riverside
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If Riverside, California is on your list of next moving destinations, you are not alone. Tens of thousands of millennials have moved and settled here and hundreds are serious about packing their bags with families.

Riverside has turned into a hot destination for people who aspire to relocate to California but cannot afford LA or San Francisco. Living in Riverside has got many benefits; the same as in Sunshine State but with fewer downsides.

In the last decade, more than 21,000 people moved to Riverside, statistics state. And you know that this is not a small number.

How about knowing the city in and out?

Here’s our Riverside moving directory which is more of an encyclopedia of the city lying on the side of the Santa Ana River, from which it got its name.

Without wasting much time, let’s take a walk through the city details.

QuickFacts

Quick facts to know before you move to Riverside

 

Quick facts to know before you move to Riverside

  • Riverside got its name as it is located on the side of the Santa Ana River.
  • It is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and Riverside County.
  • Riverside is a part of the Greater Los Angeles area.
  • The city is the 59th-most-populous in the US and the 12th-most-populous in California.
  • The climate is typically Californian – cool winters and hot summers.
  • The Riverside area is referred to as a “smog belt” because of the serious air pollution.
  • There are plenty of outdoor entertainment options.
  • Riverside's economy is booming and jobs are plenty.
  • This is one of the safest cities in California.
  • The art and culture scene is diverse and vibrant.

Top 10 things to know before moving to Riversid

  • Air quality is severely bad in Riverside.
  • Riverside is more affordable than LA and San Francisco.
  • The weather is always warm here.
  • The population is highly diverse.
  • A 50-mile will take you to Los Angeles.
  • There are a lot of activities specially designed for children year-round.
  • Traffic is hectic here.
  • Homeless people are huge in number.
  • Riverside has many decent neighborhoods.
  • The city also boasts plenty of quality schools.

Is Riverside, CA a good place to raise a family?

Just 50 miles away from LA, Riverside is a part of the Greater Los Angeles area and home to many big companies that promise plenty of jobs. The cost of living is much lower than in LA and San Francisco and there are plenty of open spaces, parks, and landscapes. In addition, the population is diverse and the quality of education is higher. Aren’t these factors enough to call Riverside your new home?

Why are people moving to Riverside, CA?

Affordability is a major factor that draws people to Riverside. The proximity to LA is another major plus of the city. In addition, Riverside has a booming economy, plenty of jobs, good schools, and a low crime rate. All these factors drive people to Riverside.

What's the Population of Riverside, CA?

Riverside has a population of 314,858, which means 4,071 persons/sq mi. The city is the 59th most populous in the US and the 12th most populous in California. There are 91,932 households and the number of people per household here is 3.3. The median age in Riverside is 31.9. About 17.5% of the population lives below the poverty line in Riverside.

  • The total population of the city is 314,858.
  • The population is made up of 50.0% males and 50.0% females.
  • The median age in Riverside is 31.9.
  • The city population is made up of 31.1% White, 5.7% Black or African American, 7.1% Asian, and 2.6% from two or more races.
  • About 52.8% of the population is of Hispanic ethnicity.
  • The median household size in Riverside is 3.3 persons.
  • About 44.4% of the residents are married couples living together.
  • On average, 19.4% of the residents are single and have children.

How fast can you commute to Riverside, CA?

Before you pack the bags to Riverside, be ready to bear the heavy traffic. The roads are always busy and you will be stuck behind the wheel more in peak

  • About 74.7% drive their car alone
  • About 14.1% carpool with others
  • About 4.1% work from home
  • Approximately 2.4% take mass transit

What is the weather like in Riverside, CA?

As you are now serious about relocating to Riverside, it is natural to be curious about the climate. The city has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters. The average summer temperature is around 80 degrees while in winter the average temperature hovers around 55 degrees.

  • Riverside receives about 11 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. 
  • The city averages 0 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
  • The city receives some kind of precipitation, on average, 34 days per year in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Reasons

Top reasons to move to Riverside, CA

You may wonder why people relocate to Riverside in a big number. As per the record, more than 21,000 people have moved to Riverside in the last decade and this happened for valid reasons. So here are a couple of reasons to pack the bags to Riverside.

