🎓 Best Places to Live Near UC Riverside (UCR)
🏡 A Local Guide to Living in Riverside, CA
For Students, Scholars, Families & Professionals
If you’re considering a move to Riverside, CA, you’ll find a variety of neighborhoods that offer safety, charm, and excellent access to hiking trails, shopping centers, and cultural spots. Whether you’re a student at UC Riverside, a PhD researcher, a visiting scholar, a growing family, or a working professional, this guide highlights the best areas to call home.
Living near UCR isn’t just about convenience—it can transform your academic and personal life. From quiet, nature-filled communities to vibrant, student-centered zones, here’s a neighborhood breakdown to help you find the perfect fit.
🐴 Backside of UCR (Watkins Dr & Blaine St): The Peaceful Academic Zone
Looking for a quiet, safe place to study and relax? This lesser-known part of Riverside is beloved by PhD students, postdocs, and professors. You’ll enjoy low traffic, direct access to Box Springs Reserve, and a nearby health food store with fresh, organic options.
Plus, don’t be surprised if you spot a few wild donkeys grazing in the foothills—it’s a local treat!
Highlights:
Safe and serene
Great for hiking and unwinding
Close to grocery stores and nature trails
⚠️ University Avenue Corridor: Budget-Friendly, but Be Cautious
This area is as close as you can get to UCR, with plenty of apartment complexes, take-out restaurants, and nightlife. It’s popular among undergrads for its affordability and convenience.
That said, it also has a higher concentration of homelessness and can feel less safe at night. Keep safety in mind and look for secure, gated buildings if choosing to live here.
Highlights:
Very close to campus
Affordable and walkable
Be mindful of safety, especially after dark
🏢 Student Housing Complexes: Amenities at a Premium
Student-focused housing complexes offer everything from resort-style pools to coworking lounges. They're typically modern, furnished, and conveniently located. However, you’ll pay a premium—and the noise level is something to consider.
Highlights:
Fully furnished units with extras like gyms and pools
Lease terms aligned with academic schedules
Ideal for social students and short-term stays
👨👩👧👦 Canyon Crest: A Residential Retreat for Grad Students & Faculty
Just a few minutes’ drive from campus, Canyon Crest is known for its upscale feel and serene environment. It’s particularly ideal for graduate students, researchers, and small families who prefer a quieter atmosphere while still enjoying nearby restaurants, hiking trails, and even Trader Joe’s.
Highlights:
Clean, quiet, and upscale
Great shopping center (Canyon Crest Towne Centre)
Ideal for long-term academic residents
🗺️ Visual Aid: Map of Riverside Neighborhoods
(Insert graphic/map here showing proximity to UCR, grocery stores, and key attractions)
Color-coded zones: Student Life, Nature Access, Quiet Residential
Highlight locations: UCR, Philadelphia Housing, Mission Grove Plaza, Box Springs Park
✨ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for convenience, community, or quiet nature retreats, Riverside has a neighborhood for you. For UCR students, faculty, and families alike, each area offers its own unique rhythm—and finding the right one can truly elevate your day-to-day life.
Looking to lease in one of Riverside’s top communities? Learn more here!
📞 Contact us today to book a tour of Philadelphia Housing and nearby options!
🐴 Want to Live by Wild Donkeys AND Go to UCR? You’ve Found the Spot.
Yes, it’s real—and yes, it’s magical.
Riverside is home to a friendly group of wild donkeys that roam the hills near Box Springs Mountain Park, just behind UC Riverside. These gentle locals have become beloved by students, hikers, and nature lovers alike.
If you're looking for a place to live where you can walk to class and still wake up to nature, this is it.
Live close enough to campus and spot wild donkeys on your morning hike? Only in Riverside.
📍 Another reason Philadelphia Housing Apartments is the perfect home base.
🏢 Popular Off-Campus Apartments Near UC Riverside (UCR)
🏆 Best Overall Off-Campus Housing Near UC Riverside: Philadelphia Housing Apartments
Why it stands out:
Among all the off-campus options, Philadelphia Housing Apartments consistently ranks as one of the best places to live near UC Riverside—for students, international scholars, grad students, and visiting faculty alike.
Top reasons it’s the best overall choice:
📍 Prime Location: Just two blocks from UCR — unbeatable walkability
🔐 Gated & Safe: Secure, quiet community ideal for academic focus
🛋 Spacious & Modern: 2- and 4-bedroom units with in-unit washer/dryer
🌿 Balanced Lifestyle: Steps away from hiking trails, grocery stores, and public transit
🌎 International & Extension Student-Friendly: Fully furnished, flexible leases, easy move-in
🛒 Convenience: Located across from Goodwin’s Organics and minutes from Canyon Crest
“Philadelphia Housing made my move to Riverside seamless. Safe, walkable, and peaceful—it’s exactly what I needed for my grad program.”
