RIVERSIDE COUNTY
County Offices
4080 Lemon Street
Riverside 951-955-1000
www.countyofriverside.us
Chamber of Commerce
3985 University Avenue
Riverside 951-683-7100
www.riverside-chamber.com
Services
Boasting a thriving economy, Riverside County’s service sector has managed to keep pace with the rapid population growth to ensure an unparalleled quality of life for area residents. Skilled professionals in every specialty and discipline are available in clinics, medical centers, and hospitals to provide state-of-the-art healthcare. Facilities include the prestigious Loma Linda University Community Medical Center, the Riverside County Regional Medical Center, and the renowned Corona Regional Medical Center and Rehabilitation Hospital. Numerous freeways and parkways ensure efficient transportation within the Inland Empire and the outlying metropolitan centers. The Ontario International Airport provides area residents with convenient access to all major U.S. cities with service on most domestic air carriers.
An excellent network of public and private schools enable students to develop their intellectual and personal potential for a lifetime of learning and productive participation in a highly competitive and rapidly changing world. In addition to vocational and career training and two-year colleges, the opportunities for higher education are virtually unlimited. Riverside County residents have access to four quality community college districts, each one offering a variety of degree programs, college track programs, certifications, and continuing education courses. Also close to home are the University of California-Riverside, California State University-San Bernardino, and the University of Redlands.
Quality of Life
While most of the Inland Empire basks in abundant sunshine, alpine recreation areas may see up to 60 inches of snow each year. With such diversity in terrain and climate, residents are provided with a seemingly endless array of scenic beauty and outdoor activities. The vast opportunities for individual and family fun include water slides, amusement centers, world-class golf courses, fishing streams, shimmering lakes, botanical gardens, and miles of cycling paths. Throughout the region, newcomers will discover an array of colorful events, celebrations, and festivals that bring neighbors and entire communities together for days of entertainment. For sun and surf in California’s golden sunshine, the Pacific Coastline or exquisite desert resorts are always a short drive from home. The more adventurous residents enjoy snow skiing, skydiving, horseback riding, and hot air ballooning.
Parks are abundant and equipped with ballfields, tennis courts, sports facilities, playgrounds, swimming pools, or skating areas. The local Parks and Recreation Departments tend to be well-organized and very active in community life, offering many activities and classes for all age groups. A shopper’s paradise, the region is brimming with treasures ranging from antiques and collectibles to brand name fashions and designer outlets. Whether you prefer international dishes or fresh seafood, all tastes can be ultimately satisfied by Riverside County’s endless array of bistros, cafes, delis, and restaurants. With its horse properties and small farms, master-planned communities and quiet neighborhoods, Riverside County has just the right home for every taste and budget.
Banning
Municipal Offices
951-922-3105
www.ci.banning.ca.us
Chamber of Commerce
951-849-4695
www.banningchamber.net
Rich with history of the old west, Banning is known as “Stagecoach Town, U.S.A.” The city honors its colorful heritage yearly with the celebration of Stagecoach Days, including a parade, carnival, and rodeo. Today, the City of Banning is a full service municipal government that owns and operates its own electric and water utilities. The community offers an airport, local police and fire protection, wastewater treatment, municipal bus service, infrastructure maintenance and improvements, as well as numerous programs for the youth and residents of all ages.
Banning’s residents appreciate the city’s 198 acres of parks, the lighted tennis courts, swimming pool, senior center, baseball diamonds, picnic shelters, community center, the two recreational centers, and equestrian center. The cultural community is highlighted by an amphitheater that allows residents to enjoy outdoor plays and concerts.
Beaumont
Municipal Offices
951-769-8520
https://www.beaumontca.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
951-845-9541
www.beaumontcachamber.com
Located just 77 miles east of Los Angeles in the San Gorgonio Pass of Western Riverside County, Beaumont enjoys an excellent year-round climate with more than 300 days of sunshine. With its clean environment, open space, and small-town lifestyle, Beaumont takes great pride in its old-fashioned community values. Residents work together towards a pleasing community where families aspire to live, work, and raise their children. Strong civic pride combines with cooperation between social, business, religious, and government organizations to make the “City of Antiques” a town that people are proud to call home.
