Riverside, CA apartments for rent

Riverside — a city known for its affordability and convenience — is part of the Greater Los Angeles Area and offers proximity to San Diego and Los Angeles. Forbes ranked it the eighth-coolest U.S. city because it’s a fantastic place for families, young professionals and individuals looking for big-city amenities at inexpensive prices. 

How big is Riverside?

At 98 square miles, the city is roughly half the size of San Francisco and one-fifth the size of LA. 

Where is Riverside located compared to other cities?  

Riverside lies 60 miles from LA and 107 miles from San Diego, with both cities posing as fantastic day-trip destinations. 

What is the weather like in Riverside?

The city’s semi-arid climate offers hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. While typical Californian ocean breezes aren’t common here, average summer temperatures generally fall below the 90s, but can get as high as the 100s. Average lows during wintertime get to the 40s, while average highs are generally in the upper 60s.

What are the pros of living in Riverside?

One of the advantages to living in Riverside is the fact that it’s close to the hustle and bustle of big-city life, but far enough for its residents to enjoy a more affordable and laidback lifestyle. When compared to the likes of Los Angeles and San Francisco, Riverside boasts similarly warm, sunny weather. And, while it’s not within the vicinity of the beach, it is close enough for a weekend destination. 

What are the cons of living in Riverside?

What Riverside lacks in big-city nightlife, culture and amenities, it makes up for with better parking, lower prices, fewer crowds and less traffic.

Is it expensive to live in Riverside? 

Riverside is a lower-cost option when compared to expensive big cities nearby, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. 

How much does a meal cost in Riverside? 

An average, three-course meal for two in Riverside costs $50 in a mid-range restaurant.

How much do utilities cost in Riverside? 

Basic utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment cost $174.13, on average, including heating, cooling, water, gas and electricity. This is slightly above the national average of $160.19. 

How much does public transportation cost in Riverside? 

Local public transportation is a budget-friendly way to get around. The Riverside Transit Agency offers bus services for $1.75 per ride, while Metrolink offers a rail system running throughout Riverside, LA and the surrounding areas, with one-way tickets starting from $2.

Riverside Housing Statistics

Where to work in Riverside? 

Riverside is a fantastic place to live and build a career, and the city’s 30% population growth since 2000 attests to this fact. Despite the fact that many decide to commute to larger nearby cities, Riverside has fantastic employment options of its own, mostly within the government, manufacturing and education fields. The city has a rich history in the agricultural sector, being responsible for the birth of the citrus industry in the country after the first seedless oranges were planted here in the late 1800s.

What is the Riverside school system like? 

Two public school districts serve the city and are complemented by more than half a dozen private schools. Riverside is also home to a high school for the deaf, while another caters to Native American students.  

What are the top colleges in Riverside?

California Baptist University; the University of California, Riverside; and California Southern Law School are some of the top colleges in the city. Those willing to commute will enjoy access to a handful of other great universities, such as UCLA and the University of Southern California.

Riverside Employment Statistics

Riverside Education Statistics

Riverside Household Statistics

What outdoor attractions are there in Riverside?

Mount Rubidoux Park and the California Citrus State Park offer ample outdoor opportunities, including whitewater rafting for those more adventurous at heart. 

What sports activities are there to do in Riverside?

The golf courses located near Riverside are a fantastic choice for those looking to get in a quick nine or 18 holes. 

What cultural attractions are there in Riverside?

Fox Performing Arts Center, March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum and Riverside National Cemetery are some of the city’s top attractions for culture and history buffs. 

What family attractions are there in Riverside? 

The Cove Waterpark is ideal for families with small children, while the Van Buren Drive-In Theatre is perfect for a little old-fashioned family fun. 

What events is Riverside known for? 

Boasting more than 5 million lights on display, the annual Festival of Lights in Riverside is ranked among the best light shows in the U.S. 

What sports teams play in Riverside? 

Despite not having any pro sports teams of its own, Riverside’s proximity to big cities, such as San Diego and Los Angeles, offer fantastic opportunities to check out the games of the Los Angeles Lakers, the LA Dodgers or the San Diego Chargers.

What to know about renting in Riverside?

Landlords in Riverside are forbidden from charging a security deposit more than two times the rental price. The only exception to this rule is if the apartment is furnished. Security deposits need to be returned within 21 days after the tenant moves out. Regarding the increase of rent, there are no strict limits as to how and when landlords can raise it in the state of California. However, they are required to provide tenants with 30 days’ notice if it increases less than 10%, or 60 days’ notice if the increase is more than 10%.