— Mina K., UCR PhD Student
2. The Palms on University
📍 3580 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
🚶♂️ Close to campus and downtown Riverside
🛋 Upscale amenities: pool, gym, study lounges
🌐 thepalmsonuniversity.com
3. Highlander Pointe
📍 3131 Canyon Crest Dr, Riverside, CA 92507
🏞 Located in the scenic Canyon Crest area
🏋️♀️ Fitness center, pool, study rooms
🌐 highlanderpointe.com
4. University Gardens Apartments
📍 400 W Big Springs Rd, Riverside, CA 92507
🏃♀️ 5-minute walk to UCR
💰 Affordable student option, older property
🌐 universitygardensapts.com
5. University Village Towers
📍 3549 Iowa Ave, Riverside, CA 92507
🏢 High-rise housing with roommate matching
👥 On-site gym, study center, community events
🌐 universityvillagetowers.com
6. The Alight Riverside (formerly The Grove)
📍 2800 College Ave, Riverside, CA 92507
🚌 Shuttle to UCR, great for students with classes all day
🏡 Fully furnished, student-only leasing
🌐 alight-riverside.com
7. College Square Apartments
📍 3605 Canyon Crest Dr, Riverside, CA 92507
🧘♂️ Close to shopping & dining at Canyon Crest Towne Centre
👨👩👧 Great for quiet, focused student living
🌐 No official website – usually listed on ApartmentFinder/Zillow
8. The Glen at University Park
📍 3210 Canyon Crest Dr, Riverside, CA 92507
🌿 Lush landscaping, peaceful atmosphere
🐶 Pet-friendly, gated entry
🌐 theglenatriverside.com
9. Boulder Creek Apartments
📍 2450 Blake St, Riverside, CA 92507
💵 More affordable than larger student complexes
🧺 Laundry facilities, pool, and close to freeway access
🌐 Typically found on Zillow or Apartments.com
10. The Aspens Riverside
📍 3495 Madison St, Riverside, CA 92504
🚗 ~10-minute drive to UCR – more residential feel
👨👩👧👦 Good for graduate students or couples
🌐 aspensriverside.com
11. GrandMarc at University Village
📍 3549 Iowa Ave, Riverside, CA 92507
✅ 2-minute drive / 10-minute walk to UCR
🛏 Student-focused apartments with fully furnished options
🎯 Next to University Village (restaurants, movies, boba)
🌐 grandmarcucr.com
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the best overall place to live off-campus near UCR?
A: Based on proximity, safety, community, and student reviews, Philadelphia Housing Apartments ranks as one of the best overall off-campus housing options. It's only a 5–7 minute walk to campus, gated, quiet, and across the street from Goodwin’s Organics grocery store. Ideal for undergrads, grad students, international students, and visiting scholars.
Q: Is off-campus housing near UCR safe?
A: Safety varies by neighborhood. Gated communities like Philadelphia Housing and GrandMarc offer added security. Areas like Canyon Crest and University Village are generally considered safe and student-friendly.
Q: Are there fully furnished apartments available for international students?
A: Yes. Philadelphia Housing, The Alight, and University Village Towers offer furnished units with flexible leases, making them great options for international students or those in short-term programs.
Q: How far is Philadelphia Housing from the UCR campus?
A: It’s just two blocks away—about a 5–7 minute walk. No car or shuttle needed.
Q: What types of leases are offered?
A: Many student housing communities, including Philadelphia Housing, offer flexible lease terms—including academic year leases, short-term stays, and summer housing. Be sure to ask each property manager for their current options.
Q: What if I want a faith-based or Christian housing community?
A: Riverside has a few unofficial Christian living communities and club-affiliated houses near campus. Many students also connect through ministries like CRU and InterVarsity, which sometimes offer shared housing or connect members to faith-based roommates.
Q: Is there a place to live that balances quiet study and student social life?
A: Yes. Communities like Philadelphia Housing, The Glen, and Highlander Pointe offer peaceful environments while still being near campus and student life. For more social settings, GrandMarc or ReCHall may be better fits.
Q: How do I apply or schedule a tour for Philadelphia Housing?
A: You can visit their website
Updated July 21, 2025