03/11/2026
5 Facts for Seniors Moving to & Living in Riverside, CA
1. More Affordable Than Coastal California: Riverside offers a significant financial advantage. Senior living costs, including independent and assisted living, are generally moderately to substantially below the state average, making it a more accessible option compared to nearby major metropolitan centers like Los Angeles or San Diego.
2. Dedicated “Special Transportation” and RTA Dial-A-Ride: To support independence, the city provides “Riverside Connect,” an advanced reservation, origin-to-destination transport service specifically for seniors aged 60+ and persons with disabilities. Additionally, the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) operates “Dial-A-Ride” for those 65+, offering local trips within a single city.
3. Abundant Senior Centers and “Eldertainment”: Riverside is home to several specialized hubs, notably the massive Janet Goeske Center, which hosts over 160 free or low-cost weekly classes. The city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services department organizes extensive senior-specific programming, often referred to as “Eldertainment,” across multiple community centers like Dales and La Sierra.
4. A Rapidly Expanding Senior Community: Riverside County is experiencing a rapidly expanding older population. This growth drives demand and ensures the continuous development of tailored resources, services, and a supportive social network for incoming retirees.
5. Comprehensive “Office on Aging” Support: The Riverside County Office on Aging acts as a central lifeline, offering more than two dozen free programs and services. Their offerings cover critical needs including nutrition and home-delivered meal services, health insurance counseling (HICAP), legal assistance referrals, and caregiver support.
If you are looking to downsize in and want to stay here, I’m happy to help.
Brianna Porter-Hoops
02002571 Realtor
Real Broker
Inland Empire & N. Orange County