riverside.
Q: Is buying a house in Riverside, CA affordable?
A: Riverside can be a more affordable place to buy a home compared to many other California cities. While home prices are higher than the national average, buyers may find more options at lower prices than in nearby markets like Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.
Find Job Opportunities in Riverside for Every Profession
Riverside’s top employers span a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, university administration, and more. Find employment at Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center, which has served the community for over 60 years and specializes in joint replacement surgeries. Work at Riverside Community Hospital, a high-performing hospital with a Level I Trauma Center. Produce key electrical components for medical equipment, wearable technology, and the automotive industry at Bourns, an electrical manufacturing company. Join over 5,000 other Riverside residents and work in academic research fields, facility management, or administrative support at the University of California. Or find the scoop when covering SoCal news and human interest pieces at Riverside’s Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper, The Press-Enterprise.
Q: What is Riverside’s median household income?
A: The median household income in Riverside is $110,029, which is higher than both the state and national averages.
Hop On Riverside Public Transportation
Though Southern California is known for high-traffic roads and busy streets, Riverside public transportation provides flexible options for getting around. Choose from a selection of passes—from single-day and monthly passes to $10 weekend day passes—with Metrolink. Plan a day trip to Orange County, Ventura County, San Bernardino, or even Los Angeles from the 91/Perris Valley stop at Amtrak. Travel to Orange County and San Bernardino via the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA), which has over thirty bus routes throughout the metropolitan area and partners with CommuterLink Express. For seniors or people with disabilities, Riverside Connect provides round-trip reservation services anywhere within the city limits. And for those who prefer to travel on foot, the downtown area is considered a walker’s paradise, making it easy to run daily errands or find nearby fun things to do in Riverside.
Q: Do you need a car to live in Riverside, CA?
A: Yes, most people need a car to live in Riverside. While you can get around without one if you live near UC Riverside or in the walkable downtown area, most neighborhoods are spread out, and the majority of residents drive to work rather than using public transportation.
Earn Your Degree at Riverside Colleges
There are great options for anyone wanting to earn a degree in Riverside! Choose from nearly 60 undergraduate degree programs, including biochemistry, criminal justice, or exercise science at La Sierra University. Take classes in business, sociology, mathematics, art, and more at University of California Riverside. Study fields like nursing, engineering, or behavioral and social sciences at California Baptist University. If you want to go the community college route, explore programs like visual and performing arts, culinary arts, and automotive technology at Riverside City College. Or travel just outside Riverside for programs in political science, studio arts, and music at Moreno Valley College—or just under half an hour away for subjects like business management, game development, and more at Norco College.
Q: Is Riverside a good city for college students?
A: Yes, Riverside is a good place to live for college students. The city has a large student population and a strong academic community. Riverside also has a lower cost of living than nearby Los Angeles, helping students’ budgets go further.
Experience the Sunny Riverside Climate
The weather in Riverside makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors year-round! Because of the city’s location in the Inland Empire region, the Riverside climate is influenced by the Mojave Desert instead of the ocean like other SoCal cities. This means Riverside’s climate is particularly hot and dry, with an average annual high of 80 degrees in the summer and an average annual low of 42 degrees in the winter. The city receives approximately 11 inches of rain per year, allowing residents to take advantage of around 277 days of sunshine. And although part of Riverside weather is dealing with air pollutants such as smog, there are a number of precautions you can take to stay safe and healthy.
Q: What are winters like in Riverside?
A: Winters in Riverside are mild and relatively dry. Daytime temperatures are typically comfortable, with cooler mornings and evenings, and snowfall is extremely rare.
Discover Riverside’s Scenic Views
If you like lush greenery, breathtaking mountain views, or wild hiking paths, the Riverside nature scene has several trails and parks to choose from! Plan a hiking, biking, or horseback riding trip on the 57.7-mile Santa Ana River Trail. Take a scenic walk through the rocky paths overlooking Riverside and Moreno Valley at the Box Springs Mountain Reserve. Get some fresh air by Lake Mathews and see migrating birds at the feeding and resting site at the Lake Mathews-Estelle Mountain Reserve. Escape the noise of the city and encounter Riverside flora and fauna—including reptiles, migratory birds, aquatic life, and more—at the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area. Hike, bike, or walk any of the 1,500 acres of trails at Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park. Or relax in the peaceful rose gardens, well-manicured lawns, and beautiful gazebo at Rose Garden at Fairmount Park.
