Claremont Student Looking to Buy A Home (San Bernardino, Pomona: apartments, HOA fees)

[MyongHoe]

I am attending to Claremont Graduate University from this summer. My wife and I are considering purchasing a small condo/townhouse (1BR~2BR) in a hopefully quiet neighborhood that would allow me to commute to school within a 30-40 mins drive during rush hour. So far, We like Rancho Cucamonga (North of Foothill Blvd as many people suggest), mainly because of our limited budget, which is around $170,000. We have also found some inexpensive condos in Diamond Bar (near fwy 57 and golf course). Are we looking for the right neighborhoods? Are there any areas/streets in each neighborhood where we should avoid? Are there any other neighborhoods that we should look into? We are both Asians, moving from New York City, and would prefer to live in a quiet and diversity community. Any advice/inputs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Dub D]

You can probably afford a condo in those areas for around 170. However, one thing you need to consider is the HOA fees most of these condos will charge. They usually charge 200 a month. So, thats like buying a condo for 190k instead of 170. Like you said, keep N of Foothill in Rancho. Diamond Bar from what I know is much more miss or hit but most of the city is good.

If you don't mind driving a bit more, you could buy a home in San Bernardino or Rialto for about 170k. I'd wait til next month to look at home prices. The prices are going to drop next month due to the 8k credit ending next week.

[MyongHoe]

Originally Posted by Dub D

You can probably afford a condo in those areas for around 170. However, one thing you need to consider is the HOA fees most of these condos will charge. They usually charge 200 a month. So, thats like buying a condo for 190k instead of 170. Like you said, keep N of Foothill in Rancho. Diamond Bar from what I know is much more miss or hit but most of the city is good.

If you don't mind driving a bit more, you could buy a home in San Bernardino or Rialto for about 170k. I'd wait til next month to look at home prices. The prices are going to drop next month due to the 8k credit ending next week.

Thanks for your input, Dub D. I will take a look at those neighbors that you mentioned, too.

[Dub D]

San Bernardino is a very large city. I dont know too much about it myself but the area I suggest is by Cal State San Bernardino. I almost got a house there. Newer homes, suburia style.

[Narfcake]

Diamond Bar is fine ... I was looking at several properties last year, but got out-priced in every instance. So I bought next door in the Phillips Ranch area of Pomona. Similar atmosphere, same schools, same safety, more racially diverse, but at a lower price.

But yeah, watch out for the HOA fees. That's what prompted me to opt for a house instead; YMMV, of course, but for me, it was just over $300 difference a month between a 2/2 condo w/HOA or a 4/3 house that's 750 sq.ft. larger with a real backyard for the (future) kids.

[MyongHoe]

Thanks guys for valuable information. I would definitely think of the Phillips Ranch in Pomona, too. The more search I do, the more confused I get. haha. Some people in other threads also say that San Dimas, Glendora, and La Verne are safe and quiet, too. Those areas are, I believe, not too far away from Claremont. If anyone knows about the areas, any inputs would be appreciated. San Bernardino has less expensive properties (Hope it's not related to how safe the neighbor is....), but only my concern is a distance from Claremont.

I will watch out for the HOA fees... It's true that adding $200-$300/month would make a big difference in a monthly mortgage payment.

[MyongHoe]

Ok, so I found several properties which fall into my budget, but do not know if they are located in a good area. I was wondering if somebody is familiar with the following locations and willing to provide me with inputs/advice:

1. 22800 Hilton Head Dr, Diamond Bar 91765
- More than five condos are available along this street

2. 12584 ATWOOD Ct, Rancho Cucamonga, 91739
- More than five condos are available at this address

3.1089 West PINE St Unit E Upland, 91786 - Google Maps
- One block north of Foothill Blvd

Thanks in advance!!

[jcutiex3]

I grew up in Diamond Bar and still living there. It is a VERY safe town. I would recommend staying on the South side because of Walnut School District opposed to Pomona School District. (Property values are higher because of the Walnut school district). The hilton head community in Diamond Bar are nice, but they are more like apartments than condos. (Very small and on top of each other)

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by MyongHoe

I would definitely think of the Phillips Ranch in Pomona, too. Some people in other threads also say that San Dimas, Glendora, and La Verne are safe and quiet, too.

Those are all good areas.

San Bernardino has less expensive properties (Hope it's not related to how safe the neighbor is....), but only my concern is a distance from Claremont.

Avoid San Bernardino...it's too far away from everything, too far to drive from Claremont, and if you're a graduate student you'd have little in common with your neighbors there.

[MyongHoe]

Thanks, jcutiex3 & CA4NOW! I will focus on Rancho Cucamonga, Diamond Bar, as well as good areas in Pomona such as Phillips Ranch, Ganesha Park, etc, if I can afford.