Things I wish I knew BEFORE I move to Chino (Ontario: to rent, new home)

[tlnvn]

Inspired by the Murrietta post, I'd like your input on things I need to know before I buy a home in College Park in Chino. It can be positive or negative, the money hasn't been spent yet! Save me, or welcome me!

[mrsltd]

I work in Chino, though I don't live there, and I have been in the area you describe.

The only "downer" is that you would have to drive to everything, if that is an issue for you. It is isolated from the rest of the city.

It is semi-rural not far from there, with dairies and some farming, complete with the odors that come with that.

If you can afford something closer to the city core (sounds like you can, if you are thinking of buying a new-to-almost-new home, why not?

I would neither "save" nor "welcome" you, but I would say Chino would be a worthwhile place in which to live, especially if work is not far away. I am basing this on my observations coupled with those I know who actually live or have lived there.

The Murietta post is something of a whinefest, IMHO.

[Dunbar42]

Originally Posted by mrsltd

The only "downer" is that you would have to drive to everything, if that is an issue for you. It is isolated from the rest of the city.

It may be isolated from downtown Chino but it's only 5-10 minutes to get to the Chino Spectrum. Eucalyptus (which runs through College Park) has been extended to Ayala Park which takes you to Central Ave. That means that much of the shopping in Chino Hills is conveniently located for College Park residents.

I would say one downside to Chino is going to be the quality of public school system.

The OP already knows about the cow smell and the prison from the College Park thread. I honestly think the area is nicer than Norco or Eastvale for example. Chino Hills is a lot nicer but the housing prices reflect that.

[tlnvn]

I like the fact that the general area is shaping up to look really bike friendly, do you still ride your bike around the area Dunbar?

I've been to College Park at different times during the day over the past few months about 10 times now, and it just doesn't seem to smell much at all - appears to pass "the smell test", at least compared to Eastvale or Norco. It could be that the homes we are looking at are west of San Antonio Ave, the site of the last cattle farm it appears. All the other cattle farms are east of Euclid, and thus east of College Park. Having said that, I'm not going to disillusion myself and assume it will never smell, especially in the summer, but perhaps the smell (and flies) is a lot better than in nearby other areas.

Anyone knows which way the wind blows?

[Dunbar42]

Originally Posted by tlnvn

do you still ride your bike around the area Dunbar?

I lived in Chino Hills for 8 years but moved to Santa Monica in December. I rode my bike off and on through College Park for about 3 years. This past May-December I rode through College Park 3-4 times per week and can't remember the last time I smelled the cows. In my experience foggy "gloomy" mornings carry the cow smell like nothing else. I could even smell them when I had an office by the Ontario airport on certain foggy mornings. Hot, dry summer days are actually ideal at keeping the cow smell away IME. My guess is that the cow smell happens less than 15-20 days per year in College Park.

That area of Chino is pretty bike friendly if you are comfortable riding in the street with cars. If you're afraid of riding in the street I'd suggest taking up mountain biking since there are plenty of trails in the area.

[islander03]

I've lived in Chino Hills for 20 years, and remember the cow smells several times a year in the early years. Frankly, I don't recall the cow smell in the last year or two. We live about 10-12 miles from Ayala Park.

[Dunbar42]

Originally Posted by islander03

I've lived in Chino Hills for 20 years, and remember the cow smells several times a year in the early years.

From 2004-2012 I literally never smelled the cows in Chino Hills living by Peyton and Chino Hills Pkwy. At my office in Ontario the frequency of the cow smell went down about 75% from 2004-2009. During the housing boom years many of the dairy farmers sold their land and moved away.

[tlnvn]

We're close to renting out a place to try out the area before we buy. Anyone know what the job market is like for a software engineer in Inland Empire? Currently work near Irvine, not something I would like to do much longer if I move to Chino.

[tlnvn]

When we saw these homes in October, the asking price was mid $300k. We're in May now, I'm still on the waiting list, and they've reached upper $400k - low $500k. Just ridiculous, guess we'll be content renting.