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Riverside, California | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros
- noordinarypath
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Riverside offers a relaxed Inland Empire lifestyle with easy access to Los Angeles, Orange County, and desert escapes, making it a practical home base for travel healthcare professionals who want variety without big-city congestion.
🍊 Cost of Living in Riverside
Overall cost of living is higher than the U.S. average but lower than most coastal Southern California cities
Typical furnished one-bedroom rent ranges from $1,900 to $2,600 depending on neighborhood and proximity to hospitals
Housing is generally more affordable than Los Angeles or Orange County, especially in residential areas outside downtown
Utilities and gas can add up, so budgeting for summer cooling costs is important
Summary: Riverside offers a more manageable Southern California budget while still keeping you within commuting distance of major healthcare systems.
🌤️ Weather by Month
Riverside has a warm, dry climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Description |
January | 68°F | 42°F | Mild winter days with cool nights ☀️ |
February | 69°F | 44°F | Slightly warmer with occasional rain 🌤️ |
March | 72°F | 47°F | Pleasant spring weather 🌸 |
April | 78°F | 51°F | Warm days and low humidity 😎 |
May | 83°F | 56°F | Early summer warmth 🌞 |
June | 90°F | 61°F | Hot afternoons begin 🔥 |
July | 96°F | 66°F | Peak summer heat ☀️🔥 |
August | 97°F | 67°F | Very hot with warm nights 🥵 |
September | 92°F | 63°F | Cooling slightly but still warm 🌤️ |
October | 84°F | 56°F | Comfortable fall temperatures 🍂 |
November | 74°F | 48°F | Mild and dry 🍁 |
December | 67°F | 42°F | Cool evenings, sunny days ❄️☀️ |
🏡 Furnished Housing Options
Mission Lofts Riverside – Fully furnished loft-style apartments near downtown with in-unit laundry, Wi-Fi, and gated parking. https://missionloftsliving.com
National Corporate Housing Riverside – Short-term furnished apartments with utilities included and flexible lease options for professionals. https://www.nationalcorporatehousing.com
CHBO Riverside Furnished Rentals – Individually furnished homes and condos suitable for 13-week stays with parking and full kitchens. https://www.corporatehousingbyowner.com
Tip: Look for housing near CA-91 or I-215 to simplify commutes to multiple hospital systems.
🏨 Extended Stay Hotels
Residence Inn Riverside Moreno Valley – Spacious suites with full kitchens and separate living areas ideal for longer assignments. https://www.marriott.com
Homewood Suites by Hilton Riverside – All-suite hotel offering kitchens, free breakfast, and weekly housekeeping. https://www.hilton.com
Extended Stay America Riverside Tyler Street – Budget-friendly long-stay option with kitchens and on-site laundry. https://www.extendedstayamerica.com
Tip: Always ask about travel nurse, corporate, or weekly discounted rates before booking.
🚐 RV Parks & Campgrounds
Rancho Jurupa Park – Full-hookup RV sites with long-term options, quiet surroundings, and easy freeway access. https://www.rivcoparks.org
River Sands RV Resort – Well-maintained park with full hookups, Wi-Fi, and monthly stay availability nearby. https://riversandsrvresort.com
Tip: Confirm monthly rates, electrical hookups, and Wi-Fi strength before committing to a long stay.
🎉 Things to Do
Explore downtown Riverside’s Mission Inn area for dining and evening walks
Hike Mount Rubidoux for sunrise or sunset views after shifts
Visit local coffee shops and breweries for low-key downtime
Spend an afternoon at Fairmount Park for walking or picnics
Catch a show or event at the Fox Performing Arts Center
🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips
Palm Springs, CA – About 1 hour for desert resorts and relaxation
Big Bear Lake, CA – About 1.5 hours for mountain air and outdoor recreation
Laguna Beach, CA – About 1.25 hours for coastal scenery and beaches
Joshua Tree National Park – About 1.25 hours for hiking and stargazing
⏳ Summary
Riverside is a solid Southern California assignment option for travel healthcare professionals seeking balance between affordability, access, and lifestyle.
✓ More affordable than coastal Southern California cities
✓ Central location for beaches, mountains, and desert trips
✓ Warm weather year-round supports an active lifestyle
✓ Summer heat requires planning for higher cooling costs
Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.
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