A Neighborhood Rooted in Riverside’s Past
Tucked into the southwestern corner of Riverside, Arlington South is a neighborhood with a spirit as warm as its sunny avenues. For generations, families have called this area home, drawn by its welcoming parks, strong schools, and small-town feel within the city’s bustle. To understand Arlington South today is to appreciate the story woven into its streets, landmarks, and lively community spirit.
Origins: From Citrus Groves to Community
The history of Arlington South is inseparable from Riverside’s rise—and California’s famed citrus boom. In the late 1800s, the Arlington area was known for its orange groves, which flourished thanks to the region’s distinctive climate and the ingenuity of early agriculturalists. The neighborhood’s name traces back to the Arlington Station, a rail stop and agricultural shipping point established in the 1870s along the Gage Canal, named after influential grower Matthew Gage.
As transportation improved with the rail lines and Magnolia Avenue’s grand boulevard, farmland was subdivided and residential streets took shape. What would later become Arlington South emerged as a patchwork of homes, schools, small shops, and gathering places—cemented by a sense of community that hasn’t faded.
How Arlington South Got Its Name
The name “Arlington” carries a sense of continuity—connecting the south end of the historic Arlington district to Riverside’s heart. Magnolia Avenue, the neighborhood’s northern border, is not just a major route today but part of old “Arlington Heights,” home to the state’s first successful Washington navel orange trees. This southern portion, extending below Madison Street and Gateway Drive, naturally became known as “Arlington South,” a proud geographic distinction reflected in local conversations and community organizations over the years.
Key Historical Milestones
- Railroad Era (late 1800s–early 1900s): The Southern Pacific and Santa Fe rail lines played a crucial role in exporting Arlington’s oranges across the country. Remnants of these rail corridors, converging near Van Buren Boulevard, can still be sensed today.
- Magnolia Center Development: As Riverside expanded, the Magnolia Center commercial district (just north of Arlington South) blossomed in the 1950s. The surrounding neighborhood quickly developed to support the area’s growing commercial and civic life.
- Post-War Boom: After World War II, returning veterans moved to Riverside in droves, bringing a wave of housing construction from the late 1940s through the 1970s. Many of Arlington South’s cozy single-story homes date to this era.
- Community Institutions: The opening of key schools like Harrison Elementary and the founding of local churches helped anchor families and foster deep neighborly ties.
Landmarks and Notable Buildings
Arlington South offers a unique blend of local landmarks—some subtle, some storied:
- Harrison Park: Located at Lincoln Avenue and Van Buren Boulevard, Harrison Park is a hub for neighborhood gatherings, baseball games, and summer picnics under the trees.
- St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church: Situated on Arlington Avenue, this beautiful mission-style building reflects the strong faith community that has always been a cornerstone of the neighborhood.
- Arlington Branch Library: Just north of Arlington South’s borders, this classic 1909 Carnegie Library on Magnolia Avenue serves as a beacon for readers of all ages.
- Vintage Citrus Packing Houses: While most have given way to modern development, the echoes of Riverside’s packing house era can still be found near the railroad tracks and older commercial buildings around Van Buren Boulevard.
Evolution Through the Decades
While much has changed—from the days of lemon orchards to today’s vibrant residential blocks—Arlington South has retained its intimate feel. Here’s how the neighborhood has evolved:
- Residential Growth: Rows of ranch-style and mid-century homes, especially along Dewey Avenue, Capistrano Lane, and the Jefferson Corridor, reveal the neighborhood’s postwar growth.
- Cultural Diversity: Over the decades, Arlington South has become home to residents from all walks of life, reflecting Riverside’s growing diversity. New cultural celebrations and eateries—such as family-owned taquerias along Van Buren—have added to the area’s flavor.
- Civic Engagement: Active neighborhood associations and block clubs frequently organize park cleanups, holiday parades, and safety meetings. It’s not uncommon to see neighbors chatting at Susan B. Anthony Elementary or volunteering at local food drives.
- Green Spaces: The continued preservation and enhancement of parks like Harrison and Don Lorenzi Park nearby testify to a community investing in its future.
Moments and Memories: What Makes Arlington South Special
Ask a longtime resident what stands out about Arlington South, and the answers might sound familiar: the sight of jacarandas blooming along Lincoln Avenue, the aroma of orange blossoms still echoing the region’s agricultural roots, and summer nights cheered by Little League games. Children walk to school together, neighbors swap recipes over fences, and everyone has a story about a favorite family-run shop or church festival.
Looking Forward: Heritage Meets Progress
Today, Arlington South embodies Riverside’s balance between heritage and progress. Efforts to revitalize Magnolia Avenue and protect green spaces ensure that the best of the past informs the future. New generations—drawn by good schools, affordable homes, and a sense of community—continue to infuse the neighborhood with energy.
Whether you’re tracing the routes once traveled by the region’s citrus pioneers or enjoying a day at Harrison Park, Arlington South’s deep roots and everyday joys create a place where the past feels present, and the future is brightly anticipated.
Conclusion
Arlington South isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a living chapter in Riverside’s story, cherished by those who call it home. With every tree-lined street and neighborhood tradition, it continues to build a legacy of community, resilience, and unmistakable Riverside pride.