Riverside

Riverside, California, the county seat of Riverside County, is located in Southern California's Inland Empire, approximately 50 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. As the most populous city in the Inland Empire and Riverside County, it ranks as the 12th-most populous city in California and the 61st-most populous in the U.S.. The city was home to an estimated 323,757 residents in 2024. Riverside is known for its Mediterranean climate and diverse landscape, ranging from chaparral regions to mountains. Riverside's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including healthcare, retail trade, and education. The city is a hub for education, hosting the University of California, Riverside (UCR), Riverside City College, and California Baptist University. Riverside also has a strong manufacturing sector, which contributed $7.4 billion to the county's GDP in 2023. The city's economy benefits from its location within the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario Metropolitan Statistical Area, a major center for trade and logistics. Riverside holds a distinctive place in California history as the birthplace of the state's citrus industry. The introduction of Brazilian navel orange trees in 1874 transformed the region into a leading citrus producer. The city is also home to the historic Mission Inn, the largest Mission Revival Style building in the United States. With numerous parks, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions, Riverside offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities.