Magnolia Center - Riverside, CA

Like many other cities in Southern California, Riverside began as a Spanish rancho. The city was incorporated in 1870 by a group of settlers who wanted to further education and culture. The city experienced immense economic growth with the introduction of the citrus industry. As the city prospered and began to expand, Magnolia Center became the heart of the city. Learn more about the area’s history and culture when you visit the Riverside Metropolitan Museum.

Residents of Riverside come together for numerous festivals and events that occur throughout the year. A Taste of the Inland Empire has become a well-known festival throughout the area. This festival celebrates local culture with food and drink vendors from the area’s best restaurants as well as live concerts from top quality R&B and jazz bands.

Explore the flavors from around the globe as you make your way down central Avenue and take in the aromas of grilled fish, freshly baked pizza and spicy pad Thai. From home-style dishes to exotic cuisine, Magnolia Center has it all.

Zen Street is an Asian fusion restaurant that dishes out the best noodles in town. Try the signature drunken ramen dish, which features pork belly in a spicy sweet bone broth soup with ginger, bean sprouts, eggs and scallions. Savor the exotic flavors of the slowly cooked beef in peanut-based curry served with garlic fried rice. Zen Street also offers dishes for special diets, including gluten-free and vegan options.

Backstreet Restaurant serves up a taste of home with its classic all-American dishes. Create your own sandwich choosing from a variety of fresh ingredients and breads. Try the roast beef on sourdough bread with a side of creamy potato salad. Dig into the kale salad, which features pasta, fresh mozzarella cheese and pastrami. For dessert be sure to order a slice of the signature banana cream pie.

Magnolia Center has something for everybody in the way of nightlife. Taste some local beers at Heroes restaurant and brewery, dance the night away at a lounge or catch up with friends at the local pub.

Head to W Wolfskill for a classy night out on the town. This trendy upscale bar is reminiscent of the '70s, featuring classic décor and quality drinks made with care. Choose from a collection of novel drink creations, such as the zombie, which passion fruit puree, vanilla and pineapple juice. Kick back and listen to the live DJ, or grab your friends and head to the photo booth to make some memories.

Locals who choose to drive will find that there is both on-street and public parking lots around Magnolia Center.

Designated bicycle lanes can be located on major roads within the area, such as Magnolia Avenue and Arlington Avenue. Due to the dense concentration of shops and attractions, Magnolia Center is easily accessible on foot.

The Riverside Transit Authority services the Magnolia Center area and provides several routes through the area that connect to outlying areas.

If you need a cab, residents must call Ace Taxi Cab Company to schedule a ride. Uber also provides service to the area, but it also needs prior communication to plan out a ride.

Spend the afternoon soaking up some rays and taking in the local sights at Ryan Bonaminio Park. Walk, jog or run your way around the park’s paved walking trails as you take in the breathtaking view of Mt. Roubidoux. The park also features baseball diamonds, a picnic area, basketball courts, a children’s playground and exercise equipment. Since this park is dog-friendly, feel free to grab your furry companion and bring him along for a walk.

Pack up your camping gear and head to Rancho Jurupa Park for a weekend enjoying the great outdoors. Cast out your line on the lake, or set up your tent and fire up the barbecue. This park features many facilities, such as a disc golf course, miniature golf, splash pad and playgrounds.

Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around Magnolia Center goes for about $828, which is slightly lower than the average for the Riverside area. There are a variety of affordable housing options available in the area.

Gas prices in Magnolia Center hover around 12 percent higher than the national average. A pint of beer at a local pub generally costs about $5. A one-way ticket on a RTA public bus costs $1.50, and a day-pass costs $4. Overall the cost of living in Magnolia Center is about the same as the average cost of living for the Riverside area.

From everyday shopping needs such as household items to classy boutiques featuring unique pieces, Magnolia Center has shoppers covered. Stroll along Central Avenue, and spend your day browsing the high-end shops.

The Riverside Plaza shopping center provides a variety of shopping opportunities. Along with a collection of top-notch restaurants, the plaza provides brand name stores such as Chico's, Marshall's, and Nordstrom Rack.

For those who are interested in skateboarding or snowboarding, Active Ride Shop is the place to go. This store features clothing, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and children who enjoy this type of lifestyle. The store also offers skateboards, wheels, trucks, and bearings. For the snowboarder, Active sells boots and bindings, in addition to the boards themselves.

Lux clothing boutique provides pieces for every occasion, from glamorous party dresses to casual work clothes. The helpful staff will do their best to help you coordinate an outfit to fit your style and price range.

The locals usually pick up groceries from stores such as Vons, Stater Bros Market, Trader Joe's and Albertsons. If you're looking for a more local fare, head to Riverside Certified Farmer's Market. Stock your pantry with organic eggs, fresh produce, homemade products and baked goods. The market also provides freshly cut flowers, handmade soaps and craft items, such as glass blown jewelry.