Corona is a city in Riverside County, California, located in the Inland Empire at the base of the Cleveland National Forest, on the border with Orange County. With roughly 160,000 residents, it is one of the larger cities in western Riverside County and a key gateway between the Inland Empire and the Los Angeles–Orange County metro area. Corona's identity is rooted in its unusual street layout and its history as a citrus-growing and railroad community. The city is known as the "Circle City" because of Grand Boulevard, a circular beltway laid out before Corona incorporated in 1896 that encloses the historic downtown within its grid. The name Corona, Spanish for "crown," references both the circular road and the city's regal name. The Grand Boulevard Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the circular roadway once doubled as a race course during the city's early automotive era. Corona's growth into a suburban hub has been driven by its transportation position. The 91 Freeway runs through the city, and Metrolink commuter rail serves Corona via the Corona-North Main and West Corona stations on the 91/Perris Valley and Inland Empire-Orange County lines. This connectivity makes Corona a practical base for commuters working in Orange County, Los Angeles, and the wider region. Public education is provided by the Corona-Norco Unified School District, which operates about 53 schools and serves roughly 50,000 students across Corona, Norco, Eastvale, and neighboring communities. The district's scale and reputation are central to the city's appeal for families. Recreation is anchored by the Cleveland National Forest, whose trails — including Skyline Drive, Tin Mine, Skinsuit, and Hagador Canyon — climb from the city's northern edge. The city has preserved open space along the Skyline Trail area to protect access to the forest. Combined with its parks, the Dos Lagos shopping and dining district, and its diverse neighborhoods, Corona offers a well-rounded Inland Empire lifestyle within reach of the region's larger employment centers.