Nestled along the Santa Ana River, this Californian community, better known as Riverside is considered to be one of the most beautiful places to live. Apart from its breathtaking views, astonishing green spaces and an abundance of things to do, the life in Riverside offers much more than just beauty – the perfect blend of a large number of amazing business opportunities and high-quality education make this community one of the best places to live in California. The locals enjoy the healthy mix between work and play, and there are numerous events and activities hosted by the community during the entire year. The community of Riverside is considered to be extremely family-oriented, and is divided into a large number of neighborhoods with many different housing options. No matter where you choose to move to, along the river or on the hillside, you will enjoy the comfortable Riverside lifestyle with an amazing climate all year round. There is a reason so many people call Riverside home, and are proud residents as well, and you can be as well, once you read this expert guide.
- The climate
The semi-desert Mediterranean climate of Riverside offers its residents with complete comfort during every day of the year. There are no distinct seasons, which is completely normal for California in general, however, the summers in Riverside can often get hotter than hot. Temperatures often reach above 100 degrees in the summertime, and the average temperature in August, the hottest month of the year, peaks at 93 degrees. The coldest month is December, and the temperature during this time of the year rarely goes under 45 degrees.
- Diverse Neighborhoods
There are more than 20 separate neighborhoods that make up the district of Riverside, and each neighborhood offers a sense of uniqueness to its residents along with diversity. There is most definitely a place for you in Riverside, with numerous neighborhoods that boast historic feel, some that offer the famous riverside life along the Santa Ana River, and some that offer breathtaking views as they are situated on top of the hulls. There are a large number of family-oriented neighborhoods that offer an amazing place to raise a family, along with some neighborhoods that offer the city-like bustle and are close to downtown. There is absolutely no chance that you will have a hard time finding a place to call home, as there are a myriad of diverse neighborhoods for you to choose from.
- Car Registration
Once you arrive in the area, you have exactly 10 days to get a California license. You need a license for a large number of reasons – filing property taxes, paying tuition at your school or even registering to vote. Once you arrive in Riverside, provide your documentation with your name, address, social security card and birthday in order to obtain a California driving permit. There are some additional fees you are going to potentially pay, which is why you should do the proper research regarding this process and make sure everything goes as smooth as possible upon your arrival. Consider placing this on your moving checklist.
- The Education
The schools in the eastern area of Riverside are a part of The Riverside Unified School District, that boasts 31 elementary schools, 8 middle schools and 9 high schools, while the students of western Riverside are taught by the Alvord Unified School District. The Alvord Unified School District has 14 elementary schools, 4 middle and 4 high schools. Riverside offers their residents and students an exceptional education, and most students further build their education at the University of California Riverside or Riverside Community College.
- Employment
Riverside is considered to be a community with the most careers in the entire area, with more than 10,000 newly employed people each year. There are a lot of amazing job opportunities, in both educational systems and government agencies, along with a lot of growing businesses that are looking for new employees constantly.
- The cost of living
Riverside is a community that is cheaper than most Californian areas, but the cost of living overall is higher than the national average. The median family income in Riverside is $68,000, while the median home value is considered to be around $180,000. If buying a property is not an option for you at the moment, Riverside boasts affordable apartments in the area, with the median rent around $900 per month. However, living in Riverside means that you will most definitely be receiving what you are paying for, with an abundance of activities, amenities and amazing views.
- Moving companies in Riverside
There are a lot of moving and storage companies in Riverside that are more than happy to dedicate their time in order to provide you with a relocation to Riverside. No matter where you are coming from, there are a lot of moving companies in Riverside to choose from. Consider gathering at least three moving quotes from multiple moving companies before settling on one. It is important to find reliable movers that are licensed and insured and know how to provide you with a quality relocation at a reasonable rate. Don’t go with the cheapest movers – look for quality and reliability instead. You want your items relocated in one piece, after all.
- Public Transportation
There are three large freeways in Riverside, with I-295 and State Routes 60 and 91 packed with thousands of commuters every day. There are also a lot of amazing public transportation options in Riverside as well, that will get you anywhere you need to be with ease. The Riverside Transit Agency offers local and regional services on 36 routes, and there are also a lot of discounts for seniors, children and disabled residents. The Riverside-Downtown station and Riverside La-Sierra station are also popular options for transportation among residents, and The Riverside Municipal Airport caters to locals who fly often, providing easy access to any place your heart desires.
- Culture
Something you will notice immediately, is that Californians highly value their rituals of becoming one with nature. The residents of Riverside love going on daytime strolls along the Botanic Gardens on California State University Riverside campus, as well as enjoying their outdoor recreation activities at the California State Citrus Historic Park and Mount Rubidoux Park. History lovers will enjoy paying a visit to one of the 13 museums of Riverside, while art enthusiasts will often find themselves lost in the numerous local art galleries with unique and rare art. If you need a place to grab a bite, some of the best restaurants in the entire state of California are located right here in Riverside, so there will never be a shortage of options. With easy access to everywhere your heart desires, you will not only be able to enjoy the beauty and fun of Riverside, but the neighboring communities easily as well.
- Conclusion
You’ll love Riverside as much as we do, and there is no doubt about that. Consider visiting our beautiful community before you make the jump and relocate here, simply to experience the community feel, culture and amazing climate – you’ll want to stay immediately. Research the crime ratings and find the safest neighborhoods in which you will feel comfortable in. The entire community will welcome you with open arms, no doubt about it, and you will also love calling Riverside home. We welcome to Riverside, and hope you enjoy your stay.