Glen Avon - Mira Loma, CA

A passionate group of Riverside County residents wanted to form a city with enhanced police services and control over zoning and planning issues. On July 1, 2011, Jurupa Valley was incorporated. As the 482nd California city, Jurupa Valley covers 44 square miles comprised of nine proud communities, including Glen Avon.

In its early history, Jurupa Valley was first inhabited by the Gabrielino and Serrano Native Americans. The tribes called Jurupa home, naming the region for the greeting translated, "peace and friendship." Jurupa Valley grew beyond rural farming and introduced commercial retail and residential development with significant capacity for expansion.

The Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center holds the Ruth and Sam Kirby Earth Science Museum. This museum features the Biblical Garden, a stunning collection of trails, fountains and pergolas that display the plants and trees of the Bible.

In this mostly residential neighborhood, you'll find few restaurants. To grab a bite, locals head to Limonite Avenue where you'll find popular pizza and other dining chains. For a wider array of dining choices, check out the restaurants in the nearby neighborhoods of Riverside.

When your taste buds crave some of everything, Phil's Cafe remains a great choice. Located on Mission Boulevard, Phil's serves everything from carne asada french fries to the famous Legend sandwich. This two-handed meal comes loaded with roast beef, turkey, ham and cheese in addition to lettuce, tomatoes and onion.

To hit the best sports bar with dynamic food, stop by Heroes Restaurant and Brewery. Only blocks from the historic Mission Inn, Heroes lies on Mission Inn Avenue. Locals herald this place for its vast selection of beer and amazing meals with huge portions. Order the meatball appetizer, if you dare. Served on a big platter, the "appetizer" consists of savory meatballs swimming in Italian tomato sauce on a bed of gooey cheese bread.

Head to the Vibe on University Avenue for a taste of nightlife. Locals favor this dive bar for its live bands and all-night dancing. Described as a hidden gem, the Vibe promises a cool atmosphere with a young crowd. Elbow into this hot spot and mix with the locals in true Glen Avon style.

Most residents travel by car to get around. Glen Avon lies conveniently close to State Routes 60 and 91 along with Interstate 15. The neighborhood provides ample free parking. To access taxis, call for a reservation, or download the Uber app to arrange a ride-share pickup.

Locals enjoy safe walks throughout the area with plenty of sidewalks. Glen Avon serves as a perfect area for cycling, but riders should use caution with fewer bike lanes on the rural streets.

For public transportation, residents have Riverside Transit Authority buses available. From Mission Boulevard, passengers can catch bus 21 to commute to outlying Riverside. Metrolink trains also run through the downtown Riverside station providing easy access to other Southern California counties.

Glen Avon locals hail Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park as the best place for a quick day-hike. Be warned, you face a steep incline that promises a grueling workout. Serious hikers enjoy the challenge, and especially the reward of reaching the summit. At the height of summer, pack a sandwich and fill your canteen with a generous amount of water. During winter, layer up and prepare for a great excursion.

Satisfy your quest for recreation at the Rancho Jurupa Regional Sports Park. Glen Avon athletes head here for the 15 turf fields, featuring both natural and synthetic grounds. Host a tournament, or simply bring the family out for a day of fun. The park provides a landscaped plaza with a picnic shelter, playgrounds and restrooms. Rancho Jurupa caters less to animals, so please leave pets at home.

Compared to nearby Corona, Glen Avon rentals average the same. A one bedroom costs $1,231 in Glen Avon, with a similar apartment running around $1,220 in Corona. However, real estate tends to run higher in Corona, about 55 percent above Glen Avon. Jurupa Valley's cost of living hovers around 23 percent less than its neighbor.

Public transportation remains affordable. A trip to the city center costs $1.50 base fare and passengers can purchase a day pass for $4. Drivers can expect to pay roughly 12 percent above the national average for gas in Glen Avon. This reflects a considerable savings compared to other Southern California cities. You can also relish an adult beverage at a decent price as a beer at a local pub runs around $3.50.

Few grocery stores surround Glen Avon. Locals have Stater Bros. Markets on Jurupa Road, or for fresh farm goods, they head to the Downtown Riverside Farmers Market. Hosted every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the farmers market features an array of produce, flowers and other food items such as cheeses and breads.

With no boutiques in the Glen Avon neighborhood, residents drive to the Galleria at Tyler. This Riverside shopping mall located on Tyler Street offers everything a shopper needs for a day of retail therapy. Hit cult favorites Nordstrom and Macy's for the finest in designer apparel, or express your individuality in a natural way with Earthbound Trading Co.'s earthy styles that reflect sustainability. Try on a crocheted baby doll dress, or pick up a cozy hammock for your backyard.

To contribute to a good cause while you peruse bargains, stop by the Pink Ribbon Thrift Shop on Magnolia Avenue. This area hot spot to shop sells an amazing collection of vintage items, furniture pieces and fashionable clothing with 100 percent of the proceeds going to fight breast cancer. Admirably owned by the Pink Ribbon Place, a program founded by the Riverside Community Health Foundation, the thrift shop aids in assisting breast cancer patients, survivors and their families.