Riverside is located in Southern California and is part of the Inland Empire – Riverside, Ontario and San Bernardino. The citrus industry was birthed here several years after the city was founded in the 1870s. It was sparked by the arrival of Brazilian navel orange trees. The city was also the birthplace of the first polo field and golf course in southern California. It is the seat of Riverside County and sits comfortably beside the Santa Ana River, ergo its name, “Riverside.”

The city boasts several awards over the past two years, all for public service. A population of over 311,000 makes this the 12th largest city in the state. It has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, great year-round weather. Mass transit is one way members of the community get around via the Metrolink, a commuter rail system, and the city’s bus system equipped with natural gas, all in effort to reduce smog.

Riverside is home to the “World’s Largest Paper Cup..” The abandoned Dixie Corporation warehouse building sits right behind it. The “Dixie Cup” landmark stands over three stories tall. Another great landmark, which is housed in the University of California, Riverside is the UCR Botanic Gardens. It is cuddled in the base of Box Springs Mountains. Featuring 4 miles of scenic walking trails and 40 hilly acres of unusual and beautiful botany, this site provides great surroundings to study, take a walk or just simply relax.

There is always something to do in this magnanimous mountain-surrounded metropolis. Hiking, biking, organized sports, tennis, dance classes, kickboxing or jujitsu, training your dog or improving your craft are all activities available through parks and recreation programs. Golf courses are open year-round for your putting pleasure. If culture is your cup of tea, then cast your net wide over the city, because your catch will be plentiful.

The city hosts several colleges, universities, excellent primary and secondary schools, along with plentiful private schools from which to choose. It boasts a higher-than-average racial diversity.

Real estate is all-around reasonable, too. With 28 neighborhoods contained within Riverside’s borders, you’ll find something you like and can afford. A 1280 sq. ft. ranch with 4-beds, 2-baths can be had for as low as $61,000. How about a $125,000 3-bed, 2-bath single-family home with 1,568 sq. ft. reduced to $84,900? You’ll find it here. Newer roomy homes can be had for around $120,000. Beautiful 1-bed, 1-bath condos start at $80,000. There’s something for everyone in the real estate market here in Riverside.

Looking to live in an all-around great city? Click Riverside, CA Homes For Sale and MLS Listings to find your perfect home.