Located 60 miles east of Los Angeles is the historic city of Riverside. Home to 24 nationally registered historic sites and 100 city landmarks, Riverside was built around the citrus industry and is known for its sweet and zesty navel oranges. Riverside’s affordability, growing economy, temperate weather, scenic hills and valleys, and enviable location between the beach and the mountains make it a great place to live.
That said, living in Riverside isn’t for everyone. The large population, traffic, and urban sprawl might turn you off from the area. Luckily, there are numerous cities near Riverside that may better fit your budget and needs. Keep reading to see if one of these cities is right for you.
#1: Rialto, CA
Miles from Riverside: 10
Population: 104,000
Median home sale price: $565,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,700
Walk Score: 41
Bike Score: 27
Transit Score: 43
Rialto is a small city located in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire. The town is nestled at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains and is west of the city of San Bernardino. Rialto offers the charm and community of a small town along with the convenience of suburban life.
There are a ton of activities and amenities in Rialto to keep residents busy. Downtown Rialto is located on Riverside Avenue and is home to a variety of eateries, shops, and businesses. The Heritage Trail is perfect for a walk or bike ride and if you’re interested in the area’s history, be sure to check out the Rialto Historical Society Museum.
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Apartments for rent in Rialto, CA
#2: Colton, CA
Miles from Riverside: 10
Population: 54,500
Median home sale price: $447,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,863
Walk Score: 43
Bike Score: 26
Transit Score: 45
Nestled against the scenic San Gorgonio Mountains is the city of Colton, which encompasses approximately 18 square miles. Colton is known as the “Hub City” because it is a popular center for new business and employment opportunities in the Inland Empire area.
There is a lot to do for residents living in Colton. Here are just a few ideas: spend the day at the Colton Community Center, where you can swim, play tennis, and work out in the gym; play a round of golf at the Colton Golf Club. Shop at the Colton Plaza Shopping Center.; take a walk or bike ride through Heritage Park; go fishing at Cajon Lake. Visit the Perris Hill Park Observatory; attend a performance at the Fox Performing Arts Center; or have a picnic at Sycamore Canyon Park. The city also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Inland Empire Greek Fest on the Hill.
Homes for sale in Colton, CA
Apartments for rent in Colton, CA
#3: Moreno Valley, CA
Miles from Riverside: 11
Population: 209,000
Median home sale price: $540,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,102
Walk Score: 33
Bike Score: 26
Transit Score: 37
Moreno Valley is a relatively young city, only beginning to develop in the 1980s. It is now the second largest city in Riverside County. Moreno Valley is full of gorgeous outdoor attractions in this part of California, such as stunning lakes and mountains. In fact, one of the highlights of the city is the towering Box Springs Mountain, which can be seen virtually anywhere within the city.
There are plenty of activities to do while living in Moreno Valley. You can visit the March Air Reserve Base, go shopping at the Moreno Valley Mall, go hiking or camping at Box Springs Mountain Reserve, play golf at Sycamore Canyon Golf Course, see a movie at Moreno Valley Stadium 14, visit the Riverside County Fairgrounds, or go fishing at Lake Perris.
Homes for sale in Moreno Valley, CA
Apartments for rent in Moreno Valley, CA
#4: San Bernadino, CA
Miles from Riverside: 12
Population: 217,000
Median home sale price: $480,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,625
Walk Score: 45
Bike Score: 31
Transit Score: 44
San Bernardino is the second largest city in the Inland Empire region. San Bernardino is most famous for its connection to Route 66, one of the most iconic roads in the world. The city is so indebted to the road that there is an annual festival held in its honor. However, Route 66 is not the only thing happening in San Bernardino. The city is also blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. It sits at the base of the Southern California mountain ranges and is also close to the Mojave Desert.
There are many activities to do in San Bernardino, CA. For example, residents can visit the San Bernardino Zoo, go on a tour of California State University, or explore the city’s many museums. There are also several parks and recreation areas in the city, such as the San Bernardino National Forest, which offer a variety of outdoor activities.
Homes for sale in San Bernadino, CA
Apartments for rent in San Bernadino, CA
#5: Fontana, CA
Miles from Riverside: 12
Population: 213,000
Median home sale price: $600,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,537
Walk Score: 37
Bike Score: 27
Transit Score: 41
Fontana is a great city to call home. It is conveniently located near mountain resorts like Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, and Mountain High. Plus, the California Speedway – which hosts several small races in addition to two NASCAR races every year – is located in Fontana. Fontana also has a strong industrial presence, with companies such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Nestle having bottling plants in the city.
If you decide to move to Fontana, there are plenty of activities and amenities to keep you entertained. You can go hiking in the San Bernardino Mountains, fishing in the Fontana Reservoir, and horseback riding in one of the many parks. You can also visit the Heritage House Museum or the Auto Club Speedway.
Homes for sale in Fontana, CA
Apartments for rent in Fontana, CA
#6: Redlands, CA
Miles from Riverside: 15
Population: 72,000
Median home sale price: $603,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,025
Walk Score: 40
Transit Score: 53
Redlands is a city in Southern California near San Bernardino. The city is known for its beautifully preserved historic buildings from the 1800s. Redlands, CA, is a great place to live if you’re looking for quick and easy access to San Bernardino International Airport and Norton Air Force Base. The schools in the area are also top-notch, with the University of Redlands and the University of California San Bernardino being close by.