Within its refreshing rural setting, Beaumont enjoys growing labor and real estate markets supported by an aggressive economic development strategy. The city is committed to continuously improving both the economic and social environment. Beaumont’s industrial locations will benefit form a new rail spur bringing the railroad back into prominence and providing access to Union Pacific tracks and the Port of Long Beach.
Blythe
Municipal Offices
760-922-6161
www.cityofblythe.ca.gov
Chamber of Commerce
760-922-8166
www.blytheareachamberofcommerce.com
Agriculturally based and heavily impacted by tourism, Blythe is located along the Colorado River along the California-Arizona border. With an abundance of sunshine, 360 days a year, and warm temperatures, water recreation on the Colorado River is a popular pastime. Ideally located at the junction of Interstate 10 and US 95, Blythe is easily accessible to many large cities and resorts: Palm Springs (117 miles), Las Vegas (207 miles), Phoenix (150 miles), and Los Angeles (222 miles).
Housing in Blythe tends to be affordable, particularly when compared to Greater Los Angeles communities, and developers are satisfying the needs of the growing population with new residential options from multi-family to single-family housing. In addition to the local Palo Verde Unified School District, Blythe is also home to two private schools and the Palo Verde Community College.
Calimesa
Municipal Offices
909-795-9801
www.cityofcalimesa.net
Chamber of Commerce
951-683-7100
www.riverside-chamber.com
Calimesa is located in the eastern quadrant of the Inland Empire, but the western portion of Riverside County. Bisected by Interstate 10, Calimesa has easy access to the rest of the Inland Empire. Sharing the region’s moderate temperatures, the area boasts warm summers and mild winters. The yearly rainfall average is only 10.9 inches; temperatures in the daytime average 91 degrees in August and 69 degrees in January.
The city’s goal is to maintain a rural atmosphere with controlled, upscale development, providing for a tranquil countryside community. The educational system includes the Yucaipa/Calimesa Joint Unified School District and the Beaumont Unified School District; as well as the Mesa Grande Seventh Day Adventist Academy, a private elementary and secondary school. Numerous higher learning institutes surround Calimesa include the Loma Linda University, California State San Bernardino, the University of California Riverside, and the University of Redlands.
Canyon Lake
Municipal Offices
951-244-2955
www.cityofcanyonlake.org
Chamber of Commerce
951-683-7100
www.riverside-chamber.com
Canyon Lake is one of the more affluent communities within Riverside County. Residents of Canyon Lake enjoy a strong economic base and the opportunity to own property that exceeds the value of comparable real estate within the subregion. Within this community of mainly detached, single-family dwellings, many affluent residents maintain their permanent homes elsewhere. Almost the entire city is contained within a gated community area, and most recreational facilities are also private.
Here, residents enjoy the use of traditional neighborhood parks, campgrounds, beaches, sports fields, trails, dock areas, an amphitheater, equestrian center, lodge and country club. Open space accounts for 46 percent of this active community. Four schools in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District serve Canyon Lake’s K-12 students. Area youth also have the opportunity to enroll in one of the district’s magnet schools as space becomes available.
Cathedral City
Municipal Offices
760-770-0340
www.cathedralcity.gov
Chamber of Commerce
760-347-0676
http://gcvcc.org
In 1850 Colonel Henry Washington of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discovered that this area’s canyons resembled the interior of a grand cathedral. Thus, early developers called the area’s first subdivision Cathedral City. The city has since dedicated itself to providing a quality lifestyle and business climate to those here now and in the future. The epitome of Southern California living, Cathedral City is known for its friendly neighborhoods, lush country clubs, diverse shopping, and unlimited business potential. The area strikes a perfect balance of lifestyles that encompass small town, urban, and desert resort.
Cathedral City has four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Also located here is the College of the Desert, an accredited community college with a variety of degree programs. Residents also have access to satellite campuses for such Inland Empire institutions as San Bernardino University, Chapman University, and California State University. Just 60 minutes from home are the University of California at Riverside, University of Redlands, and the Claremont Colleges.
