What is the "INLAND EMPIRE" all about?

[eclipxe]

Originally Posted by pll

I visited Temecula about 8 years ago and I know a lot has changed. From what I have been reading a lot of people really love that are of the IE or hate it. I get a mixed vibe about that city.

I've been here 10 years. The mall has grown, lots, lots more retail. Lots of commercial growth. New developments.

I find that the people that usually hate the area can be broken down into the following categories:

1. Folks that like rural living and can't handle driving on the road with more than 2-3 other cars

2. Folks that have been in the area since the 60's and can't stand new development

3. People that don't like suburbs in general

4. People from SD, OC, or LA that maybe have driven through once or heard about the area and formed an instant opinion. "It's far!", "It's hot!", "It's the IE!" are the usual complaints.

If you enjoy suburbs, cleanliness and newness, can deal with some traffic and don't have a life that revolves around SD or OC, then the area is wonderful.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

what exactly IS the 'Inland Empire' and what is it all about?

California's Inland Empire - Los Angeles Times

[ashack19]

wow... all of you have such and interesting take on the IE.

I can only speak for the Rancho/Fontana area, as i have lived her for about 8 years and i LOVE it! We're a upper middle class family - who could easily afford a 1200 sq ft house in OC but the traffic was HORRID in OC - why does it need to take me 15 min to drive a 1/2 mile to get to the local Trader Joes when i can live in the IE and it takes 5 to 10 min to get anywhere - even across town. The IE is great to raise a family - specifially N. Fontana. It's a good community - lots of local shopping and typical eateries - Victoria Gardens is has high end dining and shopping. It's a great place to hang out whether you're 35 or 15. The median house price is affordable but not TOO affordable, it's just enough to keep the gangs away.