We have lived in Riverside for over 40 years.  Over this time span, the City has gone through multiple metamorphoses, both good and bad.  We’ve all seen the most recent one happening over the past decade.  With venues such as the newly renovated Fox Performing Arts Center and the Culver Center of the Arts which have both contributed greatly to the revival of performing and visual arts in town, Riverside is beginning to get noticed.  We have thousands of performers and hundreds of arts organizations in our region that could benefit from a stronger local participation in the arts.

The Culver Center of the Arts is an amazing venue right in the heart of Downtown

The City of Arts & Innovation

The City’s tagline has been in use for 3 years now and we’re beginning to see the benefits of living in the City of Arts & Innovation. In the past, Riverside has been a mecca for home buyers who came here solely for the affordable homes.  When compared to LA or Orange County, we were always the more affordable option. But there is a new force driving the economic development of Riverside and the Inland Empire as a whole these days.  The region seems poised for a lot of exciting changes and developments, all of which are sure to enhance our quality of life.

It is not just a question of supporting the arts, it boils down to a question of supporting the quality of life here in the Inland Empire.  Mayor Loveridge credits the City’s strong support for the arts as a key boost and energy driver for our City’s Renaissance efforts as we create a city that is the place to be not just because of affordable housing, but because we have a quality of life which makes it enjoyable to be here.

We couldn’t agree more. Arts & culture, education, and entertainment are key reasons to love Riverside.  We currently have a sustainable network of art, music, entertainment and education.  With the positive things going on in Riverside, it is a wonderful place to call home.  The California Arts Council is taking notice, The Culver Center of the Arts is continuing to produce innovative arts projects, The Fox Performing Arts Center is bringing a variety of performers to town, and the Universities are growing and expanding, including plans for UCR’s Medical School.  All of these efforts will continue to enhance our quality of life here in the City of Arts and Innovation.

How is your quality of life in Riverside?  We’re curious to hear what your favorite things to do in town are.  Leave us a comment and tell us what you enjoy. Whether it is the fabulous parks, great outdoor spaces and places, or the art scene, we would love to hear from you about your choice Riverside activity. Keep the conversations going!  Join our Blog Riverside! and encourage others to as well.