Mission Grove - Riverside, CA

Before its contemporary history, Riverside was a Spanish rancho. Founded by John North in 1870, the area was dedicated to furthering education and culture. Investors from Canada and England were drawn to the region and decided to build the first golf course and polo field in Southern California, now landmarks in Riverside. The 1980s brought an influx of Los Angeles residents to the Inland Empire as they sought more rural living at lower costs. As the population increased, Riverside grew to become more urban. The Masson Grove neighborhood developed into an area of distinction, popular with families for its scenery, quality school system and safe environment.

Masson Grove doesn't have any museums, but the Ameal Moore Nature Center located at the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park celebrates natural history. Each January, proud residents gather at the Riverside Convention Center for the mayor's annual State of the City address.

Alessandro Boulevard serves as the main thoroughfare in Masson Grove. On the eastern stretch, you see a number of popular fast food restaurants centered around Mission Grove Plaza. To treat your taste buds to more than hamburgers or subs, however, pass them and head to Gandhi Indian Cuisine. Located on East Alessandro Boulevard, this culinary delight introduces locals to the best in Indian cooking. You can never go wrong with tandoori chicken or lamb kebabs. Using a unique mix of yogurt-based sauces and savory spices, Gandhi's draws locals to its daily lunch buffet for rewarding feasts.

To experience superior dining in a refined atmosphere, visit Creola's Restaurant , also on Alessandro. This upscale venue serves delectable French cuisine and American fare that locals crave. Masson Grove residents recommend the zucchini, watercress and spinach soup for starters, followed by the filet mignon flambe. Try the bananas foster or cherries jubilee for desert to be swept away.

To hit the nightlife scene, locals head to Sevilla Nightclub in Riverside. Both young and old take to the dance floor on the club's theme nights. Whether your feet tap to rhythm and blues or reggae, you won't stop moving from the minute you walk in.

Masson Grove lies close to three major highways. Interstate 215 and State Routes 91 and 60 serve the populous region. Most residents travel primarily by car, well familiar with the common gridlock where I-215 and SR-91 meet. The interchange is known as one of California's highest traffic segments. Parking is easy, however, as it remains free and plentiful around the neighborhood.

Pedestrians enjoy safe foot travel thanks to the paved sidewalks, and cyclists take advantage of bike lanes available on major streets. Local taxi companies service the area, but cabs need to be requested by phone. Uber stands as an alternative for a paid ride as well.

Fans of public transportation have Riverside Transit Authority buses for convenience. Most buses run along Alessandro Boulevard. On an RTA bus, you can commute to downtown Riverside where the Metrolink rail system operates. Metrolink trains connect passengers to several Southern California counties including, L.A. County, Orange County and Antelope Valley along with others. You reach the Riverside Station on Vine Street.

A host of public parks surround Masson Grove. If you thirst for a wilderness setting to take you away from it all, drive 2 miles east to Central Avenue. There, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park remains a neighborhood staple for outdoor adventure. This rustic locale provides a habitat for coyotes, rattlesnakes and tarantulas, along with the endangered kangaroo rat. Hikers and mountain bikers love the web of trails and spectacular panoramic views.

For a quaint recreational park, visit Taft Park on New Ridge Drive. An ideal destination for adults with children or dogs, Taft Park features a playground and walking trail. Basketball players, don your sneakers, and tennis fans grab a racket. Pack a picnic lunch and take a seat on the grass for a quiet day of leisure. Both parks provide free parking. They host no annual events, but visitors enjoy year-round access.

Masson Grove residents benefit from lower living costs compared to nearby Corona. The cost of living runs 23 percent less in Masson Grove. You find rental prices comparable, with a one-bedroom averaging about $1,220 a month in Masson and Corona.

Transportation remains affordable. A bus trip to Riverside's city center costs $1.50 for a base fare, and passengers can also purchase a day pass for $4. Drivers in Masson Grove can expect to pay roughly 30 percent above the national average for gas, and a beer at a local pub runs about $4 for a pint.

Mission Grove Plaza serves as the neighborhood shopping hub. Nestled along East Alessandro Boulevard, the plaza has Ralphs Grocery and Sprouts Farmers Market. In lieu of having a neighborhood farmers market, locals shop at Sprouts for a wide selection of fresh produce and other grocery items.

Boutiques aren't really common in Masson Grove, so locals take a drive to Galleria at Tyler for easy access to shopping. Known as the Tyler Mall, the shopping plaza lies on Tyler Street just 11 miles east of Masson Grove. Along with popular department stores such as Macy's and Nordstrom, this mall features the acclaimed Guess boutique. To feed your glamorous tastes, stop by this designer favorite. Pick up a pair of signature jeans or an asymmetrical top to express your stylish flair.

For a selection of trendy fashions and special occasion items, check out City Chic. This great addition to Tyler Mall aims to adorn the modern woman. Try on a flowy dress or hip skirt that makes a statement. Accessorize with the right earrings and bracelet from City Chic's collection.