Riverside City
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Introduction

Established in 1870, Riverside is a historic city that has developed under a blend of cultural and economic influences. The initial founders were motivated by a desire to start a colony for those interested in educational and cultural pursuits. A mix of cultures was part of Riverside at the very beginning; initially a Spanish rancho, Riverside was then populated with English and Canadian transplants who brought many of their traditions with them.

Riverside’s economic development took off in the late-1880s after a woman named Eliza Tibbets planted two Brazilian navel orange trees. The experiment yield unusually delicious fruit and sparked the beginning of a rush of ranchers wishing to get involved in Riverside’s citrus industry. By 1895, Riverside was one of the wealthiest cities per capita in the region. Over the years, the citrus industry’s importance was diluted as retail and manufacturing businesses became successful. At the same time, the growing population took over much of the land as ranchers sold out to home developers.

Riverside’s current population of about 255,000 is projected to grow to 331,165 by 2009, with a corresponding increase in households from 82,005 to 104,886. The 2000 median home value of $135,952 is expected to hit $290,915 by 2009. Over the same time period, the per capita income of Riverside residents is projected to grow by more than 40%.

Poised for growth, Riverside is a city of diverse character and opportunity. Home to several large and recognized educational institutions as well as a reasonable selection of cultural facilities, Riverside is living out the mission of its first settlers.

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