<p>UCSC has a really nice campus, better academics, and just a great feeling. I have never been to UCR, but I have been to Riverside. Riverside is full of warehouses and smog. and that kind of sounds like what UCR is, based on what I have heard. I have no idea whats right for you, but UCSC is really nice, and really, what could beat the bay area? I have lived here all my life and love it</p>