Canyon Ridge

Canyon Ridge is a neighborhood that feels on the precipice of its identity as a hidden luxury of Southern California. On some streets, million-dollar Spanish-style homes peek out from behind long driveways and imposing fences. Two blocks over, chain-link fences and empty lots outnumber the houses along the narrow, sunbaked road that crumbles at the edges. The result is a rural, ranch-like atmosphere that is contained but not secluded. “Either people like it for what it is, or they don’t,” said Steve Maio, a real estate agent with Westcoe Realtors who has been selling homes in Canyon Ridge since the 1980s. “There’s no curbs, no sidewalks. It’s somewhat rural, but that’s what people tend to like about it.”

A stroll through the streets of Canyon Ridge is likely to quickly turn into a hike as the roads crawl up the foothills of Estelle Mountain. The trek may be ideal for a meandering walk after dinner, but it won’t offer an opportunity to stop into a bakery for dessert. “It’s relatively hilly – you start off at the bottom and then it winds its way towards the top,” Maio said. “You can certainly walk around there if you’d like, but you aren’t really able to walk to shops or restaurants.” Most of the houses in Canyon Ridge have a heavy Spanish influence, with stucco and stone exteriors, terracotta tile roofs, and soft arches. Some imposing two-story homes, selling for around $1 million for a four-bedroom home, feel like luxury Mediterranean villas. Meanwhile, single-story three-bedroom Spanish Revival ranch homes embrace a humbler price tag around $650,000. Buyers with a vision and a desire to build a custom home can snag one of the empty lots, which generally range from a quarter to half an acre, for around $200,000. Landscaping includes gravel hardscapes, flowering trees, and desert views in every direction.

As bucolic as Canyon Ridge may feel, there’s excitement to be had within a 10-minute drive. Van Buren Boulevard and its bus routes connect residents to Riverside Freeway, which provides access to some of the area’s attractions. The Castle Park amusement park, located 7 miles north of the neighborhood, includes 35 rides and attractions as well as a water play area, retail shops, and an arcade. In the evenings, catch a flick at the Van Buren Drive-In, a historic theater revamped in 2015 to include Digital Cinema projection for crisp images. For residents who wish to get a taste of the big-city life before retreating to their quiet community, Los Angeles is around a 90-minute drive – manageable for a day trip.

If the brown desert landscape gets monotone, residents can surround themselves with bright greens, yellows and oranges at the California Citrus State Historic Park. In addition to the tree-lined scenery, the park provides an opportunity to learn about the history of the citrus industry in California. Visitors can explore paths through the Citrus Varietal Grove, climb to the knolls overlooking the 247-acre park, or head to the lower area for a quiet picnic. Although the rural location may suggest a backwoods experience, residents can explore cuisine from around the world within a five-minute drive. In the Woodcrest Plaza shopping center, located 3 miles East along Van Buren Boulevard, diners can get their enchilada fix at Maria’s Mexican Kitchen or grab Lebanese street sandwiches and shawarma bowls at Krazy Subs. Those who prefer to cook at home can travel 5 miles north of the neighborhood to stock up on fresh spices and produce while sipping an agua fresca at Northgate Gonzalez Market. For steak night, a Stater Bros. Markets location offers fresh meats 5 miles northeast of Canyon Ridge.

Highly rated schools in the Riverside Unified School District offer varied and rigorous academic programs for students. Harrison Elementary School, located 3 miles north of the neighborhood, serves the area’s children through grade 6 and is given a B rating by Niche. Students then attend Frank Augustus Miller Middle School in nearby Woodcrest, located east of the neighborhood and rated A- by Niche. Student athletes will revel in the meticulously kept sports facilities at Arlington High School, located north of the city, while the scholarly minds will appreciate the academic rigor, including the biomedical science program, that earns the school a B grade from Niche.

Rural but not secluded, Canyon Ridge has plenty of local color, flavor and history, with room to grow.

Written By

Caitlin Coakley

Photography Contributed By

Karl Le

Video By

Zoe Sarris