Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
Can’t afford to live in areas like San Francisco or LA yet are considering migrating to California? Pay attention because you’re in for a real treat. If you want to enjoy many of the advantages of living in the state without having to deal with all of the drawbacks, Riverside may be the ideal location for you…
If you are considering a move to LGBT Riverside, you’ll be relieved to hear it is a vibrant city that welcomes all those looking to move to a progressive, inclusive place for work, play, and family. Chances are, you will find the accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in here…
Like Rochester, Salem, San Bernadino, Santa Ana and other small to mid-sized cities in the USA, there is a queer scene here but it is much more low-key than say, New York or Los Angeles – which is why a gay realtor in Riverside is worth their weight in gold as they can help you navigate as you find your new perfect home here in the most gay-friendly neighborhood.
Nevertheless, moving to this lovely city shouldn’t make you uncomfortable despite the rather hidden LGBT culture. The majority of people are accepting of the LGBTQ community, and you may discover businesses, shops, and services that proudly serve our group.
Consider this article to be an LGBT Riverside relocation guide that will help you know what to expect when relocating to this wonderful city. Leave all of your preconceived notions at the door because moving to LGBT Riverside is not what you think it is.
In this article we will cover...
- Overview Of Moving To LGBTQ Riverside
- Does Riverside Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Riverside An Expensive City To Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Riverside
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Riverside
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in Riverside
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Riverside
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Riverside
- Finding Gay Realtors In Riverside California
Overview Of Moving To LGBTQ Riverside
Riverside residents are well aware that their underappreciated city is full of hidden gems. Once you will live here, you will be able to talk with locals and spend your free time discovering that Riverside is brimming with culture and captivating sights…including two dozen nationally registered historic sites and more than 100 city landmarks that commemorate this city’s flavorful history!
Securing a relocation here will also allow you to meet others with similar interests, thanks to a quirky yet highly involved LGBT culture, which includes a few fantastic queer spots of interest in the city’s most popular neighborhoods. The more than 20,000 students at the University of California Riverside not only bring a youthful vibe to the city – but elevate queer events and spaces.
Almost anything that your heart desires can be found here. There are plenty of things to look forwards to when moving to LGBT Riverside, be it learning about the distinguished citrus history, lounging in charming coffee shops, or exploring the Riverside Art Museum (designed by architect Julia Morgan of Hearst Castle fame!)
Let’s take a closer look at a few important things about life in this city before we get into the juicy details.
Smog Is A Thing
Due to the severe air pollution, Riverside region is known as a “smog belt,”. According to City Data, Riverside’s Air Quality Index is much worse than the national average.
Riverside, California, isn’t giving up easily, though, and has taken steps to reduce smog by expanding its public transport network, switching its bus fleet to run on natural gas, and urging private individuals to sponsor new municipal trees.
Its People Love Khakis
Riverside shines out in the southern part of the state, which is rich in golf. Other exceptionally well-liked golf courses in the city include the Jurupa Hills Country Club, Canyon Crest Country Club, and The Victoria Golf Club.
Activities For The Kids
Riverside engages its children in activities even when they are not in class. Discovery Days each month involve plants and animals, hands-on activities, and animal experts to teach children about all facets of both science and nature.
Additionally, the temporary First Sundays program offers a selection of cultural events for youngsters that are organized by neighborhood libraries, museums, and arts organizations.
It’s A Central Location In Southern Cali Attractions
Residents of the county can fill up their car with gas and choose between visiting Anaheim for their favorite Disney characters, heading to Temecula for wine-tasting, or taking in the flashing lights of L.A. Riverside is a desirable place to live due to its convenient location near numerous well-known Southern Cali attractions.
Does Riverside Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Riverside has an LGBTQ liaison whose aim is to strengthen ties between the city and the resident LGBTQ community. By starting a constant conversation, the liaison can hear directly from LGBTQ+ community members about their issues, collaborate with them, and organize.
The LGBTQ Liaison also acts as a reference for the City internally on matters of inclusivity. Regarding LGBT rights, which have gained national recognition since the 1970s, the state is regarded as one of the country’s most liberal ones. Same-sex relationships are permitted in the state of California since 1976.
In 2003, the state passed laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression, as well as sexual orientation. Transgender people in the state are allowed to change their legal gender on their official documents without the need for any medical treatment, while conversion therapy for minors is not allowed.
Is Riverside An Expensive City To Move To?
In Riverside, the annual cost of childcare, housing, food, transportation, health care, and other needs for a single adult is $37,750, which is less than the state’s $45,530 average and nearly in line with the average for the country of $38,433.
