An abundance of lush trees and rolling hills fill the city as mountains sit beautifully in the background. Riverside, with 81.4 square miles of space and a population of more than 300,000, is the 12th most populous city in California. Riverside is named for its location beside the Santa Ana River, and the hills that flow throughout the city include Mount Rubidoux, a city landmark and tourist attraction.
Riverside was founded in the early 1870s. A few years after the city’s founding, the first navel orange was planted and from there, it flourished and planting on a larger scale begun. With four saloons in Riverside at its conception, they were forced out through the rise in license fees and shortly after, more prosperous activities were brought to the area by investors from England and Canada, thus the first golf and polo fields in Southern California were built.
The citrus industry was established and by 1882 there were more than half a million citrus trees in the state of California, half of which were in Riverside. BY 1895, with the development of the refrigerated railroad cars and innovative irrigation systems, Riverside was the richest city per capita in the U.S. The city has continued to prosper and has since developed the Mission Inn which has attracted many royalty, presidents, and celebrities. Riverside is the “City of Arts and Innovation,” a choice place for vacationers, and still holds history that was influenced by its European settlers.
Things to Do in Riverside:
With such a rich history and wonderful geography, there are so many amazing things to do in Riverside. With attractions that are unique to Riverside and recreation that allows you to fully enjoy the geographic beauty of the city, there is already a great deal of things to do.
The attractions in Riverside are of a truly eclectic nature, but they are all remarkable in their own right. Mount Rubidoux is one of the hills in the city limits and is a city park and a landmark. Travel to the foothills of the Box Spring Mountains and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the 3,500 plant species at the UCR Botanical Gardens. Spend a fun filled day with the family at Castle Park as you ride the various rides, get soaked at Buccaneer Cove, play mini golf, see a magic show and more. Learn all there is to know about the historic Mission Inn at the Mission Inn Museum.
The rich history and culture of Riverside can be viewed in the various factions of art throughout the city, be it in museums, galleries, or performing arts. The greatest piece of history is the Parent Navel Orange Tree located at the corner of Magnolia and Arlington streets. Experience the world of art in an architectural work of art from 1929 at the Riverside Art Museum. Explore innovative works of art at the Sweeney Art Gallery, or the inventions, photography and films of the California Museum of Photography. See a live show at the historic Riverside Municipal Auditorium or the Fox Performing Arts Center. Experience the amazing talent and passion of the California Riverside Ballet, the Riverside Community Players, the Riverside County Philharmonic, and the Riverside Lyric Opera.
Outdoor recreation in Riverside is such a joy as there is so much to be done. With more than 50 parks in the city, there are plenty of walking trails, baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, playgrounds, pools, picnic tables, and barbecue areas to enjoy. Take advantage of the city’s landscape and enjoy nature at places like Mount Rubioux, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, the California Citrus State Historic Park, and Fairmont Park. Go hiking, biking, fishing, pedal boating, skating, and play golf at these locations.
What to Consider When Moving to Riverside:
As small as Riverside is, it is home to 28 different neighborhoods. Before moving to an apartment in Riverside it’ll be in your best interest to learn all you can about the various neighborhoods and everything else around the city. While the attractions and museums are great elements, other factors such as weather, school systems, and economy must be considered as well.
The climate in Riverside can be classified as semi-arid Mediterranean which accounts for hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average summer temperature is in the 90s, but often exceeds 100 degrees; however, there is low humidity. During the winter months, the average high is in the upper 60s, but during the rainy days, it typically doesn’t pass 55 degrees. Riverside only gets 10.4 inches of annual precipitation, in the form of rain.
The economy in Riverside is split between manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors. With light-industry being the bulk of the manufacturing side, there is a range of products being produced, such as aircraft and automotive parts, electronic and medical equipment, and food products. There are several industrial parks that support the manufacturing sector as well. Riverside is also home to many legal, accounting, brokerage, architectural, engineering and technology firms, and banking institutions. The County of Riverside is the city’s top employer, followed by Riverside Unified School District, the University of California – Riverside, and Kaiser Permanente.
If you have a family, depending on what area you move to, your child could be in either of the two public school districts that serve Riverside. On the eastern side is the Riverside Unified School District which has 32 elementary schools, seven middle schools, 10 high schools, one K-12 institution, a school for the deaf, and high school for Native American tribal members. Those on the western side of the city will be served by the Alvord Unified School District which has 12 elementary, three middle, and four high schools in Riverside.
Why Riverside Apartments Are Hot:
The historical, cultural, and geographical elements of the city are what make Riverside apartments hot. There is so much to be seen and learned in Riverside and you’ll love it all. From the performing arts to the architecturally amazing building throughout the city, there is nothing quite like Riverside. Living in Riverside will open up a whole new world to you and if you’re a photographer, you’ll get some great photos out of it.
Should you ever want to get away for the day or weekend, you’re in luck because Los Angeles is only 60 miles away and the Pacific Ocean is only 47 miles away. You can spend the day at the beach, at Disneyland, the Getty Museum, the San Bernadino Mountains, the Temecula Wineries, and more. Our Riverside apartments will put you in the perfect position for everything. Come and experience the arts and innovation that make Riverside what it is.
Submitting Request
Apartment Finder utilizes the industry's largest and most complete database of real-time rents and availabilities to help you find an amazing deal on your next rental.
Apartment communities change their rental rates often - sometimes multiple times a day. We track the changes and keep you up to date when a rental rate decreases.
"Best value" units are located in buildings rated three stars or higher. We label apartment rentals that are priced significantly less than similar high-quality units nearby.
Apartment communities regularly advertise deals for new residents. Whether it's a move-in special or a free tv, we locate the rentals that offer a little something extra when you sign your lease.
Note: Based on community-supplied data and independent market research. Subject to change without notice.