Best Neighborhoods in Riverside: Your Guide to the Best Places to Live Near Riverside, CA

Riverside is a sprawling Southern California city, equal parts historic and modern. The area is known for its iconic Mission Inn, citrus industry heritage, and the University of California, Riverside campus. 


From established homes in Northside to the friendly communities of Orangecrest, Riverside also offers a range of lovely residential areas. In this guide, we’ll explore Riverside's best neighborhoods, highlighting some of the top suburbs and communities in Riverside County ideal for those seeking new construction homes.


Summary:

  • Best Neighborhoods in Riverside, California

  • Best Suburbs of Riverside, California

  • Which Riverside Neighborhood Is Right for You?

  • New Construction Homes in Riverside, CA

  • Riverside Neighborhoods Conclusion


Best Neighborhoods in Riverside, California

Where’s the best place to live in Riverside, CA? With over 25 different neighborhoods and even more surrounding suburbs, Riverside has a lot of incredible places to call home. Although renowned for its historic landmarks, we’ve narrowed down our list to some of the best neighborhoods in Riverside with new construction homes: 

  • Lake Hills-Victoria Grove: This hillside community in Riverside County near Lake Mathews is the perfect place to call home. You'll find predominantly single-family detached houses here, with stunning Spanish-colonial architecture featuring clay roofs and neutral-toned stucco walls. The Riverside Unified School District proudly serves the area, and families can send their children to Lake Hills or Lake Mathews Elementary School and Hillcrest High School. Residents here also enjoy being close to Riverside's attractions. Castle Park is a favorite spot, offering a delightful carousel, live performances, arcade games, and tasty concessions. 

  • Woodcrest: A predominantly equestrian community, with many residences owning ranches and horses, Woodcrest has evolved from citrus groves to a mix of residential developments, such as the Oak Glen Tract and Woodcrest Acres, which helped shape the neighborhood.

  • Orangecrest: Consisting primarily of owner-occupied single-family homes, Orangecrest is known for its desirability and has become a popular choice with modern schools and public facilities. The neighborhood offers recreational amenities like Orange Terrace Community Park, Thundersky, and Bergamont neighborhood parks, with athletic fields, courts, exercise courses, and picnic facilities.

  • Northside: As one of the city's oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods, you'll find a diverse community of long-time residents and newcomers in Northside. The neighborhood has residential homes, office spaces, industrial areas, retail shops, and plenty of recreational facilities. When it comes to housing, you can choose from charming bungalow-style single-family homes with spacious lots that have been around since the 1930s or opt for the convenience and modernity of gated planned residential communities. Northside also has an abundance of parks, public facilities, and schools, plus amenities like Reid Park Pool, the Ruth H. Lewis Community Center, and the AB Brown Sports Complex are nearby. 


  • Summit Canyon: In addition to offering convenient access to local amenities and various commuter corridors, including the I-215, 91 Freeway, 60 Freeway, and I-10, Summit Canyon is near scenic hiking trails, such as Box Springs Mountain Reserve, with panoramic views of the city. 

Best Suburbs of Riverside, California

Riverside County is home to several popular cities in Southern California. Some may already sound familiar, while others may be new discoveries. Either way, these suburbs are truly among the top choices for anyone looking to find a new home in Riverside, CA:

  • Eastvale: Covering 13.1 square miles, Eastvale provides easy access to Riverside County and beyond. Once known for its dairy farms, the area is now a dynamic community with quality schools, beautiful parks, and a strong emphasis on family. Eastvale is also a thriving business hub and home to over 50 big companies, including an impressive Amazon distribution center. 

  • Menifee: A charming city with a rich history, Menifee is 10 miles north of Temecula and 30 miles south of Riverside along Interstate Highway 215. Originally called Paloma Valley, the region has deep roots dating back to the time of Spanish control. Over the years, Menifee has experienced tremendous growth, from the development of Sun City in the 1960s to Menifee Lakes in the late 1980s, attracting people with its beautiful residential construction, vast parks, serene lakes, and a wide range of amenities.

    • Lake Elsinore: Lake Elsinore spans 3,000 acres and is known for extreme sports like skydiving, hang gliding, and various aerial sports, thanks to warm thermal winds. Here, you can enjoy miles of trails, access to lake life, and many new construction homes with resort-style amenities.

    • Temecula: Endless adventure and relaxation await in Temecula. Immerse yourself in the allure of championship golf, take in the breathtaking views from a hot-air balloon, and indulge in the decadence of award-winning wineries spread across 3,000 acres of stunning wine country. Discover the heart of the city in Old Town, where historic buildings, charming antique dealers, and one-of-a-kind shops beckon you to explore. Savor the flavors of diverse cuisines in local restaurants and enjoy the excitement of special community events. For a thrilling escape, Pechanga Resort, a convenient drive south of Temecula, offers a gateway to gaming, electrifying boxing matches, and memorable concerts.

