I have heard stories of retirees who, every summer, would sit down exhausted after watering their yard in Riverside. What used to be a simple task has now become the most burdensome part of their daily routine. They even tried moving the watering time to early morning, but ultimately concluded that moving to a house without a yard would be a better solution. In such cases, there are three main factors to consider: cooling costs, home prices and maintenance fees, and property taxes.

First, let's look at the electricity costs. Riverside, being in the Inland Empire, experiences hot and dry summers. The Riverside Public Utilities (RPU), a city-owned utility, supplies electricity in this area, and as of 2026, residential rates are set between 13.64 cents and 24.62 cents per kilowatt-hour, depending on the season and usage tier. A household using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would have a bill of about $179.19, which is relatively lower than nearby SCE jurisdictions. However, starting January 2026, residential rates will increase by 7 percent, and a separate summer rate will apply from July to September.

Next, let's discuss home prices and maintenance fees. The average value of single-family homes in Riverside is about $650,289, while the median sale price over the last three months is $645,000, which has slightly decreased compared to the previous year. Condos are listed at a lower price point of around $397,000. The county's median HOA fee (Homeowners Association fee) is reported to be $439 per month. If you want to eliminate the time and cost of yard maintenance altogether, it's advisable to check whether landscaping management is included in this HOA fee.

Let's also touch on insurance costs. Homeowners are responsible for insuring yard structures and irrigation systems, but condos or townhomes often have the HOA collectively insuring common landscaping and building structures, which can reduce individual liability. However, the extent to which landscaping management fees and reserve funds are included in the HOA fee can vary by complex, so it's recommended to check directly with the management office.

We should also consider property taxes. In California, under Proposition 13, the basic tax rate is 1% of the purchase price, and the effective tax rate, including local taxes, ranges from 1.1% to 1.3%. Homes that have been owned for a long time may have lower assessed values, resulting in lower property taxes, but selling a home and buying a new one can eliminate this benefit. If you are over 55, Proposition 19 allows you to transfer the existing property tax assessment to a new home up to three times, so even if you move to a condo to reduce yard maintenance burdens, your tax burden may not increase significantly.

It's more accurate to compare the total annual costs rather than judging based on just the summer. While single-family homes see a significant increase in cooling and landscaping costs during the summer, condo HOA fees remain consistent regardless of the season. Whether you can handle fluctuating monthly expenses or prefer to fix your budget with a flat rate can be an important criterion in making your choice. If you want to completely let go of landscaping management, it's wise to check the HOA contract for specific details on the frequency and scope of watering when viewing properties. Given the frequent drought warnings in the summer, it's also worth noting that if landscaping management is handled personally, water bills may increase as well.

Ultimately, whether to continue yard work in the heat or pay for maintenance and spend that time elsewhere depends on each person's lifestyle. Comparing the total amounts of electricity costs, HOA fees, insurance, and property taxes can clarify your choices. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before entering into any contracts.