Arlington South, Riverside: A Suburban Community for Value-Conscious Families
This car-dependent neighborhood delivers solid schools and family-oriented living southeast of downtown Riverside.
About Arlington South in Riverside
Arlington South is a car-dependent suburban neighborhood in Riverside where families find solid value and room to grow. The median home price of $470,333 sits below Riverside's citywide median, making it accessible to first-time buyers and growing families alike. A median household income of $78,571 and a 63.4% owner-occupancy rate reflect a stable, settled community where nearly half of residents are married couples and one-third have children.
Real Estate Market in Arlington South
| Median home price | $470k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | stable |
| Price per sq ft | $235 |
| Median rent | $1,831 |
| Typical days on market | 28 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 24 |
| Transit Score | 27 |
| Bike Score | 67 |
Additionally, arlington South offers entry-level family pricing relative to Riverside's broader market. Homes move at a steady pace in this suburban segment.
In this neighborhood, inspections and appraisals matter more than speed. Price homes fairly relative to recent comps, and expect motivated seller engagement on well-maintained properties. Schools and lot size often drive final offers here.
Who Thrives in Arlington South
Additionally, arlington South delivers attainable entry prices, stable neighborhoods, and family-friendly layouts without the premium tag of closer-in Riverside.
Additionally, good public schools including Harrison Elementary and Arlington High, parks like Arlington Heights Sports Park, and room for kids make this a natural fit for growing households.
Additionally, consistent rents near $1,831 and affordable acquisition prices create modest but predictable cash flow for buy-and-hold landlords.
Additionally, limited walkability (score 24) and transit (score 27) mean you need a car for daily life, but quiet streets and affordable homes suit those who work from home.
Additionally, lower cost of living, manageable home maintenance, and nearby medical services at Gateway and local clinics appeal to fixed-income households.
Property Types in Arlington South
Dominant stock; typically 1,800 to 2,400 sq ft on 0.25-acre lots with garages and yards.
Lower-maintenance entry for first-timers; often newer construction or well-maintained complexes.
Limited but growing; attracts buyers seeking updated systems and warranty protection.
Living in Arlington South, Riverside
Life in this neighborhood centers on school runs, weekend sports at Arlington Heights Sports Park, and quick errands to Albertsons or Stater Bros. Families gather at Harrison Park for family barbecues, while the nearby Van Buren Drive-in Theater offers retro weekend entertainment. Additionally, you'll need a car for nearly everything (81.4% of residents drive to work), but the trade-off is quiet, family-friendly streets and the kind of space where kids can play outside safely. <h3>Daily Conveniences</h3> Coffee stops like Daily Brew Coffee House and Dutch Bros. Coffee dot the commercial strips, and Planet Fitness plus The Little Gym serve active households. The Giant Orange Fruit Stand replica and Bowlero add quirky, local character to an otherwise suburban setting.
- Carl's Jr. · 10 min walk
- McDonald's · 11 min walk
- Denny's · 11 min walk
- Domino's · 12 min walk
- Subway · 12 min walk
- Daily Brew Coffee House · 14 min walk
- Starbucks · 26 min walk
- It's Boba Time · 28 min walk
- Dutch Bros. Coffee · 28 min walk
- Espumita Coffee · 29 min walk
- Harrison Park · 1 min walk
- Arlington Heights Sports Park · 17 min walk
- Private Park · 22 min walk
- Private Park · 24 min walk
- Arlington Park · 31 min walk
- Albertsons · 13 min walk
- Aldi · 31 min walk
- MR. BAKER · 34 min walk
- Stater Bros. · 35 min walk
- Northgate Market · 36 min walk
- The Little Gym · 14 min walk
- Planet Fitness · 21 min walk
- The Beast Training Center · 28 min walk
- EDJ School of Jiu-Jitsu · 29 min walk
- Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center · 31 min walk
- Van Buren Drive-in Theater · 15 min walk
- Giant Orange Fruit Stand replica · 23 min walk
- AMC 16 Galleria at Tyler · 28 min walk
- Interpretive Amphitheater · 28 min walk
- Bowlero · 36 min walk
Annual events: Riverside County Fairs, back-to-school community days, Arlington High sports events, neighborhood block parties
Schools Near Arlington South, Riverside
Arlington South feeds into solid neighborhood schools with strong parent engagement. Harrison Elementary and Hawthorne Elementary both score 42.5, well above state averages, while Arlington High serves the secondary grades with a 36.5 score and a reputation for athletics and arts.
