Arlington South - Riverside, CA

Arlington South was one of Riverside's original neighborhoods and has held a piece of the city's history since its incorporation in 1883. However, the area primarily had citrus groves until developers began building rows of single-story homes in the 1970s. Today, the neighborhood holds onto its heritage with a collection of groves and rural homes that hearken to Riverside's glory days.

Explore Arlington South's cultural heritage in the nearby Sherman Indian Museum or catch a movie screening at the Van Buren Drive-In Theatre. For a taste of the city's unique flavor, don't miss Riverside's annual events such as the Festival of Lights during the holiday season.

Head to Tyler Village near the freeway or stroll through Lincoln Plaza to discover Arlington South's collection of local eateries. The neighborhood's humble dining scene caters to the suburban crowd with trendy Asian cuisine alongside home-style pizza joints. This quiet area doesn't have much of a nightlife scene, but a short drive to downtown or Galleria at Tyler places you on the doorstep of some of the Riverside area's best bars, clubs and lounges for some cheap beer and live music.

Locals agree some of best sushi in Riverside awaits at Sushi Asahi. You can't go wrong with the salmon sashimi or the rainbow roll. However, Asahi's crown jewel is undoubtedly the famous diablo roll that's baked with scallops, topped with fresh fish and smothered in a savory sauce. You can buy just one roll, but you'll find that the all-you-can-eat sushi buffet pays off every time. If you still have room, sample the green tea ice cream available on weekdays.

Take your family to Enzo’s Pizza & Pasta to feast on an extra-large hand-tossed pizza piled high with the freshest ingredients. Try the lasagna during one of your visits for a meal that sticks to your ribs, and take advantage of the bottomless bread sticks. Locals won't hesitate to tell you that they're the best in town. This pizza hot spot gets busy during lunch and dinner, so come during the off hours to avoid a long wait.

Everyone needs a go-to Chinese restaurant to indulge in fried rice and teriyaki chicken, and for Arlington South locals, that place is Lucky Wok. Order the orange chicken or the beef and broccoli for a satisfying meal. If you want to turn up the heat, try the Ruby chicken. Keep an eye out for Lucky's lunch bowl specials to save some big bucks.

Commuters have it easy in Arlington South with easy access to the Riverside Freeway and several public transportation options. Free parking lines the streets and business plazas, and the residential streets have little traffic. If you need a quick ride to downtown Riverside, call an available rideshare service such as Uber or a local cab service such as Riverside Taxi.

Arlington South lies less than a mile from the La Sierra-Riverside Metrolink Station, so hop on a train for a quick commute to San Bernardino or Los Angeles. For a ride to the grocery store, hop on one of the Riverside Transit buses. The neighborhood also creates a bike-friendly environment with dedicated lanes along major roads such as Victoria Avenue and Lincoln Avenue. If you run your errands on foot, be ready for a long walk as most amenities lie a considerable distance from the residential areas.

Enjoy a sunny day in Arlington South by strolling along the orange groves or kicking back at Harrison Park. This public park provides plenty of green space for a quiet picnic on the grass while a canopy of shade trees keeps you cool. Stop by to get some sun while walking your dog or go for a morning jog on the paved track. This is also the place to for a casual game of Frisbee with your kids.

Arlington South's sprawling homes and convenient location keep the cost of living well above average for Riverside. Apartment hunters can expect to pay about $1,485 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Taking the bus to downtown Riverside costs about $1.50 for a one-way trip, and you can get a day pass for $4. Gas prices generally hover 11 percent above the national average. If you go out for a drink, prepare to pay $4 to $5 for your favorite draft.

Living in Arlington South puts you minutes from some of the city's most diverse shopping. Go just north of the neighborhood to explore the Galleria at Tyler for a huge selection of upscale boutiques, popular department stores and a few local gems. The local retail scene concentrates along Indiana Avenue, providing an offering of hobby shops, golf stores and sports retailers. Also explore the swap meets by the drive-in movie theater.

Whether you're an avid aquarium enthusiast or a fish owner, find everything you need to keep your aquatic friends happy at Treasures of the Sea. Choose from exotic species such as angels, tetras and starfish, or browse tanks, plants, driftwood and substrate. The staff always keeps clean tanks and is happy to dispense advice on how to best care for pets.

Head to Quilter's Cocoon to stock up on hard-to-find quilting supplies and materials such as batiks. Find fabrics from top designers such as Kaffe Fassett and Alexander Henry as well as simpler patterns that fit every style. Stop by one of the quilting classes to meet Arlington South's avid quilting community.

Pick up your weekly groceries at Albertson's or stop by King's Market for the basics. Don't forget to visit the Riverside Farmers Market on nearby Main Street to pick up some fresh produce.