Canyon Crest - Riverside, CA

Canyon Crest once stood as a cornerstone of the area's citrus industry with the Monte Vista Nursery established in 1907 and occupying nearly 200 acres. The neighborhood itself was formed during a series of six annexations taking place from 1959 to 1986. The neighborhood holds on to its history with historic sites like the William Childs House, a 1910 bungalow, and University Drive's Art Deco entry monuments

Take a short drive east to discover the area's art and history gathered in downtown Riverside's rich collection of museums. For a taste of Canyon Crest's own lifestyle and community ties, join the locals for the Riverside Greek Fest, a cultural celebration with live music, a kids' carnival and a spread of Greek food and art.

When you're feeling hungry, head to Canyon Crest Towne Centre, the neighborhood's heart of dining and culinary creation. Grab some cheap eats at one of the fast food favorites or health-focused chains, or step into one of the local gems to order up a pizza, sandwich or plate of ribs. The down-home country restaurants serving this neighborhood create a family-friendly atmosphere with no bars in sight, so head to downtown Riverside to satisfy your nightlife needs.

Locals head to Romano's for casual Italian dining and some of the best pizza in town. Be sure to try the restaurant's Chicago deep-dish pizza with stuffed crust and specialty toppings like eggplant and spinach, or try the antipasto salad for a lighter meal. Stop by on game days to watch the game on the big-screen TVs with a glass of Angry Orchard.

When the mood for slow-cooked meat hits, take your family to Smokey Canyon BBQ. Get a big rack of ribs smothered in Carolina BBQ sauce, or try the hot link sandwich, a grilled hot dog piled with roasted onions and peppers. Don't forget your side of cheesy potatoes for a hearty lunch that really sticks to your ribs. If you're a UCR student, be sure to show the server your student ID for a free drink.

For a quick lunch, grab a bite at Subs & Spuds, an old-fashioned sandwich shop that greets you with a charming black-and-white tile floor and casual chalkboard menu. If you're not sure what to pick, stick with the chicken pesto sandwich or the BBQ chicken-stuffed potato topped with melted cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Subs has steeper prices than the nearby Subway, but the fresh-made hot subs are worth every penny.

Situated less than a mile from both the Escondido and Riverside Freeways, Canyon Crest creates a stress-free environment for commuters with low traffic and plenty of free street parking throughout the neighborhood. The parking areas around Canyon Crest Towne Centre get packed during the weekends, but you can always call Riverside Taxi or Uber for a quick pick-up or drop-off.

The neighborhood rests about a mile from the Riverside Amtrak Station, the city's major hub of public transportation. You also have access to the Riverside Transit buses that make frequent stops along Canyon Crest's larger roads. If you prefer to get around on two wheels, check out the bike lanes along major roads like Central, Chicago and Canyon Crest skirting the edges of the neighborhood. Look forward to a safe bike ride, walk or jog on the sleepy suburban streets, but be aware that the hilly terrain makes for quite a workout.

On a sunny summer day, head to one of Canyon Crest's beautiful public parks for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Hike or mountain bike through the winding trails of Sycamore Canyon Park to explore the desert wilderness and find breathtaking vistas of downtown Riverside. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like coyotes, hawks and rattlesnakes. For a more casual suburban setting, head to Castleview Park to run with your pooch through acres of open space. Enjoy a picnic on the grass, or let your kids play on the jungle gym.

Standing as one of the more upscale neighborhoods in Riverside, Canyon Crest maintains an above-average cost of living compared to the rest of the city. A few deluxe apartment buildings line the streets with an average rental rate of $1,212 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Filling up your tank means paying around 10 percent above the national gas price average. If you're taking the bus downtown, prepare to pay $1.50 for a one-way trip or $4 for a day pass. When you go out for a beer at the local grill, expect to pay $6 to $7 for your favorite brew.

Standing near the northern border of the neighborhood, Canyon Crest Towne Centre holds its place as the community's thriving retail hub thanks to a spread of gift shops, grocery stores, a pharmacy and a fitness equipment store. Bring your kids to Storytime Saturday, and enjoy live music performances while you shop. Living in Canyon Crest also places you just minutes from downtown shopping centers like Riverside Plaza with its fashion mainstays and charming boutiques.

Pawlished Paws Boutique & Spa features everything you need to pamper your pooch or kitty. Grab a haircut, shampoo and nail clip for your dog, or order some items from the full-service doggy bakery. This upscale operation opens seven days a week. During the holidays, check out the photo opportunities with Santa Claus.

Wine connoisseurs head to Canyon Crest Winery for a huge wine selection of bottles imported from Italy, Germany, France and Napa Valley. Ask about the winery's custom labels, or sample a few glasses at the tasting bar. If you have a sweet tooth, try some of the fruit wines that make this place famous.

Head to Ralphs for all your grocery staples, or stop by Migliore Gourmet Foods for specialties such as balsamic vinegar. The neighborhood also lies just a few minutes from the Riverside Farmers' Market.