There are plenty of activities to do in Redlands. Top attractions in the city include the Kimberly Crest House & Gardens, the Redlands Bowl amphitheater from the 1920s, and the San Bernardino County Museum. No matter your interests, you’re sure to find something to do while living in Redlands.
Homes for sale in Redlands, CA
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#7: Corona, CA
Miles from Riverside: 15
Population: 168,000
Median home sale price: $756,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,422
Walk Score: 39
Bike Score: 19
Transit Score: 35
The city of Corona offers residents a diverse landscape, from bustling retail centers to unspoiled natural beauty. Its convenient location provides easy access to both the Inland Empire and Orange County. Add to that the abundance of Spanish-style homes and excellent public schools, and it’s no wonder Corona is a popular choice for Californians.
There are a lot of activities for residents living in Corona. The Santa Ana Zoo, Corona Heritage Park, the Corona Public Library, Corona Lake, the Fender Museum, and the Corona Farmers Market are all great places to explore.
Homes for sale in Corona, CA
Apartments for rent in Corona, CA
#8: Highland, CA
Miles from Riverside: 19
Population: 55,500
Median home sale price: $572,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,662
Walk Score: 35
Bike Score: 26
Transit Score: 36
The city of Highland is located in the Inland Empire of Southern California, nestled against the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains at 1,300 feet. Highland is primarily a residential community and offers a full range of affordable housing options.
With easy access to many parks, hiking trails, restaurants, and shopping areas, Highland is a great place to call home. The Highland Citrus Harvest Festival and the San Bernardino County Fair are just two of the many festivals and events that take place in Highland throughout the year.
Homes for sale in Highland, CA
Apartments for rent in Highland, CA
#9: Perris, CA
Miles from Riverside: 19
Population: 78,000
Median home sale price: $509,000
Average 1-bed rent: $725
Walk Score: 24
Transit Score: 33
With a population of just 78,000, Perris is a small city located in the Perris Valley area of Riverside County. Although it is technically a suburb of the larger city of Riverside, Perris has a much more relaxed and spacious feel to it, making it perfect for outdoor activities and a laid-back lifestyle. The city is also home to beautiful Lake Perris and enjoys a pleasant climate with hot summers and short, mild winters.
Perris is full of interesting attractions and amenities for residents to enjoy. If you love trains and all things related to them, you’ll be impressed by the Orange Empire Railway Museum. It has the West’s largest collection of railway artifacts, some dating back to the 1870s. For outdoor enthusiasts, quick access to recreational destinations like Lake Perris State Recreation Area, Lakeview Hot Springs, Mount San Jacinto State Park, and San Bernardino National Forest is a real treat.
Homes for sale in Perris, CA
Apartments for rent in Perris, CA
#10: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Miles from Riverside: 20
Population: 178,000
Median home sale price: $721,250
Average 1-bed rent: $2,312
Walk Score: 41
Bike Score: 22
Transit Score: 45
Known for being a city on historic Route 66, Rancho Cucamonga is located in Southern California, just south of the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The area was originally inhabited by the Kukamongan Native Americans, who established a village settlement near present-day Red Hill. The name “Cucamonga” comes from a Native American word meaning “sandy place.”
There are plenty of activities to do while living in Rancho Cucamonga. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are hiking and biking trails galore. For the more laid-back visitors, take a stroll through the many shopping centers and enjoy a meal at one of the delicious restaurants. If you’re looking for some fun for the whole family, check out the Rancho Cucamonga Epicenter, which has an outdoor amphitheater, a movie theater, and plenty of shops and restaurants.
Homes for sale in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Apartments for rent in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
#11: Ontario, CA
Miles from Riverside: 21
Population: 178,000
Median home sale price: $630,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,200
Walk Score: 48
Bike Score: 23
Transit Score: 46
Ontario, California, is a suburban city with a laid-back atmosphere and lifestyle. There are plenty of things to do in Ontario. For starters, you can visit the Ontario Mills Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the Inland Empire. There’s also the Citizens Business Bank Arena, where you can catch a hockey game or concert. And if you’re looking for something more outdoorsy, you can head to Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park or the Chaffey Trail.
Homes for sale in Ontario, CA
Apartments for rent in Ontario, CA
#12: Upland, CA
Miles from Riverside: 23
Population: 77,500
Median home sale price: $749,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,092
Walk Score: 48
Bike Score: 21
Transit Score: 47
Upland is a wonderful place to live in Southern California because of its stunning scenery and rich history. The city was established in 1906 by George and William Chaffey, and it has become a thriving community in the Inland Empire region. Upland is home to the world’s oldest and largest aircraft salvage facility, Aircraft Accessories & Instruments, and the annual Upland Lemon Festival. The city is also known for its gorgeous parks and trails, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
The city is home to the University of La Verne and the Chaffey College Upland Campus. There are also several parks and recreation areas, including the Upland Sports Arena, the Upland Memorial Park, and the Mt. Baldy Ski Area. There’s something for everyone living in Upland.
Homes for sale in Upland, CA
Apartments for rent in Upland, CA
Methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Riverside. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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