Moving to the Inland Empire (Riverside, San Bernardino: environment, income, job)

[Phxrider]

Was wondering what areas in the Inland Empire would be good to live. I currently live in Phoenix now, but thinking about being closer to the beach and all the activities Cali has to offer, but dont want to spend an arm and leg for a house in OC or LA County. I figured the Inland Empire would be the next best thing. I hear some areas are really crime and gang infested. I thought about the Palm Springs area, but being a white single straight male. I hear Palm Desert and a few other places are nice. I also heard about Fontana, Corona. Any info would be appreciated and if anyone has moved there from the Phoenix area, how does it compare?

[Dangerous Dave]

Unless things have changed since I left, Fontana is a hole. Corona is decent if you're in the north part of town. Parts of Riverside are nice too. Norco is a kinda horse town, it was also getting pricey last I looked. It seems that homes are cheaper as you move east, so it really depends on where you are working. You can spend the extra $$$ to be closer to work, or get smaller place than you would if you didn't commute and save money.

[Phxrider]

Work doesnt really matter, I can get a job anywhere within a reasonable commute. I dont know much about Riverside, but I keep hearing the air there is horrible. How is San Bernadino County?

[Phxrider]

How is Redlands, Loma Linda, Rialto, Ontario,? Corona down South also appears to be pretty close to things...I am not opposed to Hemet, Palm Desert, Indian Wells. etc. I like to Ski in the winter, I have a motorcycle I can ride all year round except when it gets real hot in Phoenix during the summer. I also have quads, so sounds like I can fit into the Inland Empire recreational activities. I also like sports bars and stuff like that so living out in farm land in the middle of nowhere with no social scene would not appeal to me. I am in my early thirties.

[booz30]

Originally Posted by Phxrider

How is Redlands, Loma Linda, Rialto, Ontario,? Corona down South also appears to be pretty close to things...I am not opposed to Hemet, Palm Desert, Indian Wells. etc. I like to Ski in the winter, I have a motorcycle I can ride all year round except when it gets real hot in Phoenix during the summer. I also have quads, so sounds like I can fit into the Inland Empire recreational activities. I also like sports bars and stuff like that so living out in farm land in the middle of nowhere with no social scene would not appeal to me. I am in my early thirties.

I would look into Rancho Cucamaga on the 15 freeway very nice and great view of the mountains covered in snow

[vegaspilgrim]

Check out this thread I started a while back: "How does the Inland Empire region compare to Phoenix?

[Mel2882]

I would rule out Palm Springs...it's kind of a hike to the beach.

[sgvkev]

The areas to avoid: Ontario, Fontana, Rialto, Colton, San Bernardino, western Highland, most of Riverside (the good part is basically anything on the eastside of Victoria south of the Victoria country club although there are a couple nice pockets outside of that area), Moreno Valley, and Perris. People getting priced out of northeastern and central LA are moving to these places solely for the cheap rent and these areas have a huge gang problem. Judging by your criteria Upland and Rancho Cucamonga would be your best choices and both are good areas.

[redcoff]

I don't necessarily agree with all the Fontana hate, I grew up there and if you are single it might not be a bad way to go. I'll follow the neighborhoods along the 10 freeway because that is what I am most familiar with. It mostly depends how you feel about traffic, many people recommend Upland and Rancho because there is a lot going on; there is also a lot of traffic in those areas. If you enjoy malls and shopping I would recommend the western part of the Inland Empire; Upland and Rancho Cucamonga. If you like the arts and want to live in a University town I recommend Loma Linda or Redlands. They don't have the same shopping but are only a 30 minute drive (or less) to Rancho Cucamonga. If you are looking for more space and family friendly environment you might look at Yucaipa or Beaumont.

I think Rancho and Upland are over-rated, they are supremely crowded and besides shopping there is really no sense of community. Fontana, Rialto, Bloomington, Colton and San Bernardino are all near each other and tend to have a high immigrant population. Loma Linda is a seventh day adventist town, many places are closed on Saturdays, but it is a pretty safe town. Redlands is nice but can be pricey in areas, there is a University in town and it has maintained somewhat of a smaller community feel. Yucaipa has grown a lot and has a lot of young families living there. Beaumont is okay, but it has attracted people that couldn't afford homes further west and therefore tends to have a number of low income families.

[Forever Blue]

I think the best cities to live in San Bernardino county are Rancho Cucamonga & Upland. Claremont is considered LA county, but it's very nice too.

I wouldn't want to live in Rialto, San Bernardino, or Moreno Valley. Fontana surprisingly, has a section, maybe two that has some very nice neighborhoods.