Riverside is a city with a lot of character, and that extends to its high-end neighborhoods. These areas are defined by their unique topography, views, and access to a number of amenities. You'll find a wide selection of beautiful homes, from new estates on the ridges to renovated homes in the greenbelt. Each of these communities offers a different balance of privacy, lot size, and finishes.
This guide will walk you through some of the most sought-after neighborhoods and the features that define Riverside luxury real estate.
Ridgeline Estates: Alessandro Heights and Hawarden Hills
Alessandro Heights is a neighborhood known for its custom and semi-custom homes on large parcels of land. The streets curve along the ridgeline, giving many of the lots long views of the valley and Mount Rubidoux. The homes often have high ceilings, large sliding glass doors, and oversized garages. The outdoor areas often include a pool, a covered patio with a built-in kitchen, and seating that faces the view.
Hawarden Hills is a neighborhood to the west of Alessandro. It has quiet cul-de-sacs and a variety of architectural styles, including Mediterranean, contemporary, and California ranch. The homes have a refined feel, with smooth stucco, stone, and metal accents. Inside, you can find upgraded kitchens with concealed appliances and large primary suites with direct patio access. This neighborhood is known for its mature landscaping and quiet streets.
Hawarden Hills is a neighborhood to the west of Alessandro. It has quiet cul-de-sacs and a variety of architectural styles, including Mediterranean, contemporary, and California ranch. The homes have a refined feel, with smooth stucco, stone, and metal accents. Inside, you can find upgraded kitchens with concealed appliances and large primary suites with direct patio access. This neighborhood is known for its mature landscaping and quiet streets.
Elevated Newer Builds: Canyon Crest and Sycamore Highlands
Canyon Crest has a mix of established hilltop streets and newer construction near the golf course and parkland. The homes are designed to focus on indoor-outdoor integration, with sliding glass doors and courtyard entries. The floor plans often offer a flexible suite for guests or a home office. The elevation provides breezes and a sense of separation from the valley floor.
Sycamore Highlands is a neighborhood located along the Box Springs foothills. The homes here have a contemporary look, with clean rooflines and modern window packages. They often have a loft or an elevated deck that makes them feel larger than they are. The finishes are neutral and textured, with plaster-look walls, wide-plank flooring, and quartzite countertops.
Sycamore Highlands is a neighborhood located along the Box Springs foothills. The homes here have a contemporary look, with clean rooflines and modern window packages. They often have a loft or an elevated deck that makes them feel larger than they are. The finishes are neutral and textured, with plaster-look walls, wide-plank flooring, and quartzite countertops.
Victoria Avenue Greenbelt: Estate-Lot Infill
The Victoria Avenue corridor is known for its heritage citrus landscape and estate lots. The new luxury homes here are designed to respect the greenbelt's character, with deep front setbacks and side-entry garages. These homes are long and single-story, with gallery halls and views framing mature trees.
The architectural details are subtle, with wood beams, plaster niches, and steel doors. The homes have service spaces designed for entertaining, such as sculleries and walk-through pantries. The outdoor kitchens are often aligned with the dining room. Street appeal is important here, and the landscaping, fencing, and driveway design all contribute to the home's overall feel.
The architectural details are subtle, with wood beams, plaster niches, and steel doors. The homes have service spaces designed for entertaining, such as sculleries and walk-through pantries. The outdoor kitchens are often aligned with the dining room. Street appeal is important here, and the landscaping, fencing, and driveway design all contribute to the home's overall feel.
Downtown Riverside: Limited-Release Lofts and Condos
The downtown core offers a selection of boutique condos and lofts that are carved out of historic buildings. The homes have a modern feel, with tall windows and open plans. The walls are often made of exposed brick or concrete. The premium units have a private terrace or rooftop access. They also have a secured parking garage. The homes here are sold in small batches, and each building has a distinct identity.
Daily life here is walkable, with restaurants, cultural venues, and the Mission Inn all within minutes. This is an excellent option for buyers who want a low-maintenance, lock-and-leave lifestyle. The buildings are professionally managed and have modern systems tucked behind a historic facade.
Daily life here is walkable, with restaurants, cultural venues, and the Mission Inn all within minutes. This is an excellent option for buyers who want a low-maintenance, lock-and-leave lifestyle. The buildings are professionally managed and have modern systems tucked behind a historic facade.
Quiet Enclaves Near the River: La Sierra South and Hidden Valley
La Sierra South has a selection of newer gated communities with two-story homes. The homes have high ceilings in the great room and a usable backyard. The streets are designed for a calm traffic flow, which supports outdoor enjoyment. The neighborhood also has flexible first-floor suites, a second-floor laundry room, and a three-car garage.
Hidden Valley is a neighborhood that feels immersed in open space. The homes here have a natural palette, wide eaves, and landscape lighting that focuses on the outdoor rooms. Buyers often look at the privacy between patios and the fence design. This area provides an opportunity to get an updated home without the high cost of a ridgeline view.
Hidden Valley is a neighborhood that feels immersed in open space. The homes here have a natural palette, wide eaves, and landscape lighting that focuses on the outdoor rooms. Buyers often look at the privacy between patios and the fence design. This area provides an opportunity to get an updated home without the high cost of a ridgeline view.
What’s Next in Riverside’s Upper Tier
The next wave of luxury homes will have a lighter footprint and smarter storage. Expect to see more single-level plans on wider lots and courtyards that control sun and wind. Outdoor spaces will continue to be a focus, with clean geometry and restrained materials. Inventory remains limited in the hillside and greenbelt locations, so preparation is key. You should define your non-negotiables, tour different neighborhoods, and compare the orientation of the lots before you focus on finishes.
Find Your New Home Working With Local Agent Kreg McCoy
Ready to make your move in Canyon Lake or Riverside? Kreg McCoy is here to help you achieve your real estate goals. With over 27 years of experience and a track record of more than $500 million in sales across 700 transactions, Kreg has the expertise to guide you.
Contact Kreg today to get started on your real estate journey.
Contact Kreg today to get started on your real estate journey.
