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     The 7,208-square-mile county stretches from Riverside in the west to the Colorado River and the Nevada boarder in the east. It encompasses all the valley cities, including Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert and Indio. Riverside County's eclectic population is one of the fastest growing regions in the United States.

     Recreational and cultural activities make Riverside County a popular place to live and visit. The area offers hiking on pine-laden trails, skiing in the San Bernardino Mountains and camping in dozens of parks. The area also features dozens of museums, botanical gardens, libraries, theaters and shopping centers. Outdoor activities are especially popular in the Coachella Valley thanks to the San Jacinto Mountains, which create the desert valley and its 330 days of sun.

     Housing in Riverside County varies from suburban subdivision townhouses to desert and mountain estates and retreats. The county's $120,200 median home price makes it one of Southern California's most affordable. In comparison, the median price is $173,880 in San Diego County and $177,800 in Los Angeles County.

     The affordable housing has helped draw families to Riverside County, which has a fairly young population. Many communities continue to build schools that are part of districts that have higher graduation rates than the state average. At least 35 percent of the population has finished high school; 32 percent have taken some college courses. A number of private schools also serve Riverside children from nursery school to high school.

     Major highways and byways crisscross Riverside County, making travel easy. Interstate 10 runs from its western border to the Blythe and the Colorado River on its eastern perimeter. Interstates 15 and 215 take travelers through the green hills near Temecula and Lake Elsinore. The county airport in Palm Springs provides connections to airports around the world.