La Sierra - Riverside, CA

Named after the original Mexican land grant called Rancho La Sierra de Sepulveda, La Sierra was once its own community before being annexed by Riverside in 1964. The neighborhood experienced rapid growth during the late 1990s and early 2000s when the Riverwalk master-planned community was built, creating around 500 luxury apartments and 1,000 single-family homes.

To experience La Sierra's cultural side, check out the World Museum of Natural History and Brandstater Art Gallery at the university. Don't miss annual events around Riverside like A Taste of the Inland Empire featuring top food vendors, fine wine, imported beers and live jazz bands.

La Sierra's diverse retail scene has attracted a treasure trove of international eateries serving up everything from tacos and mofongo to falafel and gyros. Here, you find plenty of food for the cultured crowd, with many restaurants offering cheap eats for your lunch-hour break. Explore the dining options scattered around the neighborhood, but head to Galleria at Tyler for the biggest election of trendy grills and cafes.

Be sure to check out Oasis Vegetarian Cafe, a down-to-earth restaurant, to find meatless fast food at rock-bottom prices. The famous steak burger and carnitas might trick you into thinking you're eating at the local BBQ joint. Go the healthy route with the fresh avocado wrap filled with pine nuts and spinach, or enjoy a moment of nostalgia with the vegan grilled cheese. After eating your fill, grab some lentils and soy milk at the adjacent natural foods store.

If you crave Mediterranean cuisine, make your way over to Greek Street Grill. Sample the gyro pitas, and be sure to order a side of spicy feta fries. For a lighter meal, savor the complex flavoris of the lemon chicken soup. Greek Street Grill may serve up a cheap lunch, but you can't go wrong with the high-quality eats and friendly customer service. You can even order takeout if you're in a rush.

When the sun sets, the streets of La Sierra come alive with a humble array of sports grills, bars and movie theaters. Join the locals at Shooters for draft beer in icy mugs and regular pool tournaments held throughout the week. Enjoy a casual atmosphere as you rent a table and order a pitcher to share with friends, or come to watch the big game on the HDTVs. If you're looking for live music and a more club-like atmosphere, head to downtown Riverside.

Whether you're navigating the neighborhood or commuting to San Bernardino, La Sierra's roads and public transportation system make for an easy trip. The Riverside Freeway on the south end of the neighborhood carries you to downtown Riverside and brings you to Interstates 15 and 215. Residents also enjoy free parking even in high-traffic areas like Galleria at Tyler. If you don't feel like hunting for a spot, call Uber or Riverside Taxi for a quick drop-off at your favorite shop.

The La Sierra-Riverside Metrolink Station services the neighborhood for a fast commute to San Bernardino, Orange County and even central Los Angeles. For a more local trip, hop on a Riverside Transit bus from one of the frequent stops. La Sierra also caters to the eco-living crowd with bike lanes along roads like Magnolia, La Sierra and California. Bikers and pedestrians alike have easy time running their daily errands with amenities at their doorstep.

When La Sierra's sunny days draw you out of your home, head to one of the neighborhood's public parks to enjoy a break from city living. Visit La Sierra Park to unleash your kids on two modern jungle gyms, or play a game on the volleyball and basketball courts. Enjoy a quiet picnic on the grass as you roast your hot dogs over the BBQ pits.

Stop by Rancho Loma Park to relax under the shaded picnic pavilions, or just walk your dog on the wide field. This park lies tucked away from the major streets, making it a great place for kids to play a game of Frisbee.

La Sierra's upscale residential communities, top shopping and convenient location keep the cost of living a touch above average for the city of Riverside. Renters should expect to pay around $1,060 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Taking the bus to downtown Riverside costs $1.50 for a one-way trip or $4 for a day pass, while gas prices hold steady at around 11 percent above the national average. Locals pay around $4 to $5 for a beer at the local bars.

La Sierra stands as a shopper's paradise with its clusters of local shops where you find bookstores, discount stores, scooter shops, gift shops and everything in between. Bargain hunters and big spenders alike find something to love in La Sierra, but everything revolves around Galleria at Tyler. From big-box department stores and upscale boutiques to trendy shops like Charming Charlie, this indoor mall offers the variety you crave in an upscale shopping area. After a day of shopping, catch a movie at the adjacent AMC. Park in the parking structure near Nordstrom and JC Penny to keep your car cool during the summer, but be ready to hunt for a spot.

Whether you're into skating, longboarding or biking, head to Gorillaz Ride Shop to spice up your ride. Find a selection of major brands alongside bearings, wheels and other parts. Don't forget to check the stock for defective boards that the shop practically gives away.

When you're picking up your weekly grocery, head to Vons for all your staples, or shop organic at La Sierra Natural Foods. Be sure to visit the Riverside Farmers Market on nearby Main Street for some local produce.