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 317,261 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $560,000 and average rents near $2,120. Commute times average 32 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (79% 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 317,261 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 29% White, 7% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 39% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
317,261
Density
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age
31.6
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
38.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
29.0%
Black
7.1%
Asian
7.6%
Others
56.3%

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 132.1. Median home values are around $560,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,120. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$560,000
Gross Rent
$2,120
Monthly Electricity Charges
$160
Auto Insurance
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$650
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
132.1
Grocery
108.2
Housing
152.4
Utilities
110.7
Transportation
118.0
Health Care
107.9
Miscellaneous
109.5

Crime

Is Riverside, CA a safe place to live?

Riverside is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 379 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 40. 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
379
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,497
Crime Index
2,876
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 264
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 40

Weather

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

Riverside experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 94°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 11 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 79% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
43°F
Max
68°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
94°F

Spring

Min
51°F
Max
79°F

Fall

Min
54°F
Max
84°F
Average Rainfall Inches
10.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
79%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $76,755 and a low poverty rate of 15.4%. Over 79% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 23% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 32 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$36,500
Household Income
$76,755
Family Income
$85,900
Per Capita Income
$29,600
Income Male
$43,100
Income Female
$33,000
Poverty Rate
15.4%
Non English Speakers
38.5%
Rent
$2,120
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Public Transport Usage
3.5%
Commute Time
31.5 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
79.2%
Bachelors or More
23.4%

Education

How are the schools in Riverside, CA?

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

Public Schools

Name
Polytechnic High School
Street
5450 Victoria Ave
Phone
951-788-7203
Students
2,800
Student Teacher Ratio
25.4
Name
Frank Augustus Miller Middle School
Street
17925 Krameria Ave
Phone
951-789-8181
Students
950
Student Teacher Ratio
23.5

Private Schools

Name
Notre Dame High School
Street
7085 Brockton Ave
Phone
951-275-5896
Students
500

Colleges

Name
University of California, Riverside
City
Riverside
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
26,800
Name
Riverside City College
City
Riverside
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
18,600

Healthcare

Riverside residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Riverside Community Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.0 per 1,000 people and 90.8% 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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage
90.8%
Health Care Index
71.3

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 55%. The market has seen a 3.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Riverside offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$560,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,120
Owner Occupied Rate
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.7%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.9%

DMV Information

Residents of Riverside handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Riverside. 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
6280 Brockton Ave, Riverside, CA 92506
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 317,261, median home value $560,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,120, commute time 31.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 79%.

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