Coachella
Municipal Offices
760-398-3502
www.coachella.org
Chamber of Commerce
951-683-7100
www.riverside-chamber.com
The City of Coachella is located on the eastern edge of the Coachella Valley. A rural community of young families, the area claims an economy driven by agriculture. The city and the surrounding smaller communities of Thermal and Mecca are surrounded by over 70,000 acres of farmland irrigated by the Colorado River through an elaborate canal system. This fertile land manages to produce some of California’s most plentiful crops of lemons, oranges, avocados, figs, and persimmons. The majority of residents work on farms or in one of several vegetable processing and packing plants.
Coachella’s Parks and Recreation Department runs several pools, a community center, a youth center and organized sports. Families also have the use of four city parks. Students of Coachella attend one of the Coachella Valley Unified School District’s 12 elementary schools as well as Coachella Valley High School. Residents benefit from the use of adult education facilities.
Corona
Municipal Offices
951-736-2201
www.coronaca.gov
Chamber of Commerce
951-737-3350
www.mychamber.org
Situated at the mouth of the Santa Ana Canyon, the City of Corona is a fast growing community due to the outward movement of people from Orange County. This migration has made Corona, known as the “Green Garden City,” an ethnically diverse place where young, well-educated couples are raising children. Often, residents are commuters to bustling coastal-area employment centers. A haven for young families, the homes are primarily single-family, detached dwellings. Corona’s healthy economy has allowed the community to focus its resources on education, parks, and law enforcement.
Corona’s youth attend schools within the Corona-Norco Unified District. Here, students are achieving a higher graduation rate than the California average and consistently rank above the average for Riverside County on SAT and ACT scores. A total of twelve private and public colleges and universities are within a half-hour drive for those students who desire a continued education. Corona’s youthful citizens also take advantage of the vast acreage of lush city, regional, and neighborhood parks. Boating, fishing, and other activities are available at nearby Lake Perris and Lake Elsinore State Parks. Corona continues to develop as a prosperous family community with a solid financial base, good schools, and beautiful community parks.
Desert Hot Springs
Municipal Offices
760-329-6411
www.cityofdhs.org
Chamber of Commerce
https://gcvcc.org/desert-hot-springs/
Nestled in the heart of Southern California’s Coachella Valley, in the shadows of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, Desert Hot Springs is a jewel in the desert. Marked by its sense of wilderness, resorts, and spas, the city boasts breathtaking “Best in the valley” views, fresh air, and cool summers. The famed water of Desert Hot Springs is known for being sparkling and delicious out of the tap, as well as hot and healing out of the ground. As a bedroom community of affordable homes and scenic desert getaways, Desert Hot Springs offers the finest of luxurious desert living.
Hot Springs Park, probably the most treasured of the cities three parks, is literally an oasis in the desert. Active residents also make use of the several public golf courses, tennis courts, and miles of hiking and bridle trails throughout the unspoiled desert and scenic mountains skirting the city. The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a nearby nature park that boasts over 4,500 wildlife-rich acres.
Hemet
Municipal Offices
951-765-2300
https://www.hemetca.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
951-658-3211
http://hemetsanjacintochamber.com
In a valley at the foot of Mount San Jacinto, just 35 miles southeast of Riverside, lies the City of Hemet. First inhabited by the Cahuilla Indian Tribe, the area became a prime agricultural and trading center. Today, Hemet is becoming home to a growing number of young families who are seeking a retreat from the urbanized centers of Southern California. Here, the public sector is responsible for many of the employment opportunities, including Hemet Valley Hospital District and the Metropolitan Water District. The city has recently experienced a drop in the median age, so the construction of new entry-level homes is on the rise.
Each spring since 1923, Hemet has hosted the celebrated Ramona Pageant. At this outdoor extravaganza, citizens of Ramona and San Jacinto stage a dazzling production in order to honor the area’s rich heritage and promote the Valley. The town shares an active chamber of commerce with the City of San Jacinto.
