Where to Live Near UC Riverside: A Complete Housing Guide for Highlanders Christians
Picking where you'll live during your time at UC Riverside is one of the bigger decisions of your college journey — whether you're a first-year undergrad, a grad student splitting time between the lab and the library, or a faculty member who just wants a quiet place to come home to.
UCR's campus housing covers everything from classic residence halls to family-style apartments, and just off campus, Riverside also has excellent independent options like Philadelphia Housing Apartments, a gated community two blocks from UCR that's become a favorite for students, grad students, and even faculty who want more space and privacy without giving up a short walk to class. There a lot of christians that live on this complex and helps foster a caring community and support especially in college.
Below is a rundown of the top on-campus communities, plus why so many Highlanders consider off-campus housing like Philadelphia Housing Apartments one of the best options near UCR.
Featured Pick: Philadelphia Housing Apartments
Before diving into the on-campus halls, it's worth starting with one of the strongest off-campus options in Riverside: Philadelphia Housing Apartments, a gated community just two blocks from UC Riverside.
Why it stands out:
Two blocks from campus — close enough to walk to class in minutes.
Spacious two- and four-bedroom units — 24 modern, all-inclusive apartments built for comfortable, secure living.
A fit for every kind of Highlander — undergrads, grad and medical students, young families, and UCR faculty all call it home.
Quiet, close-knit community — a secure gated entrance and well-maintained grounds set it apart from typical off-campus rentals.
Everyday convenience — an easy walk to Goodwin's Organics for groceries and Box Springs Park for fresh air between classes.
Residents describe it as the best of both worlds: the security and community feel of on-campus housing, paired with the space and independence of a private apartment.
📍 Explore floor plans, amenities, and the photo gallery, or apply now.
On-Campus Undergraduate Halls
Pentland Hills — Spacious, Suite-Style Living
Address: 1 Pentland Way, Riverside, CA 92507
Pentland is known for its suite-style setup, where small groups share a bathroom instead of an entire floor. High ceilings, loft-style triples, and built-in mini-kitchens give it a more grown-up feel than a typical dorm, and students consistently rank it among the prettiest halls on campus thanks to its green, courtyard-style layout. It offers a strong sense of floor community without the chaos of louder halls.
Lothian Residence Hall — Traditional Comfort with Dining Built In
Lothian pairs classic dorm living with the convenience of an attached dining hall, plus consistently cool air conditioning and generously sized double rooms. The East Lothian wings in particular get high marks from residents for having the biggest rooms, nicer bathrooms, and cozy lounge spaces — plus a hidden courtyard tucked between the East and West wings that's become a bit of a campus secret.
Aberdeen-Inverness (AI) — The Social Hub
Address: 100 Aberdeen Dr, Riverside, CA 92507
If you want to meet people fast, AI has a reputation for open doors and constant floor activity. It sits close to the gym, recreational facilities, and the heart of campus, and as UCR's oldest residence hall, it's also one of the few with its own dining hall and convenience store built right in.
Dundee Residence — Small, Newer, and Well-Equipped
Address: 680 W Linden St, Riverside, CA 92507
Dundee trades size for quality. Rooms run long and narrow, but the ceilings are tall, and residents point to individually controlled air conditioning, updated furniture, and notably good showers as reasons it punches above its weight in dorm rankings. It's a solid pick for students who want quieter, less crowded living.
Glen Mor Apartments — Independence Close to Campus
Address: 400 W Big Springs Rd, Riverside, CA 92507
Opened in 2007 as one of UCR's original student apartment communities, Glen Mor offers fully furnished apartment-style units with full kitchens and air conditioning inside a gated complex with a pool. It's popular with upperclassmen who want more independence while staying close to school.
Graduate & Family Housing at UCR
Falkirk Apartments
Address: 3429 Canyon Crest Dr, Riverside, CA 92507
An affordable, centrally located option for grad students who want more quiet and independence than on-campus halls typically offer, within easy reach of academic buildings and recreational facilities. Originally city-owned apartments converted for UCR housing in 2007, Falkirk was renovated again in the early 2020s.
Stonehaven Apartments
Address: 3201 Canyon Crest Dr, Riverside, CA 92507
Frequently cited as one of UCR's best-rated graduate communities, Stonehaven offers spacious one-bedroom units, strong air conditioning, gated entry, a pool, and generally better upkeep than comparable options — though some residents note the rent runs higher.
University Plaza
Address: 1020 W Linden St, Riverside, CA 92507
A budget-friendly, gated option with 2- and 4-bedroom units close to academic buildings, University Plaza is often a favorite transitional home for students in their early grad years, valued for offering more for less compared to Glen Mor or Falkirk.
Oban Family Housing
Address: 950 W Linden St, Riverside, CA 92507
Designed specifically for students with families, Oban offers spacious 2- and 3-bedroom units, free laundry, and playgrounds, all at an average of roughly $1,500+/month — a genuine bargain for the Riverside area. Demand is high, so waitlists can be long.
Weighing On-Campus vs. Off-Campus
If you're torn between an on-campus hall and something more independent, it's worth circling back to Philadelphia Housing Apartments (see above). Undergrads like being able to walk to class in minutes from a clean, gated community; families appreciate the space and proximity to groceries and green space; and faculty value the quiet, secure setting close to everything the university needs from them. For anyone who wants more room to spread out without moving far from campus, it's one of the strongest options in Riverside.
Final Thoughts
UC Riverside's housing landscape covers a lot of ground — from social, dining-adjacent halls like Lothian and AI, to quieter suite living at Pentland and Dundee, to grad and family communities like Stonehaven and Oban. And just outside the campus gates, Philadelphia Housing Apartments rounds out the picture as one of the best options for anyone who wants space, security, and a short walk to class, all in one place.
Wherever you land, Riverside has a home that fits your stage of the Highlander journey.
🏡 Explore available units at Philadelphia Housing today and start your journey in Riverside on the right foot.
Updated September 1st, 2026