With a growing number of companies adopting permanent work-from-home policies and mortgage rates at an all-time low, many renters living in Los Angeles are setting their sights on outlying communities that offer a lower cost of living.
Riverside is one of the most popular destinations among former Angelenos and has seen a significant increase in out-of-market homebuying interest, according to a recent Realtor.com report. The city of approximately 336,000 is home to a historic downtown, diverse restaurant scene, miles of hiking trails and fragrant citrus groves. If you’re looking to make the move to Riverside, consider one of these three new residential developments with home prices under $600,000.
1. Santa Barbara at Spring Mountain Ranch
Developer: KB Home
Address: 20560 Lost Creek Road
Priced from: $474,990
Nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains is Santa Barbara at Spring Mountain Ranch. This collection of three- to six-bedroom single-family homes is inspired by contemporary, ranch-style architecture, although one- and two-story floorplans are available. The homes are ENERGY STAR® certified and come equipped with nine-foot ceilings, spacious great rooms, flexible lofts and generous walk-in closets (as per plan).
The community boasts a six-acre community park with a basketball court, sand volleyball court, and barbecue and picnic areas — all without HOA fees. Live within minutes of the scenic Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park, offering 15 miles of trails accessible to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
2. Carmel Ridge at Spring Mountain Ranch
Developer: KB Home
Address: 20829 Center Street
Priced from: $520,990
The sprawling single-family homes at Carmel Ridge boast up to 3,595 square feet and include an optional workspace. Dubbed the KB Home Office, this dedicated room comes with a built-in workstation, open shelving and an upgraded electrical package with receptacles, phone jacks and a handy USB charger.
The development is also part of the Mountain Ranch master-planned community and provides access to the same sought-after amenities without HOA fees. There are over six miles of pedestrian trails that traverse the community — perfect for walking the dog or squeezing in a run before work.
3. Belcara at Spring Mountain Ranch
Developer: KB Home
Address: 7633 River Gulch Road
Priced from: $546,990
All five of the ready-to-build floorplans at Belcara come with three elevation options — Craftsman, Spanish Revival or California Ranch. Ranging from 2,387 to 3,443 square feet, these one- and two-story homes feature versatile flex space, two-car garages, water-efficient front yard landscaping, and spa-like master bathrooms with soaker tubs and separate showers (as per plan).
Part of the amenity-rich Mountain Ranch community, Belcara residents will also benefit from convenient access to the Riverside Metrolink station, I-215, Highway 91, I-10 and Highway 60. Nearby attractions include The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and historic downtown Riverside, dotted with landmark buildings, delicious restaurants, several museums and craft breweries.
