Riverview West - Santa Ana, CA Area Guide

Santa Ana was incorporated on June 1, 1886. William Spurgeon, the city's first mayor, discovered the land while traveling on horseback in October 1869. The Utah native spotted the region covered with tall yellow mustard plants and climbed a tree to get a better look. Spurgeon was pleased, and paid owner Jacob Ross, Sr. $595 for 74.2 acres. Spurgeon built a small town across 24 blocks consisting of 10 lots. He named it Santa Ana and provided residents with running water from his artesian well and water tower. Spurgeon became a postmaster in 1870, and also established a general store that served families from neighboring regions.

Boasting the theme "igniting imagination through exploration," the Kidseum of Bowers Museum provides children with a high-tech, interactive experience focusing on art and archaeology. Children engage in art-making activities at Kidseum's Glow Cave, as well as exploring the magical Wells Fargo stagecoach.

Residents have a great selection of fantastic food options in Riverview West. Whether you crave fried chicken, burgers or pizza, this neighborhood has you covered. A number of dining choices sit along West 1st Street and Harbor Boulevard. To dig into a humongous burrito for less than $6, head to La Rancherita Tortilleria Y Delicatessen. Found on West 5th Street, La Rancherita packs a burrito with three different types of meat, in addition to salsa verde and sour cream. The signature homemade tortillas melt in your mouth. Locals say no visitor to Santa Ana should miss a trip to this place.

If you've never tried Vietnamese food, a visit to Favori offers the chance to change that. At Cà Ri H?i S?n, the seafood curry has just enough spice to get you going. For something a bit milder, try the Cù Lao Bãi Bi?n, seafood in a hot pot. Tan Cang Newport Seafood is world-famous for its Newport-Style Gigantic Lobster. Additional seafood entrees range from oysters with ginger and onion to a steamed Whole fish with plum sauce. Other dishes include squab, frog legs and duck.

Described as a venue that surpasses all others in Orange County, the Yost Theater has it all. Residents flood this nightspot for concerts, Spanish-themed events and fine dining. On dance nights, mill through the crowd under the strobe lights and rock to the DJ's beats. Boxing fans, be sure to check out Yost's lineup for the next match locals tout the club as one of the best for showcasing professional fights.

Locals take advantage of easy commuting options around Riverview West. Interstate 5 lies east of the neighborhood, with state routes 22 and 57 close by. Interstate 405 also serves the region. Drivers pay for parking on many Santa Ana streets, and parking spots remain limited. For ride-sharing services, locals access Uber with the mobile app. Taxis are available by calling ahead. John Wayne Airport, located 10 miles south of Riverview West, makes air travel from Orange County a breeze.

For public transportation, locals have Orange County Transit Authority buses and Metrolink trains. The Santa Ana station lies on East Santa Ana Boulevard. From here, riders can catch Metrolink and Amtrak trains to travel throughout Southern California.

Riverview West draws many pedestrians to its walkable streets. Plentiful sidewalks make foot travel safe in the neighborhood. Cyclists credit Orange County with catering to bike riders. With more than 1,000 miles of bikeways from Santa Ana to San Juan Capistrano, the city makes sure cyclists have safe options for commuting.

Centennial Regional Park lets locals take a breather. Found on West Edinger Avenue, the park draws residents from Riverview West to its peaceful lake. A short boardwalk leads to a gazebo with cool architecture overlooking the water, and the spot remains popular with people looking to retreat. Bring your kids to play on the playgrounds, or start a soccer game on the field. This free public park welcomes leashed-dogs.

For a park that offers everything in recreation, stop by Mile Square Regional Park on Euclid Street. Across 607 acres, Mile Square invites golfers to its three regulation golf courses and baseball players to the three diamonds. Grab your pole and fish in the lake, or paddle boat on a warm day. Try your hand at archery on the range, and if you're up for a picnic, grab a spot under the shelters. Each year, Mile Square Regional Park invites children and families to learn about the monarch butterfly on Monarch Butterfly Day. Drivers pay $5 for parking, but all visitors enjoy the event for free.

Residents of Riverview West benefit from a significant cost savings by living inland. Compared to Irvine, which lies closer to the beach, housing runs lower. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,175 in Riverview West, compared to $1,400 for similar quarters in Irvine.

Commuting by bus remains reasonable. Fare for a ride to Santa Ana's city center averages $2. For Metrolink trains, passengers travel to Los Angeles' Union Station for approximately $9. Drivers pay about 25 percent above the national average for gas, and a beer at a local pub costs about $4.

Riverview West residents have multiple choices for grocery shopping. Along Harbor Boulevard, you find El Super and Northgate Gonzalez markets. Stater Bros. Markets lies on Westminster Avenue. For farm-fresh fare, head to the downtown Santa Ana Farmers Market, where vendors sell freshly grown produce from 4-8 p.m. every Thursday.

Everybody in Orange County knows about South Coast Plaza. With no boutiques in the Riverview West neighborhood, locals head to this elite mega-mall found 6 miles to the south. Featuring more than 250 boutiques, South Coast Plaza caters to luxury seekers. For the ultimate shopping experience, step into Chanel for the latest fashions from designer Karl Lagerfield. Try on a pencil skirt complemented by a patent leather clutch purse.

Men and women who favor a preppy, All-American style treasure Abercrombie & Fitch. Located at South Coast Plaza, Abercrombie clothing reflects an Ivy League air with contemporary sensibility. Grab a pair of vintage-inspired jeans and a weathered hoodie to make your fashion statement.