With a growing population of around 210,000, Moreno Valley — also known as MoVal — sits among the foothills of the rugged Box Springs Mountains. “Many people don’t realize it’s its own city,” says local Realtor Ignacio Ramirez with Equity Smart Real Estate. “They think it’s a part of other cities like Riverside or Perris, but it has its own distinct identity and its own history.” Like many California cities, Moreno Valley's history spans through Native American settlements, Spanish explorations and the construction of missions and trails that remain today. The 1918 March Field Air Museum honors the region's history as a center for fighter-pilot training, in anticipation of World War I.
A city of makers and innovators, its industrial hubs drive advances in manufacturing, aerospace and healthcare; the city's two major hospitals are Riverside University Health System and Kaiser Permanente Moreno Valley Medical Center. The Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park offers hiking trails through scrubland and desert, while the nearly 9,000-acre Lake Perris is a regional destination for fishing and boating.
Moreno Valley offers stunning views of the local mountains.
Experience comprehensive healthcare services at Kaiser Permanente in Moreno Valley.
Experience compassionate and comprehensive care at Riverside University Health System in Mor
Discover hiking trails and stunning views at Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park.
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Homes for half the state median price
As of late 2024, Moreno Valley's median home price is $550,000, compared to $688,000 in Riverside and about $860,000 in California. Early 21st-century new traditional homes are usually set in cul-de-sac subdivisions and often have Mediterranean-style details like stucco exteriors and clay-tile roofs. Multi-car garages and roof solar panels are common, as is landscaping with Italian cypress and lemon trees, as well as California buckwheat and brittlebush. Late 20th-century ranch-style homes are scattered along the outskirts of town; townhomes and condos are concentrated toward the city's center and along busy roads.
A variety of home styles are seen in a Moreno Valley neighborhood.
Tall trees give shade to a Moreno Valley neighborhood.
Brick trim and shutters were seen on a home in Moreno Valley.
Spanish-style home with a view of the hills located in Moreno Valley.
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Natural scenery in the Box Springs Mountains
One of the area's largest parks, Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park is home to a herd of wild donkeys, as well as miles of steep and winding hiking trails. The nearby Lake Perris State Recreation Area offers swimming, beaches, boating and fishing, as well as a hiking path to the top of Terri Peak, which overlooks Perris Reservoir.
Moreno Valley and Riverside share one of the oldest military airfields in the country, now the site of the March Field Air Museum. “We stay very busy during the school year,” says Rick Watts, lead docent of the museum. "Kids that live in the area have more than likely been on a field trip here to learn about our restored planes and the local history. It's something they really enjoy."
Experience historical exhibits with friends at March Air Field Museum.
Marvel at the expansive cityscape of Moreno Valley from the mountaintop.
Connect with nature and wildlife at Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park.
The mountains offer a serene escape for families overlooking Moreno Valley.
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Strip malls and plazas set along Sunnymead
Most shopping and dining options are set along Sunnymead Boulevard, but a few strip malls with big-box and grocery stores are scattered around the city. The large Moreno Valley Mall is a big draw for locals, with department stores like JC Penney and Macy’s, the Harkins Theatre for the latest movies, and Round 1 Bowling & Amusement. Sonora Grill in the Moreno Valley Commerce Center is a local favorite, serving up micheladas and street tacos.
One can enjoy an afternoon shopping at the Moreno Valley Mall.
Pick up a coffee and some baked goods from The Cupcake and Espresso Bar in Moreno Valley.
Hang out and explore unique vendors at Creative Babe Market in March Air Field Museum.
El Super offers fresh meats and groceries in the Moreno Valley area
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Year-round community celebrations
Residents gather for events like the Multicultural Festival for art, music and dance performances, displaying all the cultural traditions of people in the city. The MoVal Rocks free summer concert series is held at the city amphitheater during the summer, where local artists put on live performances. In the autumn, the Day of the Dead Celebration commemorates deceased loved ones with offerings, skeleton costumes and dance, while the wintertime Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony features pictures with Santa and hot chocolate.
Families gather for a great time at the El Grito celebration in Moreno Valley.
Indulge in mouthwatering delights at the Springtastic Festival and Egg Hunt food vendors.
Enjoy a creative day with friends at the Creative Babe Market in March Air Field Museum.
Sample the various food vendors available at El Grito in Moreno Valley.
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Commuting to Riverside and Los Angeles on the 60
State Route 60 crosses Moreno Valley, leading 2 miles west to Interstate 215 and 15 miles east to Interstate 10. Riverside and San Bernardino are within 15 miles, Palm Springs is about 50 miles east, and Los Angeles is about 65 miles northwest. The Moreno Valley/March Field Metrolink Station is less than a half mile west of the city limits, offering commuter rail service as far as LA. Riverside Transit Agency, known as RTA, provides bus service in Moreno Valley and throughout western Riverside County. Riverside County Regional Medical Center is the city’s largest hospital, and the nearest major airport is Ontario International Airport, about 30 miles away.
Initiative-taking fire departments for mitigation
According to FBI statistics from December 2023, the Moreno Valley Police Department received reports of property crime at a rate of around 189 incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to 195 in California and 180 nationwide. That same month, violent crimes were reported at a rate of around 70 incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to 99 statewide and 121 nationwide. The police department has implemented programs that include school presentations on safety and a “Zone Policing” strategy to speed up response times.
The city's proximity to wildland areas and the "wildland-urban interface" — where urban development meets open spaces — makes it especially vulnerable to wildfires. In 2024, the city faced several significant fires, including the Lisa Fire, Round Fire and Top Fire, which together burned over 1,200 acres. To combat fire risks, the Moreno Valley Department of Fire operates seven fire stations. The city also has an initiative-taking Hazard Abatement Program, which inspects vacant parcels and homes twice a year to ensure they are clear of flammable materials. Additionally, the city offers free smoke detectors to all single-family homeowners, helping to keep residents safe.
Schools and future investments
Students in the city are served by the Moreno Valley Unified School District, which earns a B-minus grade according to Niche. It also has an A-minus grade in college prep and a B in diversity. The district serves approximately 31,609 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 22-to-1. There are higher education choices nearby, including Riverside Community College, University of California, Riverside and California State University, San Bernardino. As for infrastructure investments, Moreno Valley has projects from a commercial center of eight buildings on the corner of Nason Street and Fir Avenue to a new residential development of 108 single-family homes.
Towngate Elementary School has great academic and athletic opportunities for students.
A welcoming entrance is seen at Sunnymead Middle School in Moreno Valley.
Moreno Valley High School offers a space where students can thrive.
Explore a range of degree programs at UC Riverside, Moreno Valley.
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