Downtown real estate in Riverside has it all: sprawling mountains on one side, the Pacific on the other, and plenty of sun-drenched orange orchards in between. This picturesque California town dazzles visitors with its historic roots, while residents find plenty of commerce, culture from the local colleges and universities, and charm to keep them in Riverside generation after generation. Despite the obvious appeal, downtown real estate is far more reasonable than many of Southern California's coastal havens (and yet, only a short 45-mile drive will have residents at the beach in no time, making this an affordable yet luxurious choice for Californians).
One of the biggest draws for downtown real estate buyers is the area's rich history. Riverside's old-world city planning dates back to 1870, resulting in smaller streets and central promenades that are uniquely walkable and well-suited to create a sense of community that only comes from knowing your neighbors. Alongside the California Craftsman, Mission style, and Beaux-Arts homes dotting Riverside's bright streets, you'll find more than a dozen historic landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places and plenty of local secrets tucked around every corner.
One of the most famous pieces of downtown real estate is the Mission Inn, which has hosted celebrities, politicians, and royalty since it opened in the early 1900s. The historic inn offers tours of its beautiful Mission style architecture, as well as fine dining experiences, holiday festivities, and plenty of green space and community events to attract tourist and locals alike.
History and film buffs will also love the Riverside Fox Theater, best known for premiering the popular classic film Gone with the Wind. After a major renovation in 2010, the intimate theater now brings special performances and shows to the area and hosts film screenings during Riverside's two annual film festivals.
And of course, no tour of Riverside's history is complete without visiting the California Citrus State Historic Park, which celebrates Riverside's part in cultivating California's booming citrus industry. In 1882, more than a quarter million naval oranges had cropped up in the area and the industry has thrived in the area ever since.
Even Riverside's most coveted downtown real estate is surrounded by plenty of green space and easy access to outdoor attractions. Residents can enjoy California's perennial summer weather while experiencing a hint of each season in this temperate town because some of the tallest surrounding peaks may see dustings of snow in the colder months. When downtown, residents can spend a day wandering through the UCR Botanical Gardens, which feature more than four miles of walking trails covered in unique flora and fauna that will delight and inspire guests.
Because downtown real estate is cradled by the area's mountain ranges, residents may also enjoy hiking and trail biking with ease. Box Springs Mountain is the tallest peak in the area and provides easy access for downtown residents to get outdoors. Similarly, Lake Mathews provides a scenic backdrop for many of Riverside's residents. Although the lake does not allow swimming or body contact to preserve its natural beauty, visitors can picnic nearby and stroll along the riverbank to soak up some of the region's most breath-taking views.
If the history and natural beauty of downtown Riverside aren't enough, there are plenty of local events and activities to keep you busy. Each year, downtown residents can participate in hundreds of community activities, festivals, and events, giving the community a close-knit feel well suited for family living.
Downtown real estate is within walking or short driving distance of some of Riverside's best attractions, including the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, Riverside Convention Center, Riverside Art Museum, and the Culver Center for the Arts. Gorgeous historic civic buildings and a bevy of local restaurants, shops, gardens, and fountains flank these celebrated attractions.
Annual downtown events such as the Riverside International Film Festival (RIFF) and Riverside Charles Dickens Festival are local favorites that bring culture to the heart of this city's main streets and give residents something to look forward to each year. The RIFF brings close to 130 films each year, showcasing the most cutting-edge independent filmmaking and educational documentaries in the industry, and the Dickens Festival celebrates literary luminary Charles Dickens with community plays, music, parades, and even costume contests.
Other events include the annual Long Night of Arts and Innovation, which occurs each October and showcases local, up-and-coming artists while promoting art and science curriculums and the Halloween-themed ghost tours that crop up each year. The holiday-themed Riverside Festival of Lights also occurs around the holidays at the Mission Inn. These family-friendly events create merriment for all ages year round.
Riverside is a unique town that brings people together over simple pleasures, making this town a perfect place for new families and Californian's looking for a more traditional community experience. Local access to a handful of accredited universities such as the University of California, Riverside, and several regional and community colleges provides a rich backdrop for students and young professionals who wish to stay in (or migrate to) the area. Downtown Riverside delivers a quintessential California experience, while upholding many of the charming values and traditions of days gone by.