Housing
The median home value in Riverside is $344,700, which is higher than the country’s average of $204,900. Homes built in 1939 or earlier cost on average $327,500, while those built in 2014 or later are worth on average $555,400.
Transportation
A single individual in Riverside spends approximately $10,620 a year on transport, which is greater than the national average. This amount includes the cost of gas, car maintenance, and public transportation.
Food and groceries
A single adult in the city spends approximately $3,180 on food each year, while a family of four would spend around $9,196.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Riverside
Riverside, known for its lively downtown area, rich history, architecture, and culture, is a popular choice for many in the LGBT community seeking an energetic and inclusive urban environment. However, the appeal of Riverside’s bustling city center might not resonate with every LGBT individual, prompting a look at quieter yet equally welcoming neighboring areas like Moreno Valley. Moreno Valley, with its more relaxed atmosphere and growing diversity, offers a peaceful alternative while still maintaining a sense of community and inclusivity.
Exploring other major nearby cities also provides valuable insights for those considering a move to the area. San Bernardino, for instance, is a noteworthy option. With its own distinct cultural heritage, San Bernardino presents an affordable living choice with a strong sense of community, appealing to those seeking a more cost-effective yet friendly environment.
In the context of LGBTQ Riverside, being aware of the character and advantages of these neighboring cities is crucial. They offer diverse living experiences that cater to different preferences, ranging from peaceful suburban life to the vibrant urban scene. The key is to find a place that not only suits your personal and financial needs but also keeps you connected to the rich tapestry of queer events and activities that Riverside and its surroundings offer.
When moving to LGBTQ Riverside, understanding the nuances of these neighboring areas can be invaluable. It’s about finding a spot that not only aligns with your lifestyle and needs but also keeps you connected to the vibrant queer events and activities that Riverside and its surrounding cities have to offer.
Discover your delightfully ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly communities in Riverside. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly neighborhood, and facilities you’ll love. Give yourself lots of time to get to know the many different and diverse areas of Riverside, and bare in mind that this city has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!
Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in Riverside are and talk about the Riverside gayborhood where you might feel most at home! Or speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today.
Canyon Crest
Canyon Crest is one of the city’s most diverse and largest neighborhoods. The majority of the houses here follow a contemporary subdivision design. The development is molded by the mountainous terrain, which also offers some breathtaking views.
You may find almost anything in the stores at Canyon Crest Towne Centre, which features everything from boutiques to supermarkets. Shopping for a long can make you hungry, but you don’t have to worry about that. There are many different foods available in the neighborhood, including BBQ, burgers, and ice cream.
You can discover anything you’re craving right here. Once you’re full of all that food, you can take a walk on one of the many nearby paths to experience nature, or enjoy Sycamore Highlands Park. No issue if you’re not much of a hiker; for a wonderful day of play, visit Andulka Park, a 30-acre park with baseball fields, two basketball courts, a tennis complex, two volleyball courts, restrooms, and more.
In Canyon Crest, a four-bedroom house rents for an average of $2300 a month. A house with four bedrooms usually costs $500,000 to buy.
Downtown Riverside
You should check out Downtown if you value history. The neighborhood is home to over a dozen historical sites and over thirty city-designated landmarks. You may visit historic sites like the Fox Theater, which hosted the inaugural screening of the 1939 motion picture Gone with the Wind.
You can also visit the Riverside County Historic Courthouse by strolling through the tree-lined streets. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, the Mission Inn is illuminated using more than 3.5 million holiday lights for the “Festival of Lights,” which also features lots of animated figures.
With hiking routes leading to the summit and awe-inspiring views of the city, Mt. Rubidoux is a conspicuous hill standing far above downtown. Easter Sunrise Services and Fourth of July fireworks are well-known events there.
If you enjoy food, you’ll adore the food available downtown. You can get anything you want here, from Italian, French, Mexican food, and more. There are many options, including Le Chat Noir, a French restaurant, and much more!
St. Francis de Sales and Bryant Elementary are two nearby schools. A two-bedroom single-family home in the region rents for, on average, $1695 a month. A house in the region costs, on average, $300,000.
La Sierra
La Sierra University is located in this neighborhood, which is on the western outskirts of Riverside. The Seventh Day Adventist Church bought the land where the campus is now located in order to build an academy. More than 2,000 students are enrolled on the 140-acre campus.
