What It's Like to Live in Arlington, Riverside
A walkable, family-oriented neighborhood in central Riverside with strong schools and active community spaces.
About Arlington in Riverside
Arlington stands out as one of Riverside's most walkable neighborhoods, earning a Walk Score of 86 that puts daily errands within comfortable reach on foot. The community skews toward families, with 37.9 percent of households raising children and a median age of 32.6 years. Home values center around $440,000, positioning the neighborhood as more accessible than the broader city median of $485,500, while maintaining strong schools and active lifestyle infrastructure that appeals to homebuyers prioritizing both affordability and quality of life.
Real Estate Market in Arlington
| Median home price | $440k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +2.1% |
| Price per sq ft | $285 |
| Median rent | $1,476 |
| Typical days on market | 28 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 86 |
| Transit Score | 38 |
| Bike Score | 68 |
Additionally, arlington offers modest appreciation potential with steady family demand. The neighborhood's median home value of $440,000 reflects realistic entry and trade-up pricing for Riverside households.
Sellers in Arlington typically expect offers within 2 to 3 percent of list price. Home inspection contingencies remain standard. Properties with newer roofs or updated kitchens tend to move faster in this price tier.
Who Thrives in Arlington
Additionally, the neighborhood's $440k median price and steady appreciation make it an accessible entry point into Riverside homeownership.
Additionally, strong schools, 37.9 percent household child population, and walking distances to parks and recreation make Arlington ideal for raising children.
Additionally, stable rents at $1,476 and family demand support modest rental yields, though appreciation is moderate compared to other Riverside pockets.
Additionally, high walkability and proximity to coffee shops like Dutch Bros. and Espumita Coffee make the neighborhood pleasant for flexible work routines.
Additionally, walkable streets, nearby healthcare options including Magnolia Community Health Center, and community recreation centers suit downsizing retirees.
Property Types in Arlington
Dominant housing stock; typically 3 to 4 bedroom, built 1960s to 1990s, with growing renovation activity.
Smaller footprint, lower maintenance, appeals to first-time buyers and downsizers.
Limited new supply; recent builds command premiums due to modern systems and efficient layouts.
Living in Arlington, Riverside
Daily life in Arlington centers on walkable errands and family-oriented activities. Additionally, the Walk Score of 86 means groceries, coffee, and dining are accessible without a car; Stater Bros. and Food 4 Less serve practical shopping, while Joe's Sushi and Tony's Mexican Grill offer neighborhood dining. <h3>Recreation and Community</h3> The Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center and nearby Arlington Park anchor recreation, with fitness options ranging from EDJ School of Jiu-Jitsu to The Beast Training Center. The Van Buren Drive-in Theater and AMC 16 Galleria at Tyler provide weekend entertainment. Transit access via Magnolia and Van Buren bus stops connects residents to broader Riverside, though personal vehicle use remains prevalent at 67.4 percent.
- Joe's Sushi · 2 min walk
- Wienerschnitzel · 2 min walk
- Sonic · 2 min walk
- Brandon's Diner · 4 min walk
- Tony's Mexican Grill · 4 min walk
- Dutch Bros. Coffee · 3 min walk
- Espumita Coffee · 4 min walk
- It's Boba Time · 18 min walk
- Toi Moi · 20 min walk
- Starbucks · 25 min walk
- Arlington Park · 1 min walk
- Private Park · 9 min walk
- Private Park · 12 min walk
- Private Park · 15 min walk
- Challen Park · 17 min walk
- Stater Bros. · 11 min walk
- Pioneer Cash & Carry · 13 min walk
- Food 4 Less · 14 min walk
- Smart & Final · 25 min walk
- Albertsons · 26 min walk
- Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center · 1 min walk
- EDJ School of Jiu-Jitsu · 2 min walk
- The Beast Training Center · 3 min walk
- Renck Community Center · 18 min walk
- The Little Gym · 21 min walk
- Sherman Indian Museum · 18 min walk
- AMC 16 Galleria at Tyler · 19 min walk
- Van Buren Drive-in Theater · 24 min walk
Annual events: Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival (nearby), Riverside Riverside Art Museum programming, neighborhood school fairs and community picnics at Arlington Park
Schools Near Arlington, Riverside
Arlington sits within Riverside Unified School District, with solid elementary and middle options. Hawthorne Elementary (score 42.5) and Liberty Elementary (31.5) serve the immediate area, while Chemawa Middle (29.5) provides middle-grade education nearby. Arlington High (36.5) serves as the neighborhood's primary secondary school, ensuring families can navigate the system without long bus rides.
