California / Riverside County

Moving to Riverside, CA

Thinking of making a move to Riverside, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Riverside, CA

Considering a move to Riverside, CA? This welcoming community of 318,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $560,000 and average rents near $2,050. Commute times average 31 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (78% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Riverside's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Riverside, CA

Riverside has a population of 318,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 33 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 45% White, 8% Black, and 9% Asian residents, and over 41% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
318,000
Density
4,700 per sq mi
Median Age
32.9
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
40.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
45.0%
Black
7.8%
Asian
9.2%
Others
38.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Riverside, CA?

The cost of living in Riverside is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 135.4. Median home values are around $560,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$560,000
Gross Rent
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
135.4
Grocery
117.5
Housing
158.2
Utilities
104.6
Transportation
122.8
Health Care
108.9
Miscellaneous
110.2

Crime

Is Riverside, CA a safe place to live?

Riverside is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 468 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
468
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,420
Crime Index
2,888
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 214
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

What is the weather like in Riverside, CA year-round?

Riverside experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 96°F and cold winters dipping to 42°F. The area receives about 11 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 78% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
42°F
Max
68°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
96°F

Spring

Min
52°F
Max
78°F

Fall

Min
55°F
Max
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches
11.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
78%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $82,500 and a low poverty rate of 14.8%. Over 82% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$64,000
Household Income
$82,500
Family Income
$92,000
Per Capita Income
$31,500
Income Male
$40,500
Income Female
$35,500
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Non English Speakers
45.2%
Rent
$2,050
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Public Transport Usage
4.8%
Commute Time
31.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
82.4%
Bachelors or More
29.8%

Education

How are the schools in Riverside, CA?

Riverside offers quality education options, with public schools like Martin Luther King High School and Poly High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of California, Riverside, Riverside City College, and California Baptist University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Martin Luther King High School
Street
9301 Wood Rd
Phone
951-788-7311
Students
2,300
Student Teacher Ratio
24.1
Name
Poly High School
Street
5450 Victoria Ave
Phone
951-788-7203
Students
2,700
Student Teacher Ratio
24.7

Private Schools

Name
Riverside Montessori Academy
Street
3666 Pacific Ave
Phone
951-683-8171
Students
180

Colleges

Name
University of California, Riverside
City
Riverside
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
26,000
Name
Riverside City College
City
Riverside
State
CA
Distance
3 miles
Students
18,000
Name
California Baptist University
City
Riverside
State
CA
Distance
5 miles
Students
11,000

Healthcare

Riverside residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Riverside Community Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center, and RUHS Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 90.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Riverside Community Hospital
Address
4445 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone
(951) 788-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center
Address
10800 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone
(951) 353-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
RUHS Medical Center
Address
26520 Cactus Ave, Moreno Valley, CA 92555
Phone
(951) 486-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
90.4%
Health Care Index
72.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Riverside, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $560,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 56%. The market has seen a 5.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.9%. Riverside offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$560,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate
55.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
5.1%
New Construction Rate
2.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Riverside handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 First Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Riverside, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Riverside, review the core fields on this page: population 318,000, median home value $560,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,050, commute time 31.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 78%.

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