You may find a library, an arboretum, museums, and an observatory on the property. La Sierra is allegedly a city within a city. Riverwalk, La Sierra Metrolink Station, The Galleria at Tyler, and Kaiser Hospital, are all located in La Sierra, in addition to the university. Gated planned communities, single-family tract houses, and opulent apartments can be found in this neighborhood.
Thanks to the great schools and parks this community has to offer, along with a master-planned community, this neighborhood has witnessed steady growth over the years. The median price for a 4-bedroom house in this neighborhood is $480,000. A similar-sized home could cost around $2,300 to rent.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Riverside
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits.
Wherever you live, it is imperative that you assist such organizations in any manner you can in order for them to reach out and aid others in the neighborhood. These Riverside LGBT community organizations are some of the best and are wonderful places to start if you’re looking for LGBTQ groups to join, seek support from, meet new people with or volunteer for a cause you care about.
LGBTQ Community Center of Riverside County
The LGBTQ Community Center strives to bring people together and establish safe spaces where all feel a sense of belonging. Through various programs and by providing a wide range of resources, the center aims to aid the LGBTQ community in developing relationships and friendships. It really is a place where all feel comfortable and at home.
Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance (RPYA)
LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13 to 20, as well as their family and friends, can participate in RPYA activities and get support. Numerous support groups are held by the group in the Riverside and San Bernardino areas, and they also meet online.
This community-based research, education, intervention, and policy program aims to reduce key health and related risks for LGBT kids. Risks include suicide, HIV, substance abuse, and homelessness. The website provides research-backed information as to how families may support LGBT youth, including online videos.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in Riverside
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Riverside plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
You should mark Riverside Pride on your calendars because it is the city’s yearly LGBTQ pride ceremony. The event offers you an opportunity to celebrate Riverside’s LGBTQ community with parties, parades, family-friendly events, and more.
Out! Riverside’s mission is to foster social opportunities, promote social engagement, and inspire other communities to do the same in order to strengthen and unite the Riverside LGBTQI+ community. You can RSVP to a different person’s Meet-up or, more fun, arrange one with the group’s almost 1,000 members.
You are able to plan your own Meet-ups, and the group will promote them. You can either plan to have a one-time event or recurring event, so go ahead and do anything you want to do, whether it is to hang out with friends over a cup of coffee, go hiking, play some games, or have a girls’ or boys’ night out. Simply suggest the Meet Up and the group will do the rest!
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Riverside
After moving to LGBT Riverside, it’s only natural to want to support queer businesses. One strategy for establishing a safer and more inclusive society is to create a secure environment where people may rest, buy, dine, and connect without fear, and this is exactly what LGBT companies should strive for.
To safeguard the queer community’s survival and success, it is critical to support these initiatives wherever you are. When you shop locally, you put in a personal investment in your city and community. Here’s a short list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Riverside you can invest in with your pink dollars…
Vannabrees is a mobile business situated on a 40 ft. motor coach. The business offers massage treatments, Ultrasonic Cavitation, chartered events, and physical therapy. They also provide services for both corporations and private entities as well as different types of get-togethers.
Spencer’s Prescription Pharmacy
Spencer’s Prescription Pharmacy has worked to establish and uphold a top-notch pharmacy experience for the neighborhood and the entirety of Riverside County. It is a privately operated pharmacy with a central location in Riverside. Their primary focus is treating the patient holistically, especially those with severe medical conditions and chronic disorders. They do all this without sacrificing their outstanding level of client service.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Riverside
Save for the smog, Riverside is an exceptional city. There’s a lot to see and do here, with plenty of welcoming neighborhoods and events. We’re sure that once you move here, you will find a community you can call your own!
Remember that life is what you make it, and wherever (or if ever) you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Riverside, we wish you the freedom and security you deserve. Living in a gay-friendly area, visiting nearby LGBT businesses and events, and joining queer community groups and sports teams are always the best methods to discover more about LGBT Riverside.
We guarantee that if you follow these recommendations, moving to LGBT Riverside will be less difficult for you and that you’ll quickly find like-minded individuals with whom to establish your newly chosen family.
Finding Gay Realtors In Riverside California
When searching for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Riverside is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when undertaking one of life’s most important transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes.
Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) continue to believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often express feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a gratifying, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being sufficiently represented, and this is why we feel you should engage a gay realtor to help you in finding your perfect future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be knowledgeable about the diverse communities in their area and understand which ones may be best suited to you when searching for a home. That’s not to say heterosexual realtors are not competent, but they’ve probably never had to handle many of the issues LGBT people face.
Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors perform extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Riverside – and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
Thankfully, you no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Riverside to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then select the one who is right for you. It’s essential that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exhilarating occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
