Riverside County, located in Southern California, is a rapidly growing region offering its residents a blend of urban amenities and scenic beauty. Whether you're looking for a place to start a family, launch a career, or simply enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, Riverside County might be the place for you.
In this article, we will explore the top six places to settle down in Riverside County, highlighting the unique qualities of each location and why they might be the perfect place for you to call home.
Life in Riverside County: An Overview
There are several reasons why moving to Riverside County might be the right choice for you:
- Riverside County experiences a warm, semi-arid climate with mild, relatively rainy winters and hot, sunny summers.
- The county has a diverse economy with many job opportunities, particularly in the healthcare, technology, and logistics industries.
- With its proximity to Lake Elsinore, the Santa Ana Mountains, Joshua Tree National Park, and other natural sights, Riverside County offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.
- Riverside County has several highly rated public and private schools, making it an excellent choice for families with children.
- The county is home to several cultural attractions, like museums, historic sites, and performing centers, offering its residents many opportunities to engage in the cultural and artistic life of the area.
- Riverside County is within a two-hour drive of Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs, making it an excellent choice for those who want to be close to these major cities.
- Most notably, housing in Riverside County is generally more affordable than in other parts of California, making it a popular choice for families and first-time homebuyers. If you're considering moving to Riverside County, it's essential to research different cities and neighborhoods to find the one that best fits your budget and lifestyle.
Now, let’s learn more about the exciting cities of Riverside County, CA.
1. Riverside
Located approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles, Riverside is the 12th most populous city in California, with a population of over 350,000 people. Riverside is the largest city in the Inland Empire region of Southern California and is the seat of Riverside County. Due to its size and significance, this city offers a lot of diversity and flexibility to its residents.
Some of the largest employers in the area are the University of California Riverside and Amazon, which has a fulfillment center in this city. Multiple healthcare facilities in the area offer consistent employment opportunities.
American electronics company Bourns, Inc. is among the companies based in Riverside. Several industrial parks, such as the Hunter Industrial Park and the Sycamore Canyon Industrial Park, support the manufacturing sector. As a large metropolitan area, this city is also home to several legal, accounting, engineering, and financial businesses. In addition, this city is very close to plenty of other cities with thriving job markets.
Furthermore, Riverside is home to the Riverside Unified School District, the Riverside Community College District, and the University of California, Riverside, making it an important center for education in Southern California.
2. Temecula
Temecula is a city that highlights some of California's most breathtaking features, including a historic town square surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, mild weather, and magnificent mountains in the distance.
It is a rapidly growing city known for its wine country, hot air balloon rides, and historic Old Town with restaurants, craft breweries, and historical buildings that showcase the city's 19th-century roots.
Temecula has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city has a population of around 115,000 residents and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is also home to several excellent schools and has a low crime rate, making it a great place to live for families.
Temecula has 41 parks and 14 major community facilities that offer various sports options, so you don’t have to worry about your family being cooped up in the apartment the entire day.
3. Murrieta
The city of Murrieta gains new fans yearly as people learn of this Southern California gem and its picturesque landscape, impressive wine and beer scene, and outdoor recreation. According to a recent census, Murrieta is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, with more than 100,000 residents.
Furthermore, Murrieta is home to several beautiful courses for those interested in golfing, including the Bear Creek Golf Club and the Golf Club at Rancho, California. Wine lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Murrieta, as the city is located near several wineries and vineyards offering tastings and tours.
In addition to its many attractions, Murrieta is also known for its strong sense of community. The city hosts several annual events, including a farmers market, 4th of July celebration, and holiday parade, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate the city's history and culture.
4. Corona
With over 160,000 residents, Corona is a residential city with good public schools, many recreational areas, and a thriving industry sector. Corona is home to the corporate headquarters of Saleen Automotive, a manufacturer of supercars. In addition, The Fender Musical Instrument Corporation has manufacturing facilities in this city.
This city is home to several historical sites, including the Fender Museum, which showcases the history of the Fender musical instrument company, and the Corona Heritage Park, which showcases the city's agricultural and railroad history. The Santa Ana Mountains and Cleveland National Forest are just a short drive from the city, providing a backdrop for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
With several high-performing public schools, parks, and recreation areas such as sports fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds, Corona is a highly family-friendly city.
5. Eastvale
With over 60,000 residents, Eastvale is a relatively new city that has become one of the fastest-growing in California. It is also known as one of the most affluent Riverside County towns.
One of the standout features of Eastvale is its quality of life. The city is known for its safe and family-friendly environment, with well-maintained parks, trails, and recreation areas. Furthermore, the city is served by the highly accredited public school system - the Corona Norco Unified School District.
Eastvale is home to several large businesses, including Amazon and Kohl's, providing residents with solid employment opportunities.
6. Lake Elsinore
Lake Elsinore evolved from a small lakeside town of 3,800 people in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to a large, residential community of upper-middle-class professionals. It is a safe and affluent area perfect for a quiet family life. Named after and centered around the large natural lake, Lake Elsinore, this city is known for its world-class motorsports park and the Lake Elsinore Diamond, a minor league baseball stadium.
Lake Elsinore was a popular destination for early 20th-century celebrities who wanted to escape the bustling, urban Hollywood lifestyle. For instance, actor Bela Lugosi, famous for his legendary role in the movie Dracula, built a house in this city that still stands today.
Experience the Californian Dream Among the Orange Groves
Riverside County is a prime location if you’re looking for a vibrant and thriving community. It offers a great mix of a quiet suburban lifestyle and a bustling city atmosphere. With its diverse landscape, rich cultural heritage, and abundance of recreational opportunities, this county has something in store for everyone.
A strong economy, excellent schools, and a growing population make this area of the Inland Empire a great place to settle down and start a family. Now that you know more about Riverside County and its small but lively cities, you can find a perfect place to call home. Good luck!
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