    • Ontario Ranch: Homes in Ontario Ranch include single-family homes and apartment-style condominiums, showcasing a blend of Spanish and contemporary architectural styles. Ontario Ranch also has local parks like Westwind Park and Creekside Village East Park, plus convenient shopping centers like New Haven Marketplace and Rodeo X Public Market.

    Which Riverside Neighborhood Is Right for You?

    Now that we’ve covered some of the best places to live near Riverside, which neighborhood is right for you? When it comes to the best area to live in Riverside, CA, whether you’ve got the entire family in mind or you’re looking for a quick work commute, we’ve got you covered. 

    Commuter-Friendly Riverside Neighborhoods

    Home to major freeways and big-time employers, Riverside is a great place to find the ultimate work/life balance. If living close to work is at the top of your list, enjoy these commuter-friendly Riverside spots:

    • Summit Canyon: With convenient access to major freeways like the I-215, 91 Freeway, 60 Freeway, and I-10, residents can access Riverside County's primary business hub and surrounding areas. Explore Pulte’s new construction homes in Summit Canyon, nearby.

    • Eastvale: With easy access to major transportation routes, including key highways like Interstate 15 and California Routes 91, 60, and 71, Eastvale offers convenient commutes for residents running errands and business professionals traveling to and from work.

    • Ontario Ranch: With a mix of stylish new homes, excellent community amenities, and a location near major highways, Ontario Ranch offers a commuter-friendly lifestyle for residents looking to live outside the city.

    Best Riverside Neighborhoods for Families

    If you’re seeking neighborhoods for your family in Riverside, you’ll find several welcoming communities with quality schools, numerous parks, and community events. Here are some top Riverside neighborhoods for families:

    • Lake Hills-Victoria Grove: This neighborhood offers a wide range of beautiful single-family detached houses and quality schools. Plus, there are plenty of parks, like Lake Hills Reserve Park, where your family can have fun and make memories together. Discover Pulte’s new construction homes at Haciendas at Highland Grove, right by this amazing neighborhood.

    • Orangecrest: This master-planned community features a wonderful blend of residential, commercial, educational, and recreational spaces. Whether you're looking for a cozy single-family home or want to explore the various retail spaces around our neighborhood shopping centers, Orangecrest can cater to your needs. Explore Pulte's new construction homes at Manors at Highland Grove. 

    • Temecula: Despite being known for golfing and wineries, the abundance of outdoor activities, proximity to family-friendly attractions, and community events make Temecula a great family-focused neighborhood option. Be sure to check out Pulte’s new construction homes nearby at Eagle Vista.


    New Construction Homes in Riverside, CA

    Explore Pulte’s selection of new construction homes in Riverside County, California. Every new home includes Smart Home technology, appealing amenities, and several design options to meet your personal lifestyle needs:

    • Haciendas at Highland Grove: This community offers a regional trail, a pool, spa facilities, a BBQ area, shade structures, a children's play area, and turf spaces. Residents have a private gated entrance in a secluded setting, along with parks, paseos, and captivating hillside views.

    • Compass at Summit Canyon: Residents can enjoy scenic hiking trails in Box Springs Mountain Reserve, providing a stunning city view. The community has multiple parks, play areas for family enjoyment, and convenient access to the immediate Riverside freeways.

    • Manors at Highland Grove: With private gated entrances, regional trails, a pool, spa, BBQ area, children's play zone, and green spaces, the community has highly sought-after amenities. The neighborhood also offers easy access to established local retail and entertainment hubs like the Galleria at Tyler, Downtown Riverside, and the Shops at Dos Lagos.

    • Villas at Highland Grove: This new neighborhood is the perfect haven for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle. Residents enjoy breathtaking hillside views, vast open spaces with parks and walking paths, and lower-density housing. Future amenities will include a sparkling pool and a well-designed community center. 


    • Pinnacle at Summit Canyon: This community is an ideal mix of fun and convenience. Great restaurants and shops are all within a convenient drive, and there are plenty of parks to explore and play areas for families to enjoy. Plus, getting to work is a breeze, thanks to easy access to major highways like I-215, the 91 Freeway, the 60 Freeway, and I-10.

    • Estates at Highland Grove: A gated new construction neighborhood with a regional trail, pool, spa, BBQ area, shade structures, and children’s play and turf spaces, Highland Grove offers a private and secluded setting as well as a strategic location with convenient access to established local retail and entertainment.

    Riverside Neighborhoods Conclusion

    Whether you seek the convenience of commuter-friendly spots like Summit Canyon, Eastvale, or Ontario Ranch or prioritize best-for-family areas like Lake Hills-Victoria Grove, Orangecrest, and Temecula, Riverside has a neighborhood to suit everyone’s lifestyle.

    In addition, Pulte’s curated selection of new construction homes, from Haciendas at Highland Grove to Pinnacle at Summit Canyon, offer a range of amenities and features to meet your needs and help you enjoy the home of your dreams. 

    Explore new construction homes in Riverside County, California today or browse more Pulte blogs. 

    Written By: Jordan Thomson, Orange County-Based Freelance Writer

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