"Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand / Just like that river twisting through a dusty land / And when she shines she really shows you all she can / Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande" -- From "Rio" by Duran Duran
One of the first inhabitants of this part of California was the Chumash tribe, who spent most of their time building canoes and grinding acorns. Sure, the economy and neighborhoods have changed a bit since then, but El Rio is still a pretty chill place to live! More than 7,000 residents at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census call El Rio their home.
There are two major neighborhoods in El Rio: Strickland, and El Rio East
"Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand / Just like that river twisting through a dusty land / And when she shines she really shows you all she can / Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande" -- From "Rio" by Duran Duran
One of the first inhabitants of this part of California was the Chumash tribe, who spent most of their time building canoes and grinding acorns. Sure, the economy and neighborhoods have changed a bit since then, but El Rio is still a pretty chill place to live! More than 7,000 residents at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census call El Rio their home.
There are two major neighborhoods in El Rio: Strickland, and El Rio East. Strickland is a small community studded with vineyards, wide green spaces, and a compact residential area. Home rentals and luxury apartments in Strickland don't come cheap, but they do come well furnished and fitted with the best appliances!
El Rio East is comprised of slightly older homes, which means that rental costs are a little more reasonable. But just a little. Houses and duplexes for rent in this community are still pretty large, on average, so you're going to have plenty of space -- unless you have some kind of hoarding situation going on. Otherwise, you're fine.
Both neighborhoods have a score of 28 for walkability, meaning that most of your errands are going to require a car. The nearest Amtrak station is an unfortunate 3 miles from El Rio, so don't second-guess that score!
California is a pretty multicultural place, and El Rio is no exception. What does that mean for the foodie? Great things! Specialty grocery stores include Dave's Gourmet, Inc., where you can find pasta and sauces, Lehr's German Specialties, and Canyon Market, your source for gourmet ingredients and imports.
Not much of a chef? No problem. Will it be Thai food, tacos, or barbecue? Or maybe some Middle Eastern food from Old Jerusalem? Seafood from the Rincon Peruano? How about some garlic shrimp from El Patio Restaurant, or Chinese from Wild Pepper? The point is, you'll never be hungry again, nor will you be disappointed in a meal ever again, if only you take advantage of what's all around you in El Rio!
Looking for some nightlife? Check out Noeteca, the French cafe and wine bar, or Knockout. If you are feeling adventurous, just take a walk down Mission Street and see where the night takes you!
