The city of Riverside is often considered to be the birthplace of California’s citrus production; however, it is much changed from its humble origins. Named as 2012's Intelligent Community of the Year*, Riverside is the cultural and urban hub of the Inland Empire. Residents of Riverside have endless opportunities to catch live performances and check out a variety of museums and galleries. On any given day you can visit the Botanic Gardens at the University of California, Riverside, or plan a trip to the World Museum of Natural History and Riverside Metropolitan Museum and Art Museum.

*ranking from Intelligent Community Forum

While Riverside is considerably more affordable than many cities in California, the cost of living is still above the national average. However, depending on what neighborhood you live in, one-bedroom apartments in Riverside rent from anywhere between $750 and $1200 a month. Common amenities for most apartment complexes include pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, and lush landscaping. Currently, the city is working with Habitat for Humanity in creating single-family homes that will be available to low income families. On the city's Housing Authority website, an up-to-date list of affordable Riverside apartments can be found.

Eastside is the oldest neighborhood in Riverside and has the largest residential area. Many of these homes were built before the 1950s. The nearby Riverside Marketplace reminds current residents of the city's citrus history and is now home to offices, retail shops and restaurants. Bobby Bonds Park provides the neighborhood with a pool and many sporting fields for recreational activities.

Students of La Sierra University and the University of California, Riverside, will find both on-campus and neighborhood apartments in Riverside. The La Sierra neighborhood is a diverse neighborhood full of single-family homes and apartments that are great for students and roommates. This Riverside neighborhood is also home to a variety of retail and dining options. On the other side of town, the University of California campus makes up the University neighborhood. Nearby neighborhoods - Eastside, Canyon Crest and Hunter Industrial Park.