Q: Can you hike year-round in Riverside?
A: Yes, you can hike year-round in Riverside. Because of its mild Southern California climate, Riverside winter weather provides a perfect environment for longer hikes, while in the summer you’ll need to plan appropriately to avoid heat-related illness. Researching trails beforehand can help you pick one that’s suited to your needs and fitness level.
Catch Breathtaking Views from Mt. Rubidoux
Located just west of Downtown Riverside, Mt. Rubidoux towers over the city with an elevation of 1,339 feet above sea level. A portion of the Santa Ana River flows at the mountain’s base. Mt. Rubidoux park is open from dawn to dusk and features both paved and dirt trails—making this natural Riverside landmark the perfect place for a scenic walk, jog, or mountain biking adventure. See the cobblestone aesthetic of Spanish Mission Revival architecture near the mountain’s summit by visiting The World Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge. Gather on the mountain’s peak to celebrate Easter morning with thousands of other Riverside residents during the non-denominational Mt. Rubidoux Easter Sunrise Service. Or enjoy Independence Day with friends and family by witnessing a dazzling display of aerial fireworks at Riverside’s Fourth of July Spectacular.
Q: How hard of a hike is Mt. Rubidoux?
A: The Mt. Rubidoux Trail is considered an easy to moderate route, consisting of a 2.7 to 3.2-mile loop, with about 500 feet of elevation gain. The Mt. Rubidoux trail is completely paved, but hikers should be aware of some steep grades along the route.
Attend Lively SoCal Festivals in Riverside
There’s no shortage of Riverside festivals celebrating international cultures, identities, and artistic traditions. Honor Mexican heritage through live music, dancing, and a homemade tamale competition at the annual Riverside Tamale Festival. Learn the social similarities between the modern day and the Victorian Era at Riverside’s premier literary event, the Riverside Dickens Festival. Explore the diverse Riverside art scene—including museums, galleries, and studios—on the first Thursday of every month at the Riverside Artswalk. Celebrate Riverside’s thriving LGBTQ community by participating in the annual Pride Gayla and Inland Empire Pride Parade with Riverside Pride. Appreciate the Citrus industry with tastings, craft vendors, live music, and more at the Riverside Citrus Festival. Immerse yourself in the New Year’s spirit with unique street food vendors, live K-Pop performances, cultural dances, and more at the Riverside Lunar Festival. Or experience the art of cinema and watch the best in contemporary international and independent films at the Riverside International Film Festival.
Q: What time of year are Riverside’s festivals?
A: While there are festivals held throughout the year, spring and fall are peak festival seasons in Riverside. Many of the city’s largest annual events—like the Riverside Tamale Festival and the Riverside Citrus Festival—take place during these times, when mild temperatures make it easy to enjoy the city’s outdoor events.
Tee Off at Riverside Golf Courses
As one of the first cities with a formal golf course in Southern California, Riverside has several notable spots to practice your swing. Play 18 holes on a championship golf course at Oak Quarry Golf Club, located near the historic Jensen Quarry. Hone your skills by navigating sprawling greens and tactically placed bunkers at Jurupa Hills Country Club. Go hiking while golfing in Riverside with an 18-hole course that features dramatic elevation shifts and no parallel fairways at Indian Hills Golf Club. Sharpen your driving, putting, and chipping skills at the Van Buren Golf Center, one of Riverside’s top multipurpose golf facilities. Tee off while taking in picturesque views of the San Bernardino Mountains at Canyon Crest Country Club. Play a quick nine holes at Fairmount Golf Course, a well-maintained municipal course spanning 55 acres. Or golf through 130 acres of land situated in the Tequesquite Arroyo at Victoria Club, one of the oldest country clubs in Southern California.
Q: Is there a dress code at golf courses in Riverside?
A: Yes, most golf courses in Riverside, California require proper golf attire, which generally includes a collared shirt for men and tailored shorts or slacks. The specifics will vary from course to course, so be sure to check online or call ahead of time to familiarize yourself with a given course’s rules.
See the Birthplace of California’s Citrus Industry
The California citrus industry was born in Riverside and has been called California’s second gold rush because of the wealth it brought to first-generation citrus farmers and the local economy. Today, the citrus industry continues to flourish thanks to the oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and other citrus staples raised by area farmers. Riverside residents can visit over 400 fruit-filled acres brimming with seasonal palms and rows of fruit-bearing trees at the California Citrus State Historic Park. Walk along the 11.91-mile-long Gage Canal, which brought water all the way from the Santa Ana River through Citrus Park’s terminus to double citrus production. Stroll past lush fruits like Fisher Navels, Star Ruby Grapefruit, and Lisbon Lemons growing at The Groves. Sit down for a family picnic while enjoying open-air presentations, summer concerts, and interpretive exhibits at Citrus Park’s Picnic Area. Or unlock the park’s hidden secrets by using your phone to access a digital scavenger hunt!
