Riverside is a city located in what is known as the “Inland Empire” portion of California, close to the Santa Anta River, and not far from Los Angeles. LGBTQ Riverside prides itself on being known as a “City of Arts and Innovation,” and it truly is. Here, you’ll find a creative, innovative vibe, a diverse community, plenty to see and do, welcoming people, and beautiful weather. What’s not to love?
A Bit of Riverside History
The area that is now Riverside was founded in 1870 by a settler named John North and another group of Easterners on land that had formerly been a Spanish Rancho. North and the other settlers wanted to establish a colony dedicated to furthering education and culture. The settlers quickly realized that the area had definite agricultural advantages, and by 1882 there were more than half a million citrus trees in California, almost half of which were located in Riverside. Over time, the agriculture industry in the state grew, and as neighboring Los Angeles grew larger, Riverside did too. Today, Riverside of course remains close to Los Angeles, but is a unique community in its own right, as well. Riverside is a city full of artists and creative minds and plenty for everyone to see and do.
Riverside - A Few Fun Facts
Read more fun facts about Riverside here.
The LGBTQ Community in Riverside
Riverside is a city with a growing and thriving LGBTQ community that is well-supported by a variety of community resources, including:
LGBTQ Community Center of Riverside County
The LGBTQ Community Center of Riverside County has the goal of uniting the community and creating safe spaces where everyone belongs – and it accomplishes its mission well. The center seeks to help the LGBTQ community to form friendships and connections through different programs and by offering a wide variety of resources. It’s truly a place where everyone is welcomed and can feel that they belong.
PFLAG Riverside is the city's local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
What's the Weather Like in Riverside?
Riverside usually receives 9 inches of rain on average per year and no snow. Summers can be quite hot with the temperatures reaching an average of 96° in July, and somewhat cold in the winter, with lows in January dropping to around 36°. Generally, however, residents can enjoy the outdoors year-round in Riverdale with spring and fall being particularly pleasant times of the year.
The Best Events in Riverside
Riverside Pride is the city’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one event you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar. Join with old friends and meet new ones as you celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to Riverside with parades, parties, family-friendly activities, and more.
Where to Live in Riverside
Unlike some larger cities that have one specific “gayborhood,” Riverside tends not to have one particular gay area of town. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of wonderful neighborhoods here, though. If you’re a fan of the Mission Revival Style of architecture, you’ll be particularly pleased with Riverside, as it has the largest number of buildings done in this style in the entire country. The city has several different neighborhoods and its gay population tends to be spread out, although many gay restaurants, bars, and businesses can be found in the area around the University of California and downtown as well. Typically, condos in Riverside run between $145,000 and $398,000, while single-family homes tend to start at $126,000 and top out at around $2.6 million.
Arts and Entertainment
The Fox Performing Arts Center
The Fox was famously the site of the very first showing of Gone With the Wind – but since that time, it has been well-known in Riverside and beyond for offering a wide variety of shows and performances year-round to suit all tastes.
Castle Park is the perfect Riverside spot for family fun and to spend a day out just relaxing, laughing, and enjoying a beautiful day. This amusement park opened in 1976 and offers many rides and carnival games, as well as a water playground and an arcade.
Parks and Recreation
Mt. Rubidoux Park is one of the most popular city parks and outdoor spaces in the city, and it is well-known not only for its recreational opportunities but also for its stunning views of the city because it is the highest point in the area. It’s the perfect place to experience Riverside’s unique natural beauty. It’s a great place to spend a day hiking, biking, walking, or simply bringing a picnic and a blanket to enjoy the beautiful weather.
California Citrus State Historic Park
California Citrus State Historic Park is a great place to learn about California's history as one of the primary citrus-producing states in the country – and about Riverside's role in that history in particular.
Riverside Nightlife
The Menagerie prides itself on being known as one of the hottest gay bars in the Inland Empire, and if you want a night out of dancing, fun, and a festive atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed. The Menagerie is well-known for its excellent DJs, fantastic drag shows, theme nights, karaoke, and more.
For those who want a more low-key and laid-back night out in Riverside, a stop at the Back to the Grind Coffeehouse is always an excellent choice. The coffeehouse prides itself on being a place “where all can come together, leaving all labels outside” – and it truly is exactly that. Stop by and enjoy a cup of coffee or two with old friends – or meet some new ones.
Contact a Riverside Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Riverside, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Riverside, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Riverside gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
