Getting around in Loma Linda (Fontana, Rialto: rentals, school, university)

[dgonzales98]

I just got accepted to Loma Linda University and will be moving to the area next month. I will be looking for a place in either Loma Linda or Redlands, trying to stay relatively close to the campus. I do not own a car and was wondering if getting a scooter would be a good idea. I know the area can get pretty cold in the winter but I'm more concerned about safety on the roads (I will avoid the highway at all costs). Would it be a good idea to invest in a scooter or should I just count on the public transportation?

[Kin Atoms]

Hi,
I got out of LL this past July, had been in attendance since '99. Good luck.
You can get housing info off the school's website through the Trading Post, their local paper. Most calls for housing are not taken after Friday at sundown, b/c of the Adventist community. I would suggest getting the downloaded version ASAP and calling when it comes hot off the presses. Inexpensive places go quickly. Try some parts of South Colton as well as Redlands and LL. Avoid SB, Rialto, Fontana.
What do you mean by cold? I saw ice there, sure, but for the most part it's pretty much shorts weather 300 days of the year.
Scooter can work. Traffic is filled with Doctors who think they're big shots however. They go very fast in the small fish bowl environment. They also have a great county cop who does patrols for red light runners, speeders, etc. We used to cheer him on. I wouldn't go to far or rely too much on the local transit. It's not reliable altogether. And it doesn't run consistently on time.
Try to stay away from the north side of the 10 for housing. You can also try LL Foundation Rentals office. Ask for Art or Doris. They usually have a waiting period. Other local rental offices may not have a waiting period, but they offer sub-standard/overpriced services.
You may also go to the student services office and see what is posted for sharing. Not a great idea but it works. The hallway to the bookstore has postings provided through the LL market. Give that a try as well, but they may not read them to you, as they are posted for public viewing, and in some ways, you have to be there for it. I can give you some ideas on where to shop as well. Send me a private e-mail and we can chat.
Good luck again. Don't lose hope.