Top 5 Neighborhoods in Riverside, California, in 2026

The article was updated in September, 2026.

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 more than 300,000 residents, Riverside offers a variety of neighborhoods and community amenities.

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.

Before choosing a neighborhood, compare your commute, preferred housing type, and total ownership budget. 

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

Five Neighborhoods to Explore 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 2026, according to Redfin, the median sale price is $748,089.  

According to RentCafe, 40% 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. Canyon Crest offers access to Sycamore Highlands Park and trails in Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, with the Box Spring Mountains nearby.
• 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 near the University of California, Riverside, making campus access a consideration for students and university employees.

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. 

Compare recent Orangecrest sales and price trends when evaluating the neighborhood’s housing market.

• Public Facilities. Orangecrest features a couple of parks, highly rated schools (Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, Martin Luther King Jr. High School), a community center, athletic fields, and playgrounds. 
• Driving and Access to Major Roads. Interstate 215 provides a regional connection, but it does not run to Los Angeles.
• Spacious Houses. Lots in Orangecrest are typically larger than ones in other neighborhoods, offering open layouts and more space for outdoor activities. 
• Safe Atmosphere. When evaluating safety in Orangecrest, review recent local crime data for the specific area you are considering. 
• Modern Living. Orangecrest’s suburban development began in the 1980s, so buyers should evaluate each home’s condition and updates individually.

3. Victoria

In the late 19th century, Victoria Avenue was established stretching from downtown to a citrus nursery in Arlington Heights. 

Later, the Victoria neighborhood was centered around the avenue, carefully preserving historic landmarks, while adding new, modern construction. Zillow’s typical home value in Victoria is $666,393 (August 2026).

• 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 $702,157, with houses typically spending between 40 and 60 days on the market.

• 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. For trips to Los Angeles, compare routes and travel times for your destination and usual departure time.
• Beautiful Landscape. Views of Mount Rubidoux, leafy oaks, and the Santa Ana River are part of the natural scenery of the neighborhood. 
• Dining Options. Compare restaurants in and around Wood Streets to find options that suit your tastes and budget. 

5. Arlington Heights

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. 

Compare current Arlington Heights listings and recent sales to assess prices for the property types you are considering.

• 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 Riverside–La Sierra station, from which one can reach Los Angeles and locations within Orange County. 
• Recreational Opportunities. Recreational options include hiking and mountain biking trails, equestrian amenities, and sports fields.

Conclusion

Riverside works well both for buyers who appreciate the historic character of its neighborhoods and for those who prefer a more rural setting. Home prices here run lower than across California as a whole, averaging ~$645,000 compared to ~$765,000 statewide (per Zillow), and as of this update, more than 700 homes are listed for sale in the city. Now is a great time to consider buying in Riverside, and AD Mortgage can help find the right mortgage program for your clients.

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