Elementary Schools
School Score 42.5 with 37% math and 48% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 42.5 with 35% math and 50% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 31.5 with 26% math and 37% 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) — 35-minute walk
- Montessori Childrens House (PK-3) — 36-minute walk
- Bethel Christian Schools (PK-12) — 20-minute walk
- Bright Futures Academy Riverside (1-12) — 36-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Most Arlington South students flow directly to Arlington High, creating a tight K-12 community where families stay for years.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Arlington South
This neighborhood's car dependency (81.4% drive) reflects limited transit options and suburban distance from employment centers. However, the Van Buren and Lincoln transit corridors provide regional connections for those willing to use them.
Additionally, riverside Transit Agency (RTA) services the Van Buren and Lincoln corridors, but frequency and coverage remain sparse; a personal vehicle is essential for reliable commuting.
Neighborhoods Near Arlington South
Not sure Arlington South is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arlington South
What is the average home price in Arlington South, Riverside?
The median home price is $470,333, roughly $15,000 below Riverside's citywide median of $485,500. Additionally, most single-family homes range from $380,000 to $580,000 depending on condition, lot size, and year built. Condos and townhomes typically cost $50,000 to $100,000 less. These figures reflect strong affordability relative to Southern California standards and appeal to buyers seeking good value in a family-oriented community.
Is Arlington South a good place to live?
It depends on your priorities. Additionally, if you value affordable family homes, good neighborhood schools, and quiet suburban streets, yes. However, the low walkability score of 24 means you'll rely on a car for nearly all errands. The median household income of $78,571 and high owner-occupancy rate (63.4%) signal a stable, settled community. Tradeoffs include limited dining and entertainment diversity and longer commutes to downtown employment.
What schools serve Arlington South, Riverside?
Harrison Elementary and Hawthorne Elementary both score 42.5 and serve K-6 grades with strong parent involvement. Additionally, arlington High (grade 9-12) scores 36.5 and offers well-regarded sports and arts programs. Liberty Elementary also serves the area with a 31.5 score. Private options include Bethel Christian Schools and Montessori Childrens House for families seeking faith-based or alternative approaches.
How safe is Arlington South?
The neighborhood's poverty rate of just 7.4% and married-couple household concentration (48.9%) suggest a stable, low-stress environment. However, like most suburban Riverside areas, property crime and occasional gang activity in nearby corridors merit standard home security precautions. Additionally, local law enforcement maintains a presence, including Riverside Fire Department Station #2 nearby. Most residents report feeling secure in their homes and on neighborhood streets.
Who is Arlington South best for?
First-time buyers, growing families, and value-conscious retirees thrive here. The neighborhood suits couples with children (32.2% have kids), owner-occupants seeking stable long-term appreciation, and anyone prioritizing affordability over urban walkability. Remote workers with quiet-home needs also find good value, though the lack of nearby coworking or coffee culture means you'll mostly work from home.
What amenities and attractions are nearby?
Arlington Heights Sports Park and Harrison Park offer recreation for families, while Planet Fitness and The Little Gym serve active households. Additionally, dining leans casual: Carl's Jr., Denny's, and Domino's anchor nearby strips. Groceries include Albertsons and Stater Bros. For entertainment, the Van Buren Drive-in Theater provides retro weekend fun, and Bowlero offers bowling and socializing. A short drive reaches the AMC 16 Galleria at Tyler for mainstream cinema.
Where this Arlington South 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 South
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