Riverside

CARiverside-San Bernardino-Ontario

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$663,717 (June 2025, city); $613,619 (June 2025, county)
Median Home Price
~320,000 (city); ~2.5 million (county)
Population
$77,000 (city, 2024 estimate)
Median Income
Riverside Unified School District: B+ (Niche 2025)
School District Rating

Market Overview

Property Values

$663,717 (June 2025, city); $613,619 (June 2025, county)
Median Home Price
$381 (city); $321 (county)
Price per Sq Ft
+2.5% (city); +2.8% (county)
YoY Change

Market Performance

Days on MarketMarket has slowed; homes taking longer to sell than previous year (exact DOM not specified)[2]
Market TypeTransitioning from seller’s to balanced market; more buyer leverage[2][3]
Months of SupplyInventory up 47% YoY (metro area); 889 homes for sale in June 2025 (city)

Sales Activity

Sales Volume889 homes for sale in June 2025 (city)[3]
Metro AreaRiverside-San Bernardino-Ontario
Population~320,000 (city); ~2.5 million (county)

Economic Indicators

Employment & Growth

Unemployment Rate~5.2% (Riverside County, early 2025, estimate)
Job Growth Rate~1.8% (2024-2025, estimate)
Median Household Income$77,000 (city, 2024 estimate)

Major Employers

  • Riverside Unified School District
  • University of California, Riverside
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Riverside Community Hospital
  • City of Riverside

Demographics

~320,000 (city); ~2.5 million (county)
Population
31.3 years (city, 2024 estimate)
Median Age
+0.7% (city, 2024-2025)
Population Growth
29% bachelor’s degree or higher (city)
Education Level

Family Composition

Mix of families, young professionals, and retirees; 38% households with children

Key Industries

EducationHealthcareLogistics/DistributionManufacturingPublic Sector

Education

School District

Riverside Unified School District: B+ (Niche 2025)
District Rating

Top Schools

  • Polytechnic High School
  • Martin Luther King High School
  • Riverside STEM Academy

Higher Education

  • University of California, Riverside
  • California Baptist University
  • Riverside City College

Infrastructure & Development

Major Projects

  • Riverside Innovation District (downtown redevelopment)
  • Expansion of UC Riverside research facilities

Transportation

  • Metrolink rail upgrades
  • SR-91/60/215 interchange improvements

Planned Developments

  • Mixed-use residential and retail projects downtown
  • Affordable housing initiatives

Lifestyle & Amenities

Recreation

  • Mount Rubidoux Park
  • Santa Ana River Trail
  • Fairmount Park

Dining & Entertainment

  • Downtown Riverside restaurants
  • Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
  • Fox Performing Arts Center

Cultural Attractions

  • Riverside Art Museum
  • California Citrus State Historic Park
  • Riverside Festival of Lights

Investment Analysis

Investment Opportunities

  • Rising inventory offers more selection for buyers[2][3]
  • Steady price appreciation (+2.5% YoY)[3]
  • Strong rental demand from students and healthcare workers

Growth Outlook

Moderate appreciation expected through 2025; stable demand[1][2][3]

Market Risks

  • Slower price growth; possible plateau[1][2]
  • Interest rate volatility
  • Potential for increased days on market

Rental Market

Strong; high demand for single-family and multifamily rentals, especially near universities and hospitals

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • First-time buyers
  • Young families
  • Investors seeking rental properties
  • Relocators from LA/OC

Marketing Channels

  • Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com
  • Social media (Instagram, Facebook)
  • Local real estate events

Pricing Strategies

List slightly below recent comps to attract multiple offers in a balanced market

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Interest rates are too high.

Response Strategy:

Show historical context and potential for refinancing when rates drop.

Objection: Market is slowing; should I wait?

Response Strategy:

Highlight stable price growth and increased selection; waiting may mean higher prices later.

Objection: Too much competition from other buyers.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize increased inventory and more buyer leverage in 2025.

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on increased inventory and leverage

2

Advise sellers to price competitively and stage homes

3

Highlight Riverside’s affordability and amenities in marketing

4

Monitor interest rate trends and advise clients accordingly

5

Target marketing to LA/OC relocators and investors

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • San Bernardino, CA
  • Ontario, CA
  • Corona, CA

Market Positioning

Affordable alternative to LA/OC with strong amenities and job growth

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower median price than coastal SoCal cities
  • Strong job base in education and healthcare
  • Proximity to major highways and transit

Price Comparison

Median home price ~$663K vs. $900K+ in LA/OC coastal markets

Investment Metrics

4.5%–5.2% (single-family rentals, 2025)
Cap Rates
~5% gross yield (city average)
Rental Yields
18–20 (city average)
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow possible with 20% down, especially near universities
Cash Flow
2–3% annual appreciation expected through 2026
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

More options and less competition than 2021–2022; down payment assistance available.

Move-Up Buyers

Can leverage equity from previous homes; more inventory to choose from.

Downsizers

Appealing single-story and low-maintenance homes available; strong amenities.

Investors

Solid rental demand and moderate cap rates; focus on proximity to schools and hospitals.

Relocators

Affordability and job growth attract buyers from LA/OC; highlight lifestyle and commute options.

This city analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

Related Market Intelligence

Explore connected markets and opportunities