Q: Is the California Citrus State Historic Park free to visit?
A: Yes, the California Citrus State Historic Park is free for visitors, but there is a vehicle parking fee of $7.
Visit Riverside Museums
If you love art, history, and science, the museums in Riverside are great for the whole family. Check out a mixture of rotating art exhibits and permanent sculptures, including the brightly-painted iron letters standing outside the Riverside Art Museum. View over 20,000 photos of California history—from 1840 to the present—at the UCR ARTS California Museum of Photography. Take your kids to dig for dinosaur bones, go rock collecting at Dino Mesa, and learn about geology and archaeology outdoors at Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center. Get educated on the natural and industrial history of the Inland Empire at the Museum of Riverside. Walk through an elegantly restored 1800s Victorian home featuring vintage nineteenth-century architecture at the Riverside Heritage House. Or explore a 40-acre garden oasis with a collection of 3,500 plants at the UCR Botanic Gardens.
Q: Are there any Riverside museums with free entry?
A: Yes, Riverside is home to several free museums, plus others that offer free admission days. Free Riverside Museums include Riverside Heritage House and World Museum of Natural History. The Riverside Art Museum, The Cheech, and UCR ARTS offer free admission on First Sundays and on First Thursdays during Riverside ArtsWalk.
Take Flight at March Air Reserve Base
Covering 160 acres and employing over 8,000 military and civilian workers, March Air Reserve Base is one of the top public employers in Riverside. It offers recruitment for the Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Air Force Civilian Service. It’s also one of the oldest currently operating airfields and has been run by the U.S. military since 1918. Because of its lasting presence in Riverside, the March Air Reserve Base has developed attractions and events that draw Riverside residents. Visit stunning displays featuring more than 30,000 artifacts and 108 aircraft from different eras—including World War I and II—at March Field Air Museum. Pay tribute at war memorials like the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial, the West Coast War Dog Memorial, and the 15th Air Force Wall in Heritage Courtyard. Or watch the annual SoCal Air Show at March Field, featuring performances from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Q: Can civilians visit March Air Reserve Base?
A: Civilians cannot freely enter the active-duty section of March Air Reserve Base without a military sponsor or official business. However, civilians can visit the adjacent March Field Air Museum, which operates independently from the main base.
Appreciate Riverside Performing Arts
From theatre to ballet and other live performances, it’s easy to find world-class entertainment in Riverside! Check out the extensive list of upcoming Broadway shows, comedy specials, and more at the Fox Performing Arts Center. Catch a concert in Riverside from touring musicians like Joyce Manor, Sammy Johnson, and the Black Veil Brides at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. See the yearly performance of David Allan’s The Nutcracker by classical ballet school Riverside Ballet Arts. Experience Riverside plays and musicals throughout the year—including award-winning classics like Cinderella, Grease, and Mary Poppins—at Performance Riverside. Get tickets for incredible shows in the Main Stage Series, Family Series, or Spotlight Series at one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in America, the Riverside Community Players. And if your kids are interested in theatre, the Riverside Children’s Theatre has provided educational programs in the performing arts since 1957!
Q: Should you buy tickets for Riverside, CA performances in advance?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular concerts, Broadway tours, and holiday performances in Riverside. Many shows sell out quickly, so booking early gives you the best selection of seats. There is a chance that tickets will go down in price as you get closer to a show, but there’s risk that you won’t be able to get a seat if you wait too long.
Bring the Family to Riverside’s Castle Park
If you’re looking for family fun in Riverside, visit Castle Park! Opened in 1976, Castle Park currently has 27 rides and other attractions. Zip through rushing rapids and take a jaw-dropping descent on the old-school Saw Mill Plunge. Let the little ones splash around with water tunnels, spray cannons, and water slides at the water playground, Buccaneer Cove. Take a scenic park tour by riding the old-fashioned mini-locomotive, Riverside Express. Play putt-putt at four meticulously designed 18-hole mini-golf courses, including the Prince and Princess courses, the Duke course, and the Merlin course. Try your hand at Ghost Blasters or play iconic arcade games like air hockey and pop-a-shot in the Castle Park Arcade. Find spooky fun with haunted experiences like the Cinema of Fear, Haunted Highway, and Night Shift mazes at Castle Dark—one of the best theme park Halloween events. Or catch mesmerizing magic shows for kids every Saturday from Anthony the MAGIC.