Idyllwild
County Offices
951-955-1000
www.idyllwild.com
Chamber of Commerce
951-659-3259
www.idyllwildchamber.com
The mountainside community of Idyllwild is situated in unincorporated Riverside County, sharing a scenic location in the San Jacintos with the adjacent alpine communities of Pine Cove, Fern Valley, Mountain Center, and Garner Valley. Residents enjoy a serene lifestyle and the friendliness of a small-town atmosphere in an area filled with tall pines, aromatic cedars, and legendary rock formations. Visitors and residents alike enjoy rock climbing, hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, and nature study. At the same time, Idyllwild is well known as an arts town and listed as one of the “100 Best Art Towns in America.”
Indian Wells
Municipal Offices
760-346-2489
www.cityofindianwells.org
Chamber of Commerce
760-346-7095
http://indianwellschamber.com
The amenities found in the City of Indian Wells are seemingly endless. The city is proud to showcase its beautiful weather, fine dining, and exclusive shopping. Athletes enjoy the championship golf at the Golf Resort at Indian Wells and Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, unrivaled tennis facilities, as well as fitness clubs and health-spa pampering. One hundred years ago, Indian Wells was a stop on the Bradshaw stage line. Today, the city takes great pride in preserving and beautifying the former trail. All overhead utility lines have been placed underground, all frontage roads have been removed and the city is now lush with grassy hills and date palms.
Known as “The Desert’s Financial Center,” Indian Wells Plaza, located on Highway 111, is home to Merrill Lynch, First Community Bank, and Marynov Madsen Gordon Campbell CPA. The private banking divisions of Union Bank, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo Bank are located at the nearby Wall Street West professional offices. Indian Wells is eager for more brokerage, accounting, and banking firms to build and settle within the city. The city is also home to a beautiful shopping center with decorative tile, breezeways, and fountains. Indian Wells offers a progressive, affluent residential haven as well as a city that values recreation and leisure.
Indio
Municipal Offices
760-391-4000
www.indio.org
Chamber of Commerce
760-347-0676
http://gcvcc.org
The largest of the eight cities that make up the Palm Springs Desert Resorts area, Indio is 125 miles east of Los Angeles. Nestled in eastern Coachella Valley, Indio enjoys views of the San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, and Little San Bernardino Mountains that cradle the community. The abundant sunshine ensures a warm, dry desert climate. With a wintertime average temperature ranging from the mid to high 70s, the Palm Springs Desert Resorts area is home to 90 premier golf courses and 6,000 tennis courts. Indio also serves as the Riverside County governmental hub within the Coachella Valley.
From its roots as a stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad, the area welcomed its first date shoots in 1886. Today, Indio is distinguished as the largest producer of dates in the Western World, responsible for 95 percent of the nation’s date crops. The National Date Festival celebrates the date harvest, drawing 275,000 visitors annually. Indio also hosts two Native American Pow Wows, the Southwest Arts Festival, Riverside County Fair, and the International Tamale Festival. Home to the Eldorado and Empire Polo Clubs, Indio is known as the “City of Festivals” and also as the “Polo Capital of the West.”
Lake Elsinore
Municipal Offices
951-674-3124
www.lake-elsinore.org
Chamber of Commerce
951-245-8848
http://lakeelsinorechamber.com
This historic community is located in Southwest Riverside County along the expanding Interstate 15 corridor. With a close proximity to the Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, and San Diego markets, Lake Elsinore is home to a wide range of successful manufacturing and retail businesses. Employers include Mastercraft boats, Heritage Brewing, Foam Works, Thermal Electronics, and Wieland Precision Machine, Inc. Lake Elsinore offers quality housing from entry-level to executive homes and elegant estates.
Boasting the largest natural lake in Southern California, the area offers water-related sports and recreation in the year-round warm temperatures. The area also includes world famous air sport opportunities, hiking and camping in the Cleveland National Forest, and the top rated minor league baseball facility in the nation, Diamond Stadium—home of the Lake Elsinore Storm. Shoppers will find paradise in the 100-store Lake Elsinore Outlet Center and the Historic Downtown District’s unique restaurants and quaint antique shops.
