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Riverside, CA

Frequently asked questions

Riverside, CA

Riverside is a city in and the county seat of Riverside County, California, United States, in the Inland Empire metropolitan area. It is named for its location beside the Santa Ana River. It is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and Riverside County and is about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It is also part of the Greater Los Angeles area. Riverside is the 59th-most-populous city in the United States and the 12th-most-populous city in California. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 314,998. Along with San Bernardino, Riverside is a principal city in the nation's 13th-largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA); the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario MSA (pop. 4,599,839) ranks in population just below San Francisco (4,749,008) and above Detroit (4,392,041).

Riverside was founded in the early 1870s. It is the birthplace of the California citrus industry and home of the Mission Inn, the nation's largest Mission Revival-Style building. It is also home to the Riverside National Cemetery and the Eastern Division of the Federal District Court for the Central District of California.

The University of California, Riverside, is in the northeastern part of the city. The university hosts the Riverside Sports Complex. Other attractions in Riverside include the Fox Performing Arts Center, the Museum of Riverside, which houses exhibits and artifacts of local history, the California Museum of Photography, the California Citrus State Historic Park, Castle Park, and the Parent Washington Navel Orange Tree, the last of California's two original navel orange trees.

In the late 18th century and the early 19th century, the area was inhabited by Cahuilla and the Serrano people. Californios such as Bernardo Yorba and Juan Bandini established ranches during the first half of the 19th century.

Riverside is the 61st-largest city in the United States, the 12th-largest city in California, and the largest city in California's Inland Empire metro area. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 81.4 square miles (210.8 km2), of which 81.1 square miles (210 km2) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2) (0.37%) is water. The elevation of downtown Riverside is 860 feet (260 m). Hills within the city limits include Mount Rubidoux, a city landmark and tourist attraction. Riverside is surrounded by small and large mountains, some of which get a dusting of winter snow. Many residents also enjoy the beaches of Southern California. Riverside is about a 47-mile (76 km) drive to the Pacific Ocean and is close to Orange County and Los Angeles County.

Riverside is a hub for education and health and wellness, with the presence of the University of California, Riverside, and Riverside Community Hospital. Explore the parks, trails, and recreational facilities managed by the Riverside Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department. These spaces offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, hiking, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness and YMCA. Discover the walking and biking trails in Riverside, such as the Santa Ana River Trail and the Mount Rubidoux Trail. These trails provide opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Riverside, CA include March Field Air Museum, Van Buren Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet, Fox Performing Arts Center, and UC Riverside Botanic Gardens.

Population: 323,757 (2024). ZIP codes: 92501–92509, 92513–92519, 92521–92522. Area code: 951. Elevation: 827 ft (252 m). Area: 81.54 sq mi (211.18 km2).

FAQs

Is Riverside, CA a good place to live?

Though California cities tend to have higher costs than many other parts of the U.S., Riverside’s cost of living is 19% lower than the state average. It’s especially more affordable than major Golden State cities like Los Angeles or San Fransisco. Due to Riverside’s warm, dry climate, the average electricity rates are 33% lower than the California average. Additionally, Riverside’s median home price sits at $605,000—significantly lower than the California median—while the average rent for Riverside apartments is $2,138 per month.

What is Riverside, CA famous for?

Sixty miles east of Los Angeles, Riverside is the largest city in the County, with more than 336,000 residents. Known for its citrus industry, an entire empire was built around the sweet and zesty navel orange. Riverside has 24 nationally registered historic sites and more than 100 city landmarks commemorating this city’s flavorful history. Known as the city of arts and innovation, visitors and residents enjoy cultural activities including downtown museums, restaurants, and performing arts centers.

What is the richest neighborhood in Riverside CA?

According to the 2000 Census, the largest homes, highest property values, and highest income levels are all found in Alessandro Heights. The neighborhood is enriched with three major natural arroyos; Alessandro, Prenda, and Woodcrest. Arroyos are not just conduits for water, but rich and varied areas of animal and plant life. Because the arroyos are very important and valuable natural features, residential development has occurred in a manner designed to protect and preserve the arroyos and natural features of the neighborhood.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Riverside

University of California, Riverside

Riverside Community Hospital

Planet Fitness 

YMCA

Santa Ana River Trail 

Mount Rubidoux Trail

March Field Air Museum

Van Buren Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet 

Fox Performing Arts Center 

UC Riverside Botanic Gardens

Extra Space

RCC

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