Riverside, CA

What’s it like buying a home in Riverside?

Riverside and the Inland Empire are the more affordable side of Southern California. You get more house for the money than in Orange County or LA. The tradeoff is commute. Many buyers work in OC or LA and drive. The market has grown fast. Buying here is competitive but not as intense as the coast. Get pre-approved and know your budget. If you want SoCal with more space and a lower price, Riverside is worth a close look.

What’s the average home price in Riverside?

The median home price in Riverside is around $550,000. That is well below Orange County and LA. You can find solid homes in the $400s and new construction in the $500s and up. Prices have risen with growth and demand. Set your price range and get your financing in place so you can move when you find the right house. We can show you what you qualify for and what your payment looks like.

What are the best neighborhoods in Riverside for families?

Riverside proper has areas like Victoria and Canyon Crest with good schools. Corona and Eastvale are popular with families and offer newer homes. Murrieta and Temecula are a bit south with strong schools and a suburban feel. Compare commute, schools, and Mello-Roos. Some newer communities have extra taxes that add to your monthly cost. We can help you factor that in.

What mortgage rates are available in Riverside?

Rates are national. Your rate in Riverside is the same as in San Diego or LA for the same loan type. What is local is your price and how much house you get for your payment. We shop 100+ lenders so you get a competitive rate. In a fast-growing market, a smooth close and clear costs up front matter. We make sure you see the full picture.

What loan programs work best in Riverside?

Conventional and FHA are both common. VA is big. March Air Reserve Base is in the area, so a lot of military and veterans buy with VA. Zero down and no PMI can help when you are stretching to get into SoCal. We work with many VA-friendly lenders and can walk you through eligibility and options. We also run conventional and FHA so you see all your choices.

How much do you need for a down payment in Riverside?

At a $550,000 median, 3% down is about $16,500 (conventional first-time). FHA at 3.5% is about $19,250. VA can be zero down. 20% down would be $110,000. Add closing costs and reserves. Do not forget Mello-Roos in some communities. It can add a meaningful amount to your monthly payment. We will show you the full cost.

What are property taxes like in Riverside?

California has Proposition 13. Your property tax is based on purchase price. Effective rate is often around 1.10% or so. On a $550,000 home you could pay roughly $6,050 or more per year. Newer areas may have Mello-Roos on top. Check the specific community and factor both into your budget before you offer.

Riverside vs Orange County: which is better for homebuyers?

Riverside is more affordable and you get more space. Orange County is closer to the coast and many jobs but pricier. Commute from Riverside to OC or LA can be long. If you work in the Inland Empire or from home, Riverside can be a great fit. If you work in OC, compare commute time and cost. Both are solid. Pick based on job and lifestyle.

Is Riverside a good real estate investment?

The Inland Empire has seen strong growth and in-migration. Demand has supported both prices and rents. Investment is not guaranteed, but the area has been popular with investors. Run your numbers on rent, appreciation, and hold period. We can help you see what loan options work for an investment purchase.

Who’s the best mortgage lender in Riverside?

Going to one bank gives you one rate. A broker shops 100+ lenders. Mpire Direct does the shopping so you get the best rate and terms. We know the Riverside and Inland Empire market. Take our 60-second quiz to see what you qualify for. No credit pull, no commitment.