Livability Score

67
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities C

There are some amenities close to this location.
Coffee (33) F
Entertainment (60) F
Food and Drink (217) A-
Fitness (16) F
Groceries (36) F
Parks (178) A+
Shops (167) D-
See more Riverside amenity data

commute B+

Of all people who commute, 2.5% take public transportation in Riverside.
Public Transit Stops (575)
Stops & Stations
A+
Workers Taking Public Transit
2.5%
F
See more Riverside commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Riverside is 136/100 - which is 3% lower than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Riverside cost of living data

crime F

Riverside crime rates are 3,757 per 100k, which is 32% higher than California
Property Crime
3,241 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
516 crimes per 100k
F
See more Riverside crime data

employment A-

The median income in Riverside is $72,738 - which is 14% higher than California.
Med. Household Income
$72,738
B-
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
D+
See more Riverside employment data

health D

There are some hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (73)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
F
See more Riverside health & safety data

housing A

Riverside home prices are $389,500 - which is 5% lower than California
Home Price
$389,500
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
26%
A+
Home Affordability
5.4x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more Riverside housing data

schools C-

The Riverside graduation rate is 77% - which is 4% lower than California
School Test Scores
35%
F
High School Grad. Rates
77%
D
Elementary Schools (76) A
High Schools (36) A+
See more Riverside education data

ratings B+

Riverside has an overall rating of 75% from 18 reviews.
User Reviews (3)
From AreaVibes
B+
User Surveys (15)
From AreaVibes
B-
See more Riverside user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
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( 18 Ratings )

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Riverside Reviews

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PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY IN RIVERSIDE CA 5 rating By Anonymous ( Mar 06, 2019) I am a business owner and operator of one of the largest growing security companies in southern CA/Riverside, This is definitely a home to my business. I am from San Diego and these two places are by fare alike. Though living in Riverside you have the ability of owning more land ...Read More and ranch style homes, San Diego is more luxury high rises, condos, yachts, etc. I would like to point out that the crime in both San Diego and Riverside have a big problem do to the homeless population increasing, nothing like LA that is for sure but what I will say is Riverside residents are the most proactive compared to other cities like LA and we are honored to have taken part with our involvement and our services, that are required by our locals in Riverside. I have noticed that not very many individuals take notice in the big homeless issue that they have amongst them and their families. Ontario I will say along with Yucaipa CA have an amazing proactive method of enforcing the non-camping law that allows security like us to enforce the homeless from living on the sidewalk as it is considered illegal camping. Some communities and cities do not realize how the smallest efforts and support from our local PD and congress allow us to keep the communities safe and crime free, or reduced in crime for sure. We are happy to be working vigilantly with the loca PD to continue improving the safety and security of our community. If you are a resident of Riverside or Southern CA and are looking for security armed services, do not hesitate in contacting us at P:888-528-7555 F:888-528-7555 https://www.intellprotectiveservices.com/ we look forward to working with our community, always. Read Less
Riverside, CA City Review 4 rating By Anonymous ( Nov 25, 2011) Living in the large city of Riverside in California, I was able to experience its rich and diverse cultures as well as live in an environment where modernistic structures and historic buildings coexist. Here are some things you need to know when considering on moving to the city ...Read More and why you should live in Riverside, California.

Moving to the city of Riverside, I was amazed with a variety of landmarks that the city had, such as the historical Mission Inn, which know goes by the name of Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, and the artistic Riverside County Historic Courthouse. I was also able to visit the famous Riverside Fox Theater, which was the venue for the first showing of the movie Gone with the Wind in 1939. During my stay in the city, I've also learned to cherish the magnificent and awe-inspiring arts and cultural museums distributed within Riverside. Some of the most famous museums I visited were the March Field Air Museum, which exhibits more than 70 aircraft including Lockheed P-38L Lightning replica and the Boeing B-29A Superfortress Flagship 500, and the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, which housed historical and anthropological art worth seeing.

Living in Riverside, California, I had no boring or dull moments during my stay. I was able to enjoy various special occasions that the city is famous for, including the bright Riverside Festival of Lights, which is centered around the historical Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. During Thanksgiving, I also experienced the Festival of Trees, which is celebrated at Riverside Convention Center since the 1990s.

During my stay at Riverside, I also observed a diverse community that comprises of 28 neighborhoods. These communities include Arlington, the Presidential Park, Ramona, Victoria and Wood Streets. Within the city's vicinity, communities have established several religious organizations, churches and events, such as the Easter Sunrise Service done yearly.

A disadvantage I found out when living in the city of Riverside is the considerably higher rate of air pollution. In fact, Riverside has been deemed as "smog belt" due to their above-average degree of pollution present in the area. Read Less
The Ho-Hum Life in Riverside, CA 2.5 rating By Anonymous ( May 03, 2010) I briefly lived in Riverside, California. Being a young girl in Riverside, I will admit there is not much to do or many attractions to see. That is a common complaint about living here. In order to have a good time, you will most likely need to venture to San Diego or Orange Coun ...Read More ty.

