Help! What are the best cities near San Bernardino?

[connie&dave]

Originally Posted by da jammer

Claremont is nice but the commute might wear on ya after awhile. I know it doesn't look bad on "paper" but traffic in most of the I.E. is a mutha on the best of days. Of course one persons sucky commute is another persons "no big whoop" so there is always that perspective. Where in Berdoo are you going to be working? It's a big city

Near the metrolink station so taking the train is a strong possibility, otherwise if driving would traffic be bad going from Claremont to SB? I thought it was going against traffic

[orangeapple]

Originally Posted by connie&dave

Near the metrolink station so taking the train is a strong possibility, otherwise if driving would traffic be bad going from Claremont to SB? I thought it was going against traffic

It will be an hour or so in traffic. That's not that bad of a commute honestly...many people do worse.
During worker's traffic hours in SoCal, there is almost no "against the traffic"; there's bad & there's worse.

[connie&dave]

Thank you very much Orangeapple for the info, one last question how does Redlands compare to Claremont?

[SummerGirl*]

If you don't mind a commute, you could try going north rather than east or west. There are some smaller communities off the I-15. Smog is much less of an issue than down in San Bernardino and surrounding communities. Of course, the climate is different depending on the elevation. I found Phelan to be a wonderful place and I met the friendliest people I have ever met there. The school system is rated highly too. However, the commute to Cal State San Bernardino is close to 30 miles--beautiful scenery on the way though. Good luck!

[that1guy]

Redlands is like Claremont in many ways. Both have nice old homes. Both are amid the California brush and oaks, and both are college towns. Redlands is cheaper though. However, the traffic to get out of Redlands is bad. Claremont is much easier to get in and out of town. Also look into Upland, near Claremont. It has a very nice small town feel, right next door to Claremont. However, some new developments that make it look very suburban. Cheaper than Claremont (a few friends live in San Antonio Heights).

So yeah, Claremont, Redlands, and Upland. Upland (esp. San Antonio heights) and Redlands are cheaper though. All three are pretty much the same type of town.

[Mediator]

Originally Posted by connie&dave

Hello-My husband has a job offer in San Bernardino (we currently live in England) and we are planning to visit the area in April to determine a good place to live that's not too bad a commute. We have heard many nice things about Claremont but would like to know what other cities near to SB offer good schools, low crime, affordable housing and a small town feel? Am I asking for too much? Claremont fits the bill but housing is a bit on the pricey side so we would like to consider alternatives. Thanks very much for your help

Yes, you're asking a bit much to get all of your wishes, but you can't do better than Claremont. It has great small town feel, best university atmosphere, good schools, lower crime, intellectual interests, international feel, beautiful historic neighborhoods, etc. Housing is somewhat higher, but you're better off buying a home in Claremont than a home closer to SB. Go for a lower priced home in a nice neighborhood and fix it up to match the higher priced homes. Great time to buy here when market is down. Best deal for your money. Commute on the I-10 to San Bernardino is do-able, but this is southern California after all. I have lived in Riverside all my life. It is closer to SB but the commute is worse. I would love to live in Claremont but my husband works at university in Riverside so we're staying put. We have friends in Claremont. Glad to answer more questions if I can help you. Good luck.

[Mediator]

Originally Posted by Mediator

Yes, you're asking a bit much to get all of your wishes, but you can't do better than Claremont. It has great small town feel, best university atmosphere, good schools, lower crime, intellectual interests, international feel, beautiful historic neighborhoods, etc. Housing is somewhat higher, but you're better off buying a home in Claremont than a home closer to SB. Go for a lower priced home in a nice neighborhood and fix it up to match the higher priced homes. Great time to buy here when market is down. Best deal for your money. Commute on the I-10 to San Bernardino is do-able, but this is southern California after all. I have lived in Riverside all my life. It is closer to SB but the commute is worse. I would love to live in Claremont but my husband works at university in Riverside so we're staying put. We have friends in Claremont. Glad to answer more questions if I can help you. Good luck.

Just read other comments. Redlands is closer but also more expensive. Loma Linda has nice small town feel and is a small town. Has two major hospitals. My mother lives there. Bad commute from Riverside.

[califantastic]

Look into Rancho Cucamonga. It is very nice.