Top 5 Neighborhoods in Riverside, California, in 2025

Those who enjoy the Southern California climate and scenery often choose Riverside as a place to live. More affordable than Los Angeles, Riverside offers easy access to the infrastructure and entertainment of the larger city. With over 300,000 residents, Riverside is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and has a strong, supportive community where everyone feels welcome. 

If you are looking for a suburban yet convenient lifestyle, then this list of great neighborhoods in Riverside can help you choose the best area for your needs. 

Whether you want to move into a new home or purchase an investment property, we will help you better understand Riverside’s real estate market.  

Key Figures in the Riverside, California Housing Market

Types of Homes in Riverside, California

1. Canyon Crest

The history of Canyon Crest starts in the early 20th century, when the 200-acre citrus nursery was established in this area. The neighborhood has its unique historic charm, carefully preserved over the years. 

Canyon Crest develops dynamically, thanks to its convenient location next to downtown and strong infrastructure. As one of the most desirable neighborhoods, Canyon Crest offers slightly higher real estate prices than the city average. In 2025, the median home value is $666,634.  

43% of Canyon Crest residents rent houses, which is a significant sign of the neighborhood’s strong investment potential. 

• Architectural Landmarks. Historic buildings, such as the William Childs House, add character to the neighborhood, while gently reminding residents of Canyon Crest’s past. 
• Green Places. The neighborhood is incredibly green, thanks to tree-lined sidewalks and two large parks, bordering the Canyon Crest to the north and west – Sycamore Canyon Park and Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park. 
• Shopping and Entertainment Hub. The Canyon Crest Towne Center is the main attraction of the neighborhood as it offers retail and dining options for a variety of tastes. 
• Wide Choice of Housing. While the area was mostly developed in the 1970s, new construction continues to emerge. Buyers get to choose from established homes with mountain views, modern condos, and more affordable townhouses. 
• Proximity to Downtown. Canyon Crest is close to the employment hubs and the campuses of the University of California, Riverside. This makes the neighborhood even more attractive for students and professionals alike. 

2. Orangecrest

Orangecrest is a rather new master-planned neighborhood. Before the 1980s, this area was mostly agricultural, with citrus plantations located here. Later, the district was built with single-family homes on large lots. To this day, Orangecrest is popular with young families and retirees for its relaxed, suburban lifestyle with essential facilities just around the corner. 

Home values have grown consistently, demonstrating a consistent demand for property in this neighborhood. Now, the median sale price is around $770,000. 

• Public Facilities. Orangecrest features a couple of parks, highly rated schools, a community center, athletic fields, and playgrounds. 
• Driving and Access to Major Roads. Residents can easily access Interstate 215, which goes through downtown Riverside all the way to Los Angeles. However, public transport options in the neighborhood are limited, though several bus routes are available. 
• Spacious Houses. Lots in Orangecrest are typically larger than ones in other neighborhoods, offering open layouts and more space for outdoor activities. 
• Safe Atmosphere. A close-knit community where neighbors know each other contributes to Orangecrest’s overall safety, with crime rates lower than in 56% of American neighborhoods. 
• Modern Living. As the neighborhood is new, the houses, infrastructure, and amenities are up to date, creating perfect conditions for a modern urban lifestyle. 

3. Victoria

In the late 19th century, Victoria Avenue was established stretching from downtown to a citrus nursery in Arlington Heights. It was named after Queen Victoria, acknowledging British impact in the area development. 

Later, the Victoria neighborhood was centered around the avenue, carefully preserving historic landmarks, while adding new, modern construction. Over the years, the property value has remained stable, with median sale prices of around $660,000 in 2025. 

• Convenient Location. Close to downtown, the neighborhood provides quick access to employment, entertainment, and educational hubs of the city. 
• Landmarks and Sights. Historic locations create the unique charm of the neighborhood. The arch-styled Victoria Bridge, the Victoria Country Club, and the Olivewood Cemetery are examples of the area’s past. 
• Natural Surroundings. Victoria is an extremely green neighborhood with mature palms and sycamores. Moreover, it is within a short drive of the large Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, featuring hiking trails and recreation areas. 
• Upscale Amenities. Residents can enjoy a vacation-like lifestyle thanks to exclusive amenities at the Victoria Club, such as a golf course, a swimming pool, and tennis courts. 
• Real Estate Options. Although most homes in Victoria are single-family residences, housing options are much broader, including condos and townhouses. 

4. Wood Streets

Bordering downtown, Wood Streets began transitioning from citrus groves to a residential neighborhood in 1913. The area maintains its traditional atmosphere, supported by the cohesive layout and 1920s architectural styles. Mostly owner-occupied homes are well-maintained, and modern interiors along with beautiful landscaping add to property values. 

The median price is $615,000, with houses typically spending 25 days on the market. Additionally, a variety of luxurious mansions priced above $1 million are available in Wood Streets. 

• Educational Opportunities. Wood Streets features a number of public and private schools and is a few miles from the University of California, Riverside, and Riverside City College. 
• Culture and Entertainment. In the neighborhood, local events like the Wood Streets Annual Yard Sale take place, as well as citywide festivals. Thanks to proximity to downtown, Wood Streets provides quick access to the city’s cultural facilities, including the Riverside Art Museum. 
• Transportation Convenience. Residents can easily access Highway 91, which borders the neighborhood, and Interstate 215, located several miles north. These roads provide direct routes to Los Angeles, with the trip typically taking about an hour. 
• Beautiful Landscape. Views of Mount Rubidoux, leafy oaks, and the Santa Ana River are part of the natural scenery of the neighborhood. 
• Upper-scale Restaurants and Casual Dining. There are various eateries within the neighborhood to choose from, including both affordable and superior options. 

5. Arlington Heights

The greenest neighborhood on the list, Arlington Heights is still a semi-agricultural area, partly protected under the Arlington Heights Greenbelt. Housing here is less dense, and the overall atmosphere is more rural than in other Riverside neighborhoods. The residents value the privacy and natural beauty that Arlington Heights offers generously. 

Real estate here is more expensive due to the prestige of the area. Listing prices typically start at $1 million, and homes usually stay on the market for longer. 

• Community Feel. About 95% of properties are owner-occupied, and residents watch out for each other, encouraging strong relationships. Additionally, several fields for outdoor team sports help strengthen community ties. 
• Scenic Environment. The Arlington Heights scenery wouldn’t be the same without its signature feature – orange trees. The citrus groves preserve and continue the area’s agricultural heritage. 
• Luxurious Real Estate. For those who look for high-level housing on spacious lots, Arlington Heights offers a variety of options. Properties here follow diverse architectural styles, including the Mission Revival, Ranch, and Contemporary. 
• Transportation and Connectivity. Ten minutes from the neighborhood is the Metrolink Station, from which one can reach Los Angeles and locations within Orange County. 
• Recreational Opportunities. Trails for hiking and mountain biking, equestrian amenities, and sports fields, – residents have many options to choose from.  

Conclusion

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