Q: How much time should you spend at Castle Park?
A: Plan to spend about three to five hours at Castle Park. That’s typically enough time to enjoy the rides, play a round of mini golf, and visit the arcade without feeling rushed, making it an ideal half-day attraction.
Relax at the World-Class Mission Inn
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside is a historic hotel, restaurant, spa, and museum designed in the area’s signature Spanish Mission architectural style—featuring beautiful clay roof tiles, sweeping arches, and spires. Plan a walking tour and hear detailed accounts of the hotel’s 150-year history from The Mission Inn Foundation. Appreciate Old World artwork and statues at the European-style Galleria or admire the Miller family’s vast collection of California Mission paintings in The Spanish Art Gallery. Choose from a wide variety of dining options, including the signature Mission Inn Restaurant or The Presidential Lounge, where former presidents and A-list celebrities have visited. Unwind with a Holiday Spiced Cider Bath Facial from Kelly’s Spa, or pick up souvenirs and skincare products at Kelly’s Boutique. Or see the night sky illuminated with thousands of coordinated holiday lights at Downtown Riverside’s premier community celebration, Mission Inn Festival of Lights.
Q: Why is the Mission Inn famous?
A: The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California, is famous for its massive Mission Revival-style architecture, deep ties to U.S. presidential history, and the renowned annual Festival of Lights. Founded in 1876 and expanding over decades, it’s a National Historic Landmark that operates as a “living museum,” containing rare international artifacts.
Eat at One-of-a-Kind Riverside Restaurants
The city of Riverside boasts a whole host of vibrant local restaurants representing almost every background. Wake up with a delicious Riverside breakfast of Bagels with Cream Cheese, Challa French Toast, or the Winter Omelette from Simple Simon’s Bakery & Bistro. Chow down on casual Indian cuisine like curried Fish Masala, Chicken Malai, and Tandoori Fish at Punjab Palace. Grab slices of tasty Riverside pizza like the Fiesta, Chicken Pesto, and Mediterranean pizzas at Antonious Pizza. Dig into a Mexican feast of classic eats like Mendou Soup, Huevos Rancheros, and the Machaca Burrito from Joe Aguilar’s Templo Del Sol. Order fresh Greek dinner plates like Souvlaki, Calamari, and Grilled Salmon at Greek Street Grill. Or get a Falafel Bowl from Fufu’s Mideast Grill, Baba’s Chicken Sandwich Combo from Baba’s Hot Chicken, or Vegan Yakisoba from Soho Ramen at “the Inland Empire’s first food hall,” Riverside Food Lab.
Q: What type of food is Riverside known for?
A: Riverside is best known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and fresh citrus flavors, a reflection of the city’s Southern California roots and its legacy as the birthplace of California’s citrus industry.
Check Out Riverside’s Nightlife
Looking to unwind after a busy day of activities and attractions? There are plenty of breweries, wineries, and bars in Riverside to choose from. Attend a wine tasting to sample locally-made options like Italian Pinot Grigio and German Gewurztraminer at Canyon Crest Winery. Shoot pool or throw darts while enjoying one of the 13 beers on tap at Shooters Sports Bar & Grill. Taste premium drafts like Coffee Cream, Tangerine Wheat, and Slowpoke Barrel Aged Barleywine at Thompson Brewing Company. Pair delicious pretzels with Greek goddess-inspired brews like the Iota IPA, Persephone Tropical Blonde Ale, and Calypso Pina Colada Sour at Euryale Brewing Company. Burst into song at the regular Riverside karaoke nights or take part in guided painting sessions at Brooks Bar. Or sip on craft beer, cider, and kombucha while socializing at the industrially-designed speakeasy tavern, The Brickwood.
Q: Does Riverside have a good nightlife scene?
A: Yes, Riverside has a growing nightlife scene with options for a variety of interests. Visitors can enjoy everything from craft breweries and wine tastings to live entertainment, cocktail lounges, and casual sports bars.
***
Moving to Riverside? Extra Space Storage has storage facilities throughout SoCal that can help with your transition. Find self storage near you!