La Quinta
Municipal Offices
760-777-7000
www.laquintaca.gov
Chamber of Commerce
760-347-0676
http://gcvcc.org
A community nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the City of La Quinta is 30 minutes from Palm Springs in the picturesque Coachella Valley. Known as the “Gem of the Desert,” La Quinta enjoys abundant sunshine and low humidity, inviting golf and tennis enthusiasts to enjoy the city’s superb recreation facilities. PGA West, located in La Quinta, has been internationally recognized as one of the world’s most magnificent resort communities and host of many national and professional events.
With small-town friendliness and sweeping desert views, La Quinta is a peaceful and relaxing community. Listed as one of California’s fastest growing cities, housing development in the area is keeping pace. New housing is available and ranges in price from entry level to million dollar plus homes. The city also offers a wide range of established housing, condominiums, and town homes.
Moreno Valley
Municipal Offices
951-413-3000
www.moval.org
Chamber of Commerce
951-697-4404
www.movalchamber.org
Residents of lush Moreno Valley will find themselves a short one-hour drive from the mountains, the desert, and the ocean. Located between Palms Springs and Los Angeles, Moreno Valley sits among towering local mountains near sparkling Lake Perris. The March Air Reserve Base, a former active base constructed in 1918, has greatly influenced the Valley’s growth and remains the site of prosperous public and private development. Transportation efficiencies are part of the attraction to the community. Freeways 215 and 60 intersect on the Valley’s western border, providing easy access to other quadrants of Southern California.
The city lives up to its motto “first in Family Recreation,” with acres of developed parks, nearby mountains and deserts, and the beautiful Lake Perris Recreation Area. Popular lake sports include boating, swimming, fishing, and waterskiing. Moreno Valley is comprised of mostly young families who own their own home. With an average of two children per family, the community has two public school districts and a campus for the Riverside Community College. New residents of Moreno Valley will discover an abundance of amenities, affordable housing, open spaces, retail centers, social and cultural activities, and a growing commercial base.
Murrieta
Municipal Offices
951-304-2489
www.murrietaca.gov
Chamber of Commerce
951-677-7916
www.murrietachamber.org
Named after the Spanish immigrant Don Juan Murrieta, who was the first to settle among the green grasses, tall oak trees, and sycamore-lined creeks, Murrieta’s natural beauty lends to its nickname, “Gem of the Valley.” Home to just 542 residents in 1970, the population of the city has exploded in recent years as people are drawn to the scenic landscape. Newcomers will find a family-friendly atmosphere of tree-shaded neighborhoods and convenient urban amenities.
The area’s natural hot springs draw residents and visitors seeking refuge and relaxation. Murrieta has nearly 20 parks sprawling over 533 acres. Park amenities range from swimming pools, sports fields, and tennis courts to horseshoe pits and a fishing pond. Both young and old can enjoy the wide variety of classes offered by the Community Services Commission. Examples of classes include soccer and baseball clinics, swimming, and dance and cartooning lessons. Special Olympics and the Boys and Girls Club are just two of the active youth organizations that sponsor baseball, softball, soccer, football, and swimming teams.
Norco
Municipal Offices
951-735-3900
www.norco.ca.us
Chamber of Commerce
951-737-6222
www.norcoareachamber.org
The official seal of this beautiful community says it all: “City Living in a Rural Atmosphere.” Norco, whose name is actually a contraction of North Corona, is a unique residential setting well-suited to animal-keeping and equestrian activities. In this lively town, most of the homes are mini-ranches located on half-acre lots with stalls for horses, cows, and other animals. Residents take part in numerous riding groups and children thrive in 4-H Clubs and Future Farmers of America Groups. The city offers residents and their equestrian companions over 400 acres of parkland and an amazing 70 miles of horse trails. In April, residents celebrate Norco Horse Week, highlighted by a parade, rodeo, cowboy dance, and a variety of horse shows and contests. The Norco County Fair each Labor Day weekend is a five-day celebration that includes a colorful pageant, parade, and carnival.
The city is ideally located along Interstate 15 in the western portion of Riverside County, just 50 miles east of Los Angeles. Norco is home to the U.S. Naval Warfare Assessment Division, the California Rehabilitation Center, and the Riverside Community College, Norco campus. Norco, sharing a school district with Corona, has four elementary schools, two junior high schools, one high school, and four parochial schools. For those who desire to live in a small-town atmosphere, Norco offers an idyllic place to call home.
