Riverside: tell me the good stuff!!!! (Los Angeles, San Diego: real estate market, apartment complexes, rentals)

[ToMarchARB]

I will be working at March ARB and am planning to live in Riverside. I'm not sure where yet, it's just me and my animals and I'm hoping to find someplace to rent that is reasonable (under $1500) with a safe and nice walking neighborhood, with less than a half hour commute to the base.

I would love any comments, suggestions, recommendations on places to live, coffee shops, and friendly walking neighborhoods...also, does anyone know of a dog park in Riverside, or a place to do or teach yoga????

Yes, I know that CA has smog, crime, gangs, traffic, a high cost of living, etc...it also has mountains, beaches, open-minded people, gorgeous weather, golfing, and a sense of adventure, and I'm ready to go!!!

I am leaning toward Riverside since it seems like a city with history, personality, and more green (trees, etc.)

Thanks for any feedback!

[country pride]

Once upon a time, many parts of Riverside were livable, somewhat safe. These past few years Ive driven through there many times and it doesnt look too hopeful anymore.
We used to live right off of Blaine St, and my best friend and I would walk a block to the laundrymat there (we were one-car families back then) but no one bothered us. We'd go to that bakery together, and get our bread there. Heck, we used to do shows at some of the clubs in that part of town, too. But those clubs are torn down now, go figure. Last time we went to Winchells on University a couple of months ago, that area was scarey!
There might still be some decent areas, maybe near the Tyler part of town, but wait till you get some input from other posters, you never know! Also, you can read the Press Enterprise online, that can give you an idea what homes and rentals are going for, too. (PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California).

[Mel2882]

I posted here earlier but apparently it didn't go through. I wanted to say, that I'm not sure I would say that Riverside has more green or personality. I lived there for 2 years (just moved in July). On the plus side, you will have no problem finding a one bedroom apartment (or even a 2 bedroom) for less than $1500. Depending on what you would consider a safe, walkable neighborhood, I wouldn't say they are plentiful in Riverside.

[Beth56]

Originally Posted by ToMarchARB

I will be working at March ARB and am planning to live in Riverside. I'm not sure where yet, it's just me and my animals and I'm hoping to find someplace to rent that is reasonable (under $1500) with a safe and nice walking neighborhood, with less than a half hour commute to the base.

I would love any comments, suggestions, recommendations on places to live, coffee shops, and friendly walking neighborhoods...also, does anyone know of a dog park in Riverside, or a place to do or teach yoga????

Yes, I know that CA has smog, crime, gangs, traffic, a high cost of living, etc...it also has mountains, beaches, open-minded people, gorgeous weather, golfing, and a sense of adventure, and I'm ready to go!!!

I am leaning toward Riverside since it seems like a city with history, personality, and more green (trees, etc.)

Thanks for any feedback!

You might want to look into the Redland's area. It's known as the gem of the inland empire or something like that. It's a nice place. I don't know about the night life? but we stayed there a few months and its a cool area. Seems nicer than the surrounding areas.

[Force951]

I live in the area of Riverside just off the Box Springs exit of the 60. Its a nice area, the apartment buildings are newer , quiet, and i havent heard of any crime happening in the area. The best thing about it in my opion is that after around 5-6 pm every night the air cools down since we are on a hill and you get a nice breeze in that cools the whole place off. It is just across the freeway from the Moreno Valley Mall so shopping isnt far. Also it would only be about a 5-10 minute drive to the MAFB every day. The downside is that the 91-60 interchange can be really congested at times if you plan to go towards the beach, but they are in the proccess of fixing that problem. Rent is well within your budget as i pay a little under $1100 a month for a good size 1 bedroom.

[Guerilla]

I have always liked Riverside County. I have family that live in northern Perris, CA, and the area is real nice. Moreno Valley looked better though, but they like it. They say their home was cheaper since they are in Perris.

[Ruby-Red]

I've lived in Riverside my entire life (20+ years). There are definately lots of areas I would avoid. For starters, stay away from downtown living. Its okay to visit, but I would not recommend living there, its not the cleanest or safest area. Moreno Valley may be cheaper, but definately has its bad areas. The Orange Crest/Mission Grove area is nice and is really close to March AFB, you can get there without taking the freeway. Its a newer community so its going to be pricier. The neighborhoods are good for walking your dog. I'm not sure if there is a dog park in the area, though. You could also look into the Canyon Crest area. There are some quaint apartment complexes there, and the Canyon Crest Town Center has a nice cofee shop and restaurants. I hope I've helped. Best of Luck!

[Guerilla]

Another good thing about Moreno Valley/Perris is that you are only an hour and a half away from both Los Angeles and San Diego.

[collettearagon8]

Originally Posted by ToMarchARB

I will be working at March ARB and am planning to live in Riverside. I'm not sure where yet, it's just me and my animals and I'm hoping to find someplace to rent that is reasonable (under $1500) with a safe and nice walking neighborhood, with less than a half hour commute to the base.

I would love any comments, suggestions, recommendations on places to live, coffee shops, and friendly walking neighborhoods...also, does anyone know of a dog park in Riverside, or a place to do or teach yoga????

Yes, I know that CA has smog, crime, gangs, traffic, a high cost of living, etc...it also has mountains, beaches, open-minded people, gorgeous weather, golfing, and a sense of adventure, and I'm ready to go!!!

I am leaning toward Riverside since it seems like a city with history, personality, and more green (trees, etc.)

Thanks for any feedback!

Hi, I live about 30 minutes from Riverside, a town called Upland, Ca.....It is about the same rents as Riverside, but a much nicer area, There is dog parks where they can run unleashed, many fine shops and restuarants, On Thursday evenings they have an open Farmers market fair in Downtown Historical Upland, (really nice) there are mixed folks here, everone is real chill....hope this helps, If you do happen to look for anything more east of here you will be limited to what there is. Good Luck, CA.....

[LivingLikeAGradStudent]

The real estate market is a touch soft in the Inland Empire, so there are plenty of reasonable places to rent in western Moreno Valley and eastern Riverside that would be within 10-15 non-freeway minutes of the March area.