Pro and cons of living in Inland Empire (Los Angeles, Riverside: low crime, how much)

[french paris]

Hi,

Do you have any opinions about that ?

Thanks

[wrcousert]

Cons:
The biggest con would probably be commuting to work if you happen to work out of the county like most people who live here.

Another is lack of decent public transportation. The bus system sucks.

[bouncethelight]

This whole section of the forum could be considered a listing of all pros and cons of living in the IE...

But I'll play anyway!

Pro - more sunshine than the coastal areas
Con - more smog, that gets blown in from the coastal areas and stays here

Pro - less expensive housing than the coastal areas
Con - fewer jobs than the coastal areas

Pro - more open spaces, farmland, wide open views
Con - fewer shopping options - mostly big chain stores, very few boutique businesses

Pro - not as crowded
Con - not as many art and cultural events

Pro - more of a small town atmosphere, even in downtown Riverside
Con - less big city fun nightlife

Pro - cheap restaurants, free parking, cheaper movies, cheaper gas
Con - fewer nice restaurants, fewer big concerts, etc...

You get the point. It's kind of like comparing any big city to the smaller towns around it. Riverside may actually qualify as a big city, population-wise, but it feels more small-town as compared to Los Angeles, and there are both benefits and drawbacks!

[agnt.starling]

Originally Posted by wrcousert

Cons:
The biggest con would probably be commuting to work if you happen to work out of the county like most people who live here.

Another is lack of decent public transportation. The bus system sucks.

Yea I agree, I know a few like me who are working out of the county, and you grow to get tired of it (commute) really fast. Although my goal is to transfer to SBD county. And a mini pro would be the Metrolink, the con being its expensive, the further out you live. And if you live past the station (for ex, past San Bernardino city) it sucks the big one, because there are only a few buses that are in service and can take hours getting home. (unless you are the type of person who enjoys watching paint dry, then taking the Omnitrans will work for you).....

Originally Posted by bouncethelight

This whole section of the forum could be considered a listing of all pros and cons of living in the IE...

But I'll play anyway!

Pro - more sunshine than the coastal areas
Con - more smog, that gets blown in from the coastal areas and stays here

Pro - less expensive housing than the coastal areas
Con - fewer jobs than the coastal areas

Pro - more open spaces, farmland, wide open views
Con - fewer shopping options - mostly big chain stores, very few boutique businesses

Pro - not as crowded
Con - not as many art and cultural events

Pro - more of a small town atmosphere, even in downtown Riverside
Con - less big city fun nightlife

Pro - cheap restaurants, free parking, cheaper movies, cheaper gas
Con - fewer nice restaurants, fewer big concerts, etc...

You get the point. It's kind of like comparing any big city to the smaller towns around it. Riverside may actually qualify as a big city, population-wise, but it feels more small-town as compared to Los Angeles, and there are both benefits and drawbacks!

Agreed, it just depends how you feel and to me the pros seem to outweigh the cons, not to mention I'm past my prime, so I don't really have a life anymore, its all about enjoying being middle aged and then then looking forward to being an old poot. (I couldn't think of another term, but yea one the age number goes up, you kinda want to find your "own place/area" to settle in for that very reason.....)

[wrcousert]

A Metrolink extension to Temecula with late night and weekend service would take care of most of my complaints about this area. Metrolink is a bit pricey, but worth it.

[sueprnova]

We were in OC for 8 months before we moved back out here and back into our house(we moved to Chicago and then came back) - I am so happy to be home! I am so blessed that I got a great job in R'side and am only commuting 12 miles each way! I did the Mo Val to Irvine commute for 5 years....carpooled and Metrolink. I can't believe how much better I feel...mentally and physically!
Everything I need is here. The only thing I miss is being able to take the dogs to HB and letting them run and swim. But, I have a big backyard and a kiddie pool!
Other than that....
If I don't have to go to OC....I won't!

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by french paris

Hi,

Do you have any opinions about that ?

Thanks

Pros: cheaper property and living period.
really nice, friendly people
low crime rate in many areas
lots of dining choices at prices that are a little easier on the budget
a great mixture of urban and rural (if there is such a thing as rural in So Cal)
lots of cute, small towns and people who live there are proud of their communities

cons: if you have to commute to L.A. it can be a nightmare.
smog is worse and so it the heat during the summer.

I would add, if we ever returned to So Ca, which at this stage of our lives is pretty unlikely we would head to the Inland Empire or someplace like Glendora that borders on it.
Nita

[Fontucky]

Pros: I'm here

Cons: I'm here

[Kin Atoms]

I used to enjoy the scenery, when it could be identified past the smog, in the IE vs. downtown LA. I liked the small town feel, as has been mentioned, and the areas in Redlands when you could get a bag of oranges and plunk your money in a box on the street. I loved the smell of citrus when the season came. I really liked that Big Bear was just an hour away up Waterman or through Yucaipa. I didn't like that there were no really good fishing spots nearby. I liked that Ontario Airport could take care of most travel issues. I liked that there were many shopping options for food (I love food and love to eat and would make a day out of food shopping).