Riverside is a sprawling Southern California city located approximately 80 miles east of Los Angeles. Once a thriving citrus growing community, Riverside has become a major city -- the 59th largest in the country! What draws seniors to buy homes in Riverside? Warm weather is something that many enjoy. Winters in Riverside are mild, and while it gets warm in the summer months, it isn't quite as hot as nearby Palm Springs.
Affordability is another benefit to living in Riverside. Whether you are looking to purchase a single-family home or a condominium in an adult community, you will find a large selection of properties throughout the city in an affordable price range. The median house price in Riverside is $349,999 and you will find a variety of homes ranging from 3 - 4 bedroom single-family homes to condominiums to mobile homes in the Riverside area.
Riverside is made up of several distinct neighborhoods. In the midst of these you will find a historic, walkable and architecturally inspiring downtown with lots of shopping, art galleries and eateries.
Other features that make Riverside desirable are world-class golf, a variety of other outdoor activities, close proximity to transportation, airports and other major cities such as San Diego and Los Angeles. You are a short drive from beaches, lakes and mountains and there is plenty of shopping, dining and accommodations to choose from.
As for neighborhoods, some are more senior-friendly than others.
What makes La Sierra special? Seniors looking to move to this area will find numerous active communities, recreational opportunities, top-notch medical care and easy access to shopping, dining and green spaces. La Sierra is a "city within a city" and encompasses several gated and planned communities. In the center of the neighborhood is La Sierra University, and while this does make the area somewhat of a college town, senior residents will find that the University provides an attractive environment, with well-manicured grounds, an arboretum, an observatory and a major library.
You will find that you are close to three major hospitals, including Kaiser Permanente. You will also find the Skylinks Golf Course, the Van Buren Golf Center and Paradise Knolls Golf Course nearby for your golfing pleasure.
If you love a good mall, the Galleria at Tyler is there to provide you with an afternoon of premium shopping, dining and entertainment at the movie theater. Enjoy lunch at a variety of restaurants in the area, such as PF Changs and the Cheesecake Factory.
For senior activities and community, you have the La Sierra Park and Senior center in the vicinity. Featuring a variety of activities and classes such as fitness, swimming, art and computer classes, outings and community events, this center will no doubt be a favorite destination.
Helpful Neighborhood Statistics: The Arlington neighborhood has similar stats as La Sierra, as they are adjacent to each other.
Arlington is one of Riverside's most established neighborhoods, and is situated near La Sierra. The two neighborhoods share many of the same amenities, including hospitals, parks and schools.
You will find many homes, condominiums and apartments here in moderate price ranges, as well as parks, the Arlington Library and the county offices buildings in the Arlington neighborhood. Getting around Arlington is easy, with access to public transportation and many shopping centers, parks and facilities within walking distance.
Helpful Neighborhood Stats
The Orangecrest neighborhood is known as one of the best in Riverside. It has a higher cost of living, but it also offers a higher quality of life, with beautiful views, homes and amenities.
The population of Orangecrest is approximately 16,276 and the area encompasses 2.7 square miles. The median income in Orangecrest is $88,444, compared to the average in Riverside as a whole of $54,300.
There is a high percentage of newer homes available in Orangecrest, with most having been built between 2000 - 2004.
Orangecrest residents enjoy lush parkland, outdoor recreation and excellent dining and shopping. This is considered by many to be the most desirable neighborhood in the city.
Finally, the Magnolia Center neighborhood, considered to be Riverside's "second downtown" and a hub of shopping, civic facilities, cultural activities and more. The Riverside Plaza can be found in Magnolia Center, as well as the Janet Goeske Senior Center. You will also find the Brockton Arcade, a shopping center as well as a location for a variety of medical offices and professional suites.
The area is relatively small, only 2.64 square miles, with a population of 15,123.
Overall, Riverside offers much for retirement living options. With that said, Riverside is a sprawling city, and much of it is rural and spread out. Communities in the outskirts of Riverside are lovely, but aren't as easy to get around in, and don't have easy access to public transportation or community centers. Sticking close to the heart of the city offers you more options for shopping, and doesn't force you to rely on your vehicle to get from point A to point B. Neighborhoods like Arlington and La Sierra offer active seniors ample opportunity to network with other seniors. If you enjoy outdoor activities, they are nearby, particularly golf and neighborhood parks.
It's also nice to know that you aren't far from the coast, the mountains and recreational areas such as Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead and ski resorts such as Mammoth Mountain and Wrightwood. Riverside puts all the best of Southern California nearby without some of the higher price tags you will find in cities such as Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles.