Elementary Schools
School Score 42.5 with 35% math and 50% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 42.5 with 37% math and 48% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 32 with 26% math and 38% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 31.5 with 26% math and 37% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 29.5 with 19% math and 40% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 23 with 12% math and 34% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 36.5 with 20% math and 53% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 10 with 8% math and 12% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- St Thomas The Apostle School (PK-8) — 15-minute walk
- Montessori Childrens House (PK-3) — 31-minute walk
- Cottonwood Montessori (KG-KG) — 36-minute walk
- Bright Futures Academy Riverside (1-12) — 14-minute walk
- Carnegie Schools-Riverside (PK-12) — 26-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Elementary to middle transition typically flows through Chemawa; high school students feed to Arlington High, creating a coherent K-12 pathway for neighborhood families.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Arlington
Arlington's central Riverside location offers reasonable commute times to major employers and regional destinations. Most jobs within Riverside are accessible in under 20 minutes by car, while regional employment hubs require 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic patterns.
Additionally, transit Score of 38 reflects some bus service via Magnolia and Van Buren corridors, though many residents rely on personal vehicles (67.4 percent) for commuting.
Neighborhoods Near Arlington
Not sure Arlington is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arlington
What is the average home price in Arlington, Riverside?
The median home value in Arlington is approximately $440,000, with single-family homes typically ranging from $380,000 to $520,000. This price point sits below the broader Riverside city median of $485,500, making the neighborhood accessible to first-time buyers and families trading up within the region. Rental availability at $1,476 per month provides an alternative for those not yet ready to purchase.
Is this neighborhood a good place to families to live?
Yes. Additionally, arlington attracts families, with 37.9 percent of households including children. Moreover, the combination of strong neighborhood schools, 86 Walk Score, community recreation centers like the Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center, and parks such as Arlington Park creates a family-friendly environment. School options including Hawthorne Elementary and Arlington High ensure quality K-12 education without long commutes.
What are the best schools in Arlington, Riverside?
Hawthorne Elementary (score 42.5) and Liberty Elementary (31.5) serve elementary grades, while Chemawa Middle (29.5) and Arlington High (36.5) provide middle and high school options. These schools feed students through a logical progression, helping families navigate enrollment and transportation. Private options like St Thomas The Apostle School offer alternatives for families seeking different educational philosophies.
Is Arlington a safe neighborhood?
Arlington maintains a stable, family-oriented character with median household income of $68,285 and 52.1 percent owner occupancy, indicators of residential stability. Additionally, the 14.5 percent poverty rate sits below national averages. Neighborhood watch activities and active community engagement through recreation centers and schools support a sense of security, though like all urban neighborhoods, standard precautions remain sensible.
Who is Arlington the best fit for?
Arlington works exceptionally well for first-time homebuyers seeking walkable, family-friendly neighborhoods; established families prioritizing schools and recreational amenities; and remote workers who value walkable access to coffee shops and dining. The neighborhood also appeals to investors seeking rental income from stable family renters, though appreciation potential is moderate.
What are the best nearby amenities and dining options?
Grocery shopping is convenient at Stater Bros. and Food 4 Less, while coffee drinkers enjoy Dutch Bros. Additionally, coffee and Espumita Coffee within the neighborhood. Dining ranges from Joe's Sushi to Tony's Mexican Grill. Recreation includes the Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center, EDJ School of Jiu-Jitsu, and Arlington Park for outdoor activities. The Van Buren Drive-in Theater and AMC 16 Galleria at Tyler provide evening entertainment.
Where this Arlington data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Find Your Home in Arlington
Additionally, explore available homes, schools, and lifestyle details to see if Arlington is the right neighborhood fit for your family or investment goals.
Search homes in Arlington →