The job market is good in Riverside. This is a major commuting area. Many people from other cities travel to Riverside for work. If you don't like dealing with a lot of traffic and congestion, then Riverside is not the place for you. The weather in Riverside during the summer months can be a big downfall. There is a lot of smog and the heat can be daunting. It tends to get really bad. If you look hard enough, you can find some really great restaurants in Riverside. The Market Broiler on Merrill Ave serves up some of the finest seafood in Riverside.

The cost of living in Riverside can be a bit high as well, compared to what I am used to. For California, it isn't too bad though. If someone is considering moving to Riverside, they need to decide what factors are most important and if this city can meet their needs. Read Less
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The Ho-Hum Life in Riverside, CA 2.5 rating By Anonymous ( May 03, 2010) I briefly lived in Riverside, California. Being a young girl in Riverside, I will admit there is not much to do or many attractions to see. That is a common complaint about living here. In order to have a good time, you will most likely need to venture to San Diego or Orange Coun ...Read More ty.

The job market is good in Riverside. This is a major commuting area. Many people from other cities travel to Riverside for work. If you don't like dealing with a lot of traffic and congestion, then Riverside is not the place for you. The weather in Riverside during the summer months can be a big downfall. There is a lot of smog and the heat can be daunting. It tends to get really bad. If you look hard enough, you can find some really great restaurants in Riverside. The Market Broiler on Merrill Ave serves up some of the finest seafood in Riverside.

The cost of living in Riverside can be a bit high as well, compared to what I am used to. For California, it isn't too bad though. If someone is considering moving to Riverside, they need to decide what factors are most important and if this city can meet their needs. Read Less

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      Riverside, CA

      Riverside, California is located in Riverside County. Over 300,000 people call it home, making it the 12th most populous city in the state. Not only is Riverside home to the largest Mission Revival Style building in the country, Mission Inn, but is also where the citrus industry took off. After the first orange trees were planted in 1870, Riverside’s development took off. While much of the city is centered on oranges, the University of California, Riverside’s campus brings some youthful energy to the area. When you move to Riverside, you will be surrounded by natural beauty.

      The weather in Riverside is varied. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are wild and wet, making its climate Mediterranean. Leave the heavy coats at home, but pack the rain gear and warm-weather attire.

      If you are looking to take public transportation, Riverside Transit Agency can help. The regular bus system takes riders around the city, county and area, while the CommuterLink services larger areas, such as San Diego. Get where you need to be for work and play.

      Riverside is perfect if you like the outdoors, and offers a little something for everyone. Head to the California Citrus State Historic Park if you want to get outside and learn more about the city’s history (and taste delicious oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit), or go for a hike or a walking tour. At UC Riverside, wander through the Botanic Gardens, the Riverside Art Gallery the UCR California Museum of Photography or catch a performance at the Culver Center of the Arts. Beer lovers will be thrilled to get a drink at the famous gastropub The Salted Pig. Grab one before you watch a film at the Fox Performing Arts Center.

      If you are looking to make a weekend escape to somewhere more metropolitan, Riverside is about midway between San Diego and the Los Angeles Area. Meet Mickey at Disneyland, explore San Diego’s beaches, Zoo and Wild Animal Park, or see stars in Los Angeles, shop until you drop on Rodeo Drive or see a summer show at the Hollywood Bowl. Riverside offers an ideal location for adventuring around Southern California, as well as a quiet, more isolated area in which to stay and rest.

      Moving to Riverside offers a friendly community and easy access to larger cities. Plus, if you like citrus, how can you go wrong? People are nice, and always up for meeting their neighbors. The cost of living, including buying and renting, is lower than much of the state as well, so you can make the move with the knowledge you are saving a lot. What are you waiting for? Riverside is ready for you.

      C Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Riverside? Yes, there are some amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Villegas Park
      A D Shamel Park
      Shamel Park
      Washington Park Playground
      Washington Park
      Low Park
      Parent Washington Navel Orange Tree
      Low Park

      Entertainment

      Regal Riverside Plaza
      VIP Nightclub
      Southern California Medical Museum
      Heritage House
      Wheelock Stadium
      Sherman Indian Museum
      Martha Mclean Anza Narrows
      Van Buren Drive-in Theater

      Food & Drink

      Baker's Drive-In
      McDonald's
      McDonald's
      Farmer Boys
      In-N-Out Burger
      Carl's Jr.
      Carl's Jr.
      Del Taco

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Riverside? Of all people who commute, 2.5% take public transportation in Riverside.
      Drive to Work
      76%

      equal to the US average

      Take Public Transit
      3%

      3% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      3%

      equal to the US average

      A Health & Safety

      Is Riverside a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Riverside University Health System - Arlington Mental Health Facility
      Riverside Medical Center (Urgent)
      Riverside University Health System - Arlington Recovery Community
      Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center
      Parkview Community Hospital
      Riverside Community Hospital
      Pacific Grove Hospital

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      Rite Aid
      CVS Pharmacy
      Riverwalk HealthMart Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy

      Doctors

      AFC- Doctors Express
      Institutes of Health
      Riverside Psychiatric Medical Group