Ramona - Riverside, CA

Ramona was one of Riverside's original neighborhoods when it was founded in 1883, forming its Western border. As the city has expanded, the neighborhood has become a central location with primarily residential developments and commercial activity along major roads. Magnolia Avenue cutting through Ramona holds an even richer history as the first dual carriage path west of the Mississippi.

Take a walk through time at The Heritage House, an 1891 home built in Queen Anne Victorian style that now holds a museum depicting the early citrus growing industry. Also check out the Sherman Indian Museum, one of the last remaining Mission Revival structures in the area. For a taste of the community's modern culture, don't miss annual events such as the Festival of Lights held on Main Street in downtown Riverside.

Ramona's humble culinary scene serves up a diverse array of cheap eats for the lunch-hour crowd. Find everything from upscale sushi spots to authentic Mexican cuisine mixed in with fast-food restaurants along Arlington Avenue. Let the aroma of carne asada, fresh fries or lo mein draw you into a hole-in-the-wall eatery for a satisfying meal. Unlike most Japanese sushi places, OK Sushi goes all out with for authenticity with wait staff in kimonos, bubbling fish tanks and fresh ingredients. Masa's serves a number of Japanese staples, but the sushi really steals the show. Order the yellow roll or the tuna sashimi, or sample a selection of fish with the fun sashimi boat. Don't forget to try the all-you-can-eat buffet when you're really craving some sushi. For sizzling pizza at some of the most affordable prices in Riverside, head to Bella's Pizza, one of Ramona's best-kept secrets. Try fun toppings such as breakfast bacon, and don't forget to order some buffalo wings on the side. For Mexican cuisine, nothing beats Taqueria Azteca when it comes to authentic dishes like tacos de birria, a goat meat specialty. Don't forget to try one of the fresh-made drinks such as horchata or agua fresca with different flavors. If you can't decide what to pick, chow down on the torta Azteca stuffed with beans and pineapple. Most locals head to downtown Riverside for its energetic nightlife scene and live music venues, but this residential neighborhood has a few local gems of its own. Head to Skydive Lounge to play a game of darts or pool with your neighbors while sipping on cheap beer. Be sure to swing by for the pool tournaments on Thursdays and Sundays.

Ramona's central location and access to the Riverside Freeway make for an easy commute whether you're biking, driving or taking the train. From the freeway, you also have easy access to Interstates 15 and 215. Enjoy plenty of free street parking when you're running your errands, and call Riverside Taxi or Uber for a quick ride into downtown Riverside.

Ramona rests about 2 miles from both the Riverside-La Sierra and the Riverside Metrolink Stations situated along the freeway for an easy commute to Orange County, San Bernardino and central Los Angeles. The Riverside Transit buses also service the area for a quick ride to the grocery store. Bicycle enthusiasts find a pedal-friendly paradise in Ramona with bike lanes along major roads such as Magnolia Avenue, California Avenue and Jackson Street while Ramona High School and California Baptist University also welcome bike traffic on campus. If you don't have a car or a bike, easily walk to schools, pharmacies and grocery stores thanks to Ramona's high concentration of amenities.

Whether you want to toss a ball around or just read a book under a tree, Ramona has several public parks that provide a quiet refuge from city living. Head to Hunt Park to play some volleyball, basketball or softball. Bring your kids to enjoy the playground, or tear it up on the skate park. This park also has a recreation center with amenities such as a pool and fitness center available for a small fee. Enroll your kids in the after-school Kids In Action program, and stop by on Halloween for some fun activities. Stop by Don Jones Park to relax in a rarely utilized green space with plenty of grass and shade trees. Come by to walk your dog or to play a quick game of Frisbee.

Ramona's convenient location keeps the cost of living close to average for the city of Riverside. If you're looking to rent one of the spacious one-bedroom apartments on Magnolia Avenue, expect to pay around $953 per month.

Ramona residents generally pay 11 percent above the national average for gas, and taking the bus into downtown Riverside costs $1.50 for a one-way trip or $4 for a day pass. Entertainment remains affordable with most local bars charging $3 to $4 a glass of beer.

Living in Ramona places you just minutes from Riverside Plaza and the trendy fashion boutiques of downtown Riverside. However, the neighborhood itself has its own unique retail scene scattered along major roads and clustered in Heritage Plaza. Discover local favorites including discount fashion stores, florists, comic shops and scooter stores alongside basic amenities with a splash of character.

Stop by Players Dugout to explore a big collection of comics as well as posters, rare trading cards and action figures. Become a member to get a hefty discount on every purchase, and stop by on Free Comic Book Day for a complimentary comic of your own. Parking gets cramped on the street, so pull around to the back to take advantage of the spacious parking lot.

If you're looking for a special gift for a loved one in recovery, head to A Vision for You to find pins and personalized items for the recovering community. Also browse a selection of spirituality and self-help books, jewelry, inspirational plaques and other meaningful gifts for any occasion.

When grocery day rolls around, head to Smart & Final Extra to buy some bulk items, or pick up your general groceries at Stater Bros. Don't miss the Riverside Certified Farmers Market on nearby Main Street every Sunday for fresh produce.