Mead Valley

Intro "Upton Acres is great country living close to the city" says Eduardo Franco, Realtor and resident of the nearby city of Perris. Set back from the popular commuter route Interstate 215, also known as the Escondido Freeway, and located 15 miles southeast of Riverside, this quiet California suburb offers a balance of space and convenience. Residents here enjoy Upton Acres' neighborly environment, while still being close to the universities and job opportunities that make Riverside a prominent hub of the Inland Empire. Housing Upton Acres sits at the bottom of the expansive Mead Valley surrounded by desert landscapes and grasslands. Housing in this area follows a grid pattern and features mid-sized ranch-style and Spanish-revival style homes. Buildings are accented by low-lying scrub trees, palms and the occasional tall oak. Ranging in price from the low $200,000s to upwards of $750,000, homes here go for an average price of $426,000, which is about $200,000 less than homes in neighboring Riverside. Most homes in Upton Acres were built in the early 80's and the area includes a mix of manufactured and traditionally built homes. According to Franco, this area is "growing exponentially," in part due to its value, but also because, as "warehouses go up," employment opportunities also continue to expand. Transportation While having a car is most convenient in this suburban neighborhood, several bus lines connect Upton Acres with the nearby cities of Perris and Riverside. For a change of pace, residents can easily access Southern California’s major destinations such as Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego via the 215 Freeway. Located 50 miles from the coast, Upton Acres' central location means homeowners can be at the beach in about an hour while still enjoying mountain views. Shopping and Dining In addition to local convenience stores, the nearby city of Perris' major thoroughfares provide residents of Upton Acres with access to shopping centers. Locals can explore specialty stores like Cardenas Market, a Mexican-focused grocer offering produce, a fruit-and-juice bar, tortillas and prepared meals. For something to eat on the go, residents can enjoy an assortment of foods from the diverse food trucks that line Cajalco Road. The Mead Valley Market and Liquor store is another favorite spot. Adorned with a colorful mural, this local establishment serves up made-to-order burritos and tacos as well as fresh cuts of meat. Parks On sunny days, residents find themselves enjoying the balmy weather by having picnics along Lake Perris. With sandy beaches, hiking trails, campgrounds and ample space for going out on boats or jet skis, there's something for everyone at this popular local spot. Schools Students here are served by primary schools such as Mead Valley Elementary, which earned a B-minus from the educational review site Niche. Students then advance to intermediate education schools like Tomas Rivera Middle. Named for Tomás Rivera, a Mexican-American author, poet and educator, this received an A-minus from Niche. Continuing their education, students can attend Citrus Hill High School. Named for the orange groves that used to occupy the area, this school also earned an A for performance. Events Community seniors often gather at the Mead Valley Community Center to enjoy daily meals together and to participate in organized activities such as senior art classes. In addition to being a gathering place, this center also hosts the annual Mead Valley Festival of Light as well as service opportunities for locals to participate in such as the Feeding America program.