Moving from San Diego to Riverside

One of the most immediate differences you’ll notice when moving to Riverside County is the significantly lower cost of living, especially in terms of housing.

Compared to San Diego, you’ll pay up to 100% less for purchasing a home, and your overall living expenses could decrease by about one-third. Whether you’re renting or buying, Riverside County offers an affordable alternative without compromising California’s desirable lifestyle.

1.- Lower cost of living in Riverside: a Welcome Change

One of the most pleasant changes you will experience in your Riverside County home is a lower cost of living, and, in particular, a lower cost of housing. Less expensive essentials, including rent and mortgages, attract many people who find the high prices in San Diego (and Los Angeles) difficult to manage on their incomes.

Average Home Price: $450,000 (Riverside)

Rent: $1,500 for a 2-bedroom apartment

Compared to the rest of the United States, Riverdale’s cost of living is still expensive – About 31 percent pricier overall and about 68 percent more expensive for housing. However, compared to San Diego, purchasing a home could cost you 100 percent less, and your overall cost of living could be cut by almost one-third.

That means that if you are feeling overwhelmed by big city prices, but still want to enjoy the sunny and friendly California life, Riverside may be the best choice. Your money will go further, but you will not have to give up the best parts of living in the Golden State.

You may also interested in: Relocating to Bakersfield

2.- Riverside County makes the big city super accessible

San Diego’s pristine beaches and Los Angeles’ vibrant nightlife are some of California’s most popular attractions. In addition, these two cities offer everything from family-friendly museums to world-class healthcare, upscale shopping and dining to irresistible arts and culture.

When you move from San Diego to Riverside County, CA, you can enjoy easy access to all of these amenities, without paying big-city prices, dealing with big-city crowds, or worrying about big-city traffic on a daily basis. You can even make Riverside your home base while commuting into one of the big cities for work.

Thanks to Riverside’s central location, the life you want to is yours to create – Whether you love the clamor of the city or the quiet of the suburbs, need a break from expensive price tags without taking a break from entertainment, job and healthcare meccas.

3.- Music thrives in Riverside

Despite its proximity, Riverside is not a bedroom community for San Diego and Los Angeles. Instead, it is a thriving area with a rich history of its very own. Part of this history, which remains alive and well today, is rooted in music. Big names in the music industry, such as Curtiss King and Frank Zappa, started in the Riverside County area.

Today, this locale draws numerous important performers and concerts every year, while providing countless local venues where up-and-coming artists can make their name. Live here to discover live music almost every night of the week, enjoy access to incredible musical performances or even try your hand at breaking into the music scene.

4. Warmer Weather with More Sunshine

You may not think it possible, but moving to Riverside from San Diego will get you more sunny days per year (About 11 more, to be exact). Before you apply the sunscreen and hit the road, however, you should also be aware that with more sun comes more heat.

While winters are comparably comfortable, summer days in Riverside often get above 90 degrees, as opposed to San Diego’s more temperate 78 degrees. Dreaming of enjoying snow despite the California warmth? You can hit a ski resort in just about an hour and a half. Otherwise, prepare for snow-free warmth and sunshine year-round.

5. Riverside is home to abundant countryside

You may find beaches in San Diego, but you will find wide open greenery in the Riverside countryside. In fact, despite its proximity to some of California’s biggest urban areas, Riverside is known primarily for being an agricultural city, with abundant farmland and open spaces for residents to cultivate and enjoy.

These open spaces give Riverside, and the surrounding county, a small-town feel. Plus, they open up a world of recreational possibilities. Here are just a few of them:

• Hidden Valley Wildlife Area
• Golfing
• Rock climbing
• Biking
• Fairmount Park
• Botanical Gardens
• Hanger 18

6. Job Opportunities in Riverside

Riverside County has a diverse and growing job market, especially in industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Major employers in the area include Parkview Community Hospital and California Baptist University. Whether you’re looking for healthcare, engineering, or education jobs, Riverside provides opportunities without the competition found in larger cities.

• Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center
• Bourns (electronics company)
• Best Best & Krieger Law Firm
• Stronghold Engineering
• La Sierra University
• California Baptist University
• The Press Enterprise (Pulitzer-winning newspaper)

Discover many high-quality colleges in Riverside

Finally, Riverside is an attractive alternative to San Diego living thanks to the presence of many high-quality colleges and universities in the area. These institutions make it easy to pursue an excellent education while enjoying all of the sunshine and benefits of California life. Here are some of the most well-known in the area:

• University of California Riverside
• California Baptist University
• Riverside City College
• La Sierra University

Riverside County offers a close-knit community near all the advantages of the big city. If you are planning to relocate here from San Diego, the only other thing you will need for a smooth transition is an experienced California mover. Oakley Relocation is a woman-owned mover known for our local and long-distance moving services and the ability to deliver total customers satisfaction. Contact us today for a quote!