  • Good lifestyle
  • Thriving job market
  • Good public transport
  • Proximity to LA
  • Safety
  • Climate
pros and cons

Pros & Cons of Moving to Riverside

The pros
  • Population diversity
  • Quality education
  • Moderate climate
  • Booming economy
  • Plenty of jobs
  • Affordable cost of living
  • Plenty of open space
  • Closeness to LA
The cons
  • Poor air quality
  • Heavy traffic
  • Dry climate
  • Urban sprawl
  • High poverty rate
Neighborhoods

Best neighborhoods in Riverside, CA

A part of the Greater Los Angeles Area, Riverside has some amazing neighborhoods where you may consider renting a house in your initial days or buying one. To help you we’ve collated the 10 best neighborhoods you can filter out your pick. 

Rank Neighborhood Average Home Rental Home Value
1 Orange Crest $2,818 $621,734
2 Eastvale $2,965 $616,500
3 Mission Grove $2,243 $613,146
4 Victoria $2,384 $530,544
5 Canyon Crest $2,227 $609,680
6 Murrieta $2,150 $567,700
7 Temecula $2,222 $604,300
8 Woodcrest $2,617 $636,300
9 Wood Streets $1,675 $517,107
10 Hawarden Hills $1,739 $701,677

Cost of living in Riverside, CA

The cost of living is a major factor in making the final call on moving. Interestingly, Riverside is much more affordable than LA or San Francisco, the two major California cities. However, the city is 31.2% expensive than the U.S. average and 12.5% more expensive than the average for California. Here, the cost of living is 131.2.

Living Expense Riverside California National Average
Overall 131.2 149.9 100
Grocery 100.4 105.1 100
Health 87.3 98.3 100
Housing 177.5 234.8 100
Median Home Cost $590,700 $733,500 $338,100
Utilities 106.0 102.4 100
Transportation 146.1 133.1 100
Miscellaneous 112.3 118.7 100

How is the job market in Riverside, CA?

Riverside is a major economic center with a booming economy. The job growth here is 38.00%, higher than the US average. Construction, retail, health care, defense, and finance are major industries here If your reason for moving to Riverside is a job, finding a good one won’t be a tough ask.

To help you know more about the jobs in Riverside, here are a few job stats.

  • Riverside records a positive job growth.
  • Jobs have increased by 2.2% over the past year.
  • The average salary in Riverside is $76,755.
  • The unemployment rate in Riverside is 7.1%.

Let’s take a look at the simple breakdown of Riverside’s job market.

Indicator Riverside United States
Income per Cap $28,771 $37,638
Household Income $76,755 $69,021
Unemployment Rate 7.1 6
Recent Job Growth -5.8% -6.2%
Future Job Growth 38.7% 33.5%

Fastest Growing Jobs in Riverside, CA

Riverside boasts a diverse and strong economy that contributes to plenty of jobs. Here are the 10 fastest-growing jobs in Riverside:

Rank Job Title Average Salary Growth
1 Roofer $57,220 147.9%
2 Pipe Insulator $56,260 141.1%
3 Statistician $92,120 137.9%
4 Field Technician $47,240 133.9%
5 Software Developer $133,010 131.5%
6 Operations Analyst $103,160 130.8%
7 Nurse Practitioner $134,440 129.1%
8 Mechanical Installer $49,770 128.3%
9 Electrician $77,230 126.9%
10 Forensic Scientist $93,780 124.4%

Top career options in Riverside, CA

If you're considering a move to Riverside, it's good to know the top career options in the area. Here are the top-paying jobs in Riverside:

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary
1 Anesthesiologist $315,597 $167,000
2 Psychiatrist $254,972 $146,000
3 Gynecologist $240,938 $132,000
4 Clinical Sciences Professor $233,642 $127,000
5 Physician $225,889 $123,000
6 Professor $217,716 $123,000
7 Pediatrician $207,716 $133,000
8 Radiologist $195,332 $99,000
9 Chief Executive Officer $190,499 $107,000
10 Engineering Director $184,566 $119,000

Major Industries in Riverside

Riverside's economy thrives in various industries, making it an attractive destination for job seekers. Here are the prominent industries in Riverside:

  • Healthcare
  • Retail trade
  • Defense
  • Financial activities
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Construction

Best Companies to Work for in Riverside, CA

Riverside is home to several employee-friendly companies offering excellent working environments. Here are the top 10 companies in Riverside:

  • K & N
  • Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center, Inc.
  • Riverside Community Health Foundation
  • Bourns
  • Riverside Medical Clinic
  • Best Best & Krieger
  • Pacific Production Plumbing
  • Stronghold Engineering
  • La Sierra University
  • Provident Savings Bank

Average Salary & Income in Riverside, CA

Knowing the average salary in Riverside can help you plan your finances better. Here are the updated salary statistics:

  • Riverside’s average annual pay for average jobs: $76,755
  • Riverside’s average hourly pay for average jobs: $29
  • Riverside’s average weekly pay for average jobs: $1,732
  • Riverside’s average monthly pay for average jobs: $20,250
  • Riverside’s top earners (90th percentile) make: $131,000 annually

How is the housing market of Riverside, CA

The real estate in Riverside is affordable compared to neighboring LA or San Francisco, although it is higher than the national average. Here are some key points about the housing market in Riverside:

We’ve got a few housing facts that will help you:

  • Riverside’s median home cost is $590,700.
  • The median age of Riverside real estate is 42 years old.
  • The city’s home appreciation in the last 10 years has been 193.0%.
  • Renters make up 41.1% of the Riverside population.
  • About 2.0% of houses and apartments in Riverside are available to rent.

Average Rental Prices in Riverside

Here are the average rental prices for different types of accommodations in Riverside:

  • Riverside’s average rent for a studio apartment is $1,490.
  • Riverside’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $1,630.
  • Riverside’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $2,040.
  • Riverside’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $2,760.
  • Riverside’s average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $3,400.

What are taxes like in Riverside?

Taxes are crucial when you consider the salary as the cuts determine the amount you take home every month. Your salary may be fat on paper but what you take home is greatly based on the taxes the authorities levy here. And when you know the common tax cuts in Riverside, you will be able to determine whether relocating here will be a wise decision. 

  • Sales tax rate: 8.8% (US average: 7.3%)
  • Income tax rate: 9.39% (US average: 4.6%)
  • Property tax rate: 0.71%

Best Things to Do in Riverside, CA

 

Riverside offers a variety of entertainment options and attractions to explore. Here are the top 10 things to do in Riverside:

  • Spend time at Mission Inn
  • Hang out at Mount Rubidoux Park
  • Visit California Citrus State Historic Park
  • Catch a movie at Van Buren Drive-In Theater
  • Explore March Field Air Museum
  • Take a stroll at Main Street Mall
  • Appreciate art at Riverside Art Museum
  • Take a tour of UC Riverside Botanic Gardens
  • Explore Santa Ana River Trail
  • Learn about history at Riverside Metropolitan Museum

Safety in Riverside, CA

Ensuring safety is important when considering relocation. Here are the updated crime statistics for Riverside:

  • Violent crime rate: 28.7 (US average: 22.7)
  • Property crime rate: 46.7 (US average: 35.4)
  • Riverside is safer than 5% of US cities
  • Residents have a 1 in 193 chance of being the victim of a violent crime
  • Residents have a 1 in 29 chance of being the victim of a property crime
School

What are the top schools in Riverside, CA?

The city ranks high in education and if you are relocating here with the family, your child’s studies won’t be an issue at all. We’ve got a list of the best schools and colleges in Riverside for you. This will help you once you are in Riverside.

 

Here’s our list of best schools and colleges in Riverside

Contact Info

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