Palm Desert
Municipal Offices
760-346-0611
www.cityofpalmdesert.org
Chamber of Commerce
760-346-6111
http://pdacc.org
Affordable housing, recreational amenities, quality education, and year-round sunshine make Palm Desert an idyllic community. The vistas created by beautiful desert mountains and the tranquil, scenic landscapes create the backdrop for a resort lifestyle. With 30 golf courses famous for their pristine greens and 150 clay and grass tennis courts, Palm Desert has no shortage of leisure time recreation. Hot air ballooning, hiking, swimming, sunbathing, cycling, horseback riding and polo are exciting ways to enjoy this vibrant community. For those in need of relaxation, Palm Desert’s spas offer a variety of first-rate services from massages to manicures. Residents can soak up the sun by day and count the stars in the clear desert sky by night.
Currently known as Coachella Valley’s retail, education, and cultural epicenter, Palm Desert is world famous for shopping on its elegant El Paso Drive. From brand-name sporting equipment to the finest of designer clothing, this avenue is the desert’s answer to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Surrounded by five star hotels and a bevy of award-winning restaurants, Palm Desert offers something special for everyone. A community that consists mainly of professionals and upper middle class families, Palm Desert is known for its high standard of living. Higher education opportunities are readily available at the College of the Desert, which is part of the California State Community College system. Further recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities are only 120 miles away in San Diego and Los Angeles.
Palm Springs
Municipal Offices
760-323-8296
https://www.visitpalmsprings.com/
Chamber of Commerce
760-325-1577
http://pschamber.org
Perhaps the most famous of all the beautiful Southern California desert communities, Palm Springs is settled in the upper regions of the Coachella Valley. In the midst of a lush desert landscape, 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles, Palms Springs consists of open desert terrain and rugged hills rising into the Santa Rosa Mountains. Residents appreciate spectacular views of Mt. San Jacinto, pristine palm canyons, waterfalls, as well as lush desert flora and fauna. Scenic pleasures include The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, carrying passengers from the warm desert floor to the cooling summer breezes or the glistening winter snow-capped mountains in a matter of minutes. The Village provides residents with an entertaining mixture of historic sites, festivals, world-class boutiques, and quaint outdoor dining.
The Palm Springs Regional Airport furnishes easy access to several major cities throughout the nation. Known as “The Golf Capital of the World,” this area is truly a golf lover’s paradise. Dozens of scenic courses challenge both pros and beginners. The city showcases a Ted Robinson designed Tahquitz Creek Resort Course, as well as the Arnold Palmer managed Legend Course. Under the bright, sunny desert skies, Palm Springs shines as a growing and exceptionally attractive community of homes, businesses, and thriving retail and resort sectors.
Perris
Municipal Offices
951-943-6100
www.cityofperris.org
Chamber of Commerce
951-657-3555
www.perrischamber.net
The City of Perris is nationally known for its wide variety of air-sports including both skydiving and hot air ballooning. Land loving residents can take advantage of the water sports and beaches of nearby lakes. The Orange County Empire Railway Museum, distinguished as largest operating railway museum in the Western United States and the third largest in the county, is also located in Perris. Residents take advantage of other local events and attractions that include the Perris Lake Marina and the Farmer’s Fair and Expo.
Perris Union High School District seeks to provide its students with quality educational programs and meaningful opportunities. Students can choose to attend the traditional Perris High School or an online charter school. The local Community Day School serves students with special needs. As a blend of rural and suburban neighborhoods as well as rapidly developing commercial sectors, the community of Perris will undoubtedly be experiencing continued growth as the new millennium unfolds. The mix of prime location, mild climate, and good selection of affordable housing keep this community at the forefront of desirability.
Rancho Mirage
Municipal Offices
760-324-4511
www.ranchomirageca.gov
Chamber of Commerce
760-324-4511
https://ranchomirageca.gov/
Strategically located in the center of the rapidly growing Coachella Valley, Rancho Mirage has been nicknamed the “Playground of the Presidents.” This bedroom community of country club homes and fairway condominiums includes gated neighborhoods that are among the nation’s most famous and wealthy. The city’s students are served by the Desert Sands Unified School District and the Palm Springs Unified School District, as well as two private schools, the Marywood Country Day School and the Palm Valley School.
Active residents and families enjoy trips to Whitewater Park’s eight acres of tennis courts, basketball courts, barbecue grills, picnic pavilions and playground equipment, while those seeking serenity enjoy the one-acre Michael S. Wolfson Park and its accompanying Braille Trail. Nature enthusiasts take pleasure from the trail leading to Bighorn Outlook, perched atop the mountain above city hall with breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley. Both children and parents delight in the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, highlighted by over 50 hands on exhibits, a performing arts center, and community gardens. Golfers can choose from several courses designed by some of the sport’s most highly recognizable names, while tennis enthusiasts enjoy one of the nation’s top camps.
Riverside
Municipal Offices
951-826-5557
www.riversideca.gov
Chamber of Commerce
951-683-7100
www.riverside-chamber.com
Once known as “The city of trees,” because of the extensive importing and planting of citrus groves, palm, eucalyptus, and sycamore trees, the City of Riverside flourished as a part of the citrus industry. The city and groves sprang up along the Box Spring Mountains adjacent to the Santa Ana River, creating a green desert oasis. Today, a rich ethnic socio-economic mix has diversified the community and led to its success as a center for advanced education and research. Acclaimed globally for its plant pathology studies, biological control, and cultivation practices, The University of California in Riverside is one of the eleven prestigious University of California campuses. Riverside is also home to Riverside Community College, the Sherman Indian School, California Baptist University, and La Sierra University.
The city’s “Mediterranean image stems from the architectural influence of Spanish Colonial and California Mission Revival styles. The historic Mission Inn, renowned for its rich décor, fine dining, rows of citrus and palm trees and marvelous chapel, draws visitors and guests from around the world. The Riverside Arts Foundation, California Museum of Photography, Riverside Film Festival, and the University of California-Riverside Performing Arts Program create a rich cultural environment for the city’s residents. Riverside’s children enjoy the Children’s Performing Art Center of California, which presents quality family entertainment every weekend.
San Jacinto
Municipal Offices
951-487-7330
https://www.sanjacintoca.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
951-658-3211
http://hemetsanjacintochamber.com
One of the oldest communities in Riverside County, this fertile valley has historically been supported by agriculture. For more than 100 years the land was plentiful with crops of apricots, peaches, walnuts and citrus. From the early 1900’s until today, San Jacinto’s local hot springs, balmy climate, and abundant resources have attracted a steady stream of new residents.
New commercial and industrial businesses continue to grow and expand as the community experiences continued growth. The citizens of San Jacinto maintain a copious water supply, strong labor force, and wide variety of recreational programs and activities. With expectations for continued growth, planners and developers have master-planned 10,000 acres within the City of San Jacinto. The town shares an active chamber of commerce with nearby Hemet.
Temecula
Municipal Offices
951-694-6444
https://temeculaca.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
951-676-5090
www.temecula.org
Combining mild climate and scenic rolling hills, Temecula is named for the Luiseno Indian word meaning, “here the sun breaks through the mist.” Situated in southwest Riverside County, south of Los Angeles and north of San Diego, Interstate 15 provides convenient links to metropolitan areas. Both Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base and the Cleveland National Forest border Temecula Valley on the west. Here, average summer highs are 85 degrees and winter lows are 39, with warm dry days and cool evenings. With the mild beach climate being funneled into the valley through the Santa Rosa Mountain’s Rainbow Gap, the moderate weather has led to a burgeoning wine industry.
Even today, architectural style of the downtown buildings reflect the influence of the Old West. Residents enjoy expanding employment opportunities, a wide selection of restaurants, a community recreation center, and new shopping centers. The region’s French Valley Airport accommodates both business jets and commuter airlines. The Temecula Valley Unified School District consists of three high schools, four middle schools and twelve elementary schools. One of Southern California’s most picturesque communities, Temecula can be characterized as an attractive blend of natural beauty, economic and social vitality, and wonderful recreational opportunities.
