Opinions on the I.E. (Los Angeles, San Diego: foreclosures, rent, crime rates)

[SoCal Bottom Rider]

Housing prices are still too high in the IE. There is still some wiggle room for drops. As far as companies moving this way. its not happening at the rate it was anticipated. Thats one of the reasons they opened Ontario Airport, they thought companies would flock out here. Unfortunately it was just mostly logistics warehouse and not the IT form the OC. Why IE is still a blue collared mecca thant still cant realistically afford the current housing prices.

[chuck22b]

Originally Posted by SoCal Bottom Rider

Housing prices are still too high in the IE. There is still some wiggle room for drops. As far as companies moving this way. its not happening at the rate it was anticipated. Thats one of the reasons they opened Ontario Airport, they thought companies would flock out here. Unfortunately it was just mostly logistics warehouse and not the IT form the OC. Why IE is still a blue collared mecca thant still cant realistically afford the current housing prices.

Hasn't LA/Ontario Airport been around for some time? Orange County only recently has become more built out (30 years?), and South OC prices are ridiculous and aren't really business conducive.

Of course the IE, has become a central logistic/warehousing hub as it's location and proximity to the ports gives it a location advantage. Western IE has continued to grow as an industrial hub.
Inland Empire News - Information for Riverside and San Bernardino County

But, I think as OC/West LA/Downtown LA, especially South OC continues to get more expensive and difficult to develop, more of the white collar type businesses will realize the cost differentiation/benefits of the IE. It's also not like the IE can't support extensive IT/Technical research and development. A very great example is how well ESRI is thriving in Redlands, and how UCR is a central hub of research and development.

In terms of clean technology, we also have a strategic advantage compared to OC/LA. We have the roof tops, the land, and the labor force to work on clean/alt energy projects.

I think the IE has a lot of potential in growth and sustainability. As it is pretty much the last bastion in Southern California for cheaper/affordable economic development. Where else can Southern California grow?

Also, you'll be surprised... as fewer people are trained to be blue collar workers (plumbers/mechanics/electricians, etc)... mainly because our society is bent on putting everybody into college, their pay would also increase.

-chuck22b

[Ransomed]

Hot, dusty and occasionally the smell of cow manure is overwhelming. Lots of dairy farms.

I ask because I grew up in North County San Diego and years ago my family was deciding whether to stay in San Diego or move to the I.E. We would visit the I.E. frequently and IMO it was something totally different from San Diego. At the time, Temecula was barely becoming the city that it is today.

Well when we wanted fun, before outrageous gas prices, we'd drive to Long Beach and hang out at The Pike. Occasionally we'd hit the beach or go to Santa Monica Pier etc. There isn't much to do out here like that but you make your own fun. In Rancho Cucamonga (one of the nicest places in the I.E. IMO) There's nice shopping and dining. Mostly I work, attend church, library and rent movies. It's different from LA in the sense of there aren't trendy boutiques, authentic (Indian, Asian, Greek etc.) cuisine. There are a lot of gangs (everywhere - even Rancho) and illegals. I don't go to the park closest to my park b/c of this illegal problem where the men have taken over and beer cans are strewn all over the place.

I'm considering moving out of the I.E. but really can't afford to live in any of the coastal cities and with traffic it really isn't worth it. The houses have gone down and continue to so it's a matter of what you like and want out of a place. Hopes this helps.

[SoCal Bottom Rider]

'There are a lot of gangs (everywhere - even Rancho) and illegals. I don't go to the park closest to my park b/c of this illegal problem where the men have taken over and beer cans are strewn all over the place.'

You think we have a gang problem? try visiting McArthur park area in LA sometime. What park are you hanging out? Dowtown Pomona? Sheesh.

[macmail29]

We moved from Corona to Riverside about 4 years ago - primarily to escape the sprawl that was happening. In a city of 100k people, Corona officials had convinced themselves they needed two Home Depots and two Wal Marts. Every where you looked, all you saw were houses, houses, and more houses. We jokingly called Corona a housing mill, with big box stores.

Riverside - for all its stigma - turned out to be a very nice place to live. This city actually has a controlled growth plan that leaves room for open spaces and historic buildings. We live along Victoria Ave - an old palm tree-lined historic street - which we love. The history in Riverside is amazing. You actually feel like you a part of something important here, and not just living in another city. Canyon Crest, the Wood Streets, Arlington Heights, and Wood Crest are all great communities. We live in Arlington Heights, which we like because we are only minutes from the Riverside Plaza - which has outdoor concerts in the summer time - and from many wonderful downtown restaurants.

Instead of buying a house that looks like everyone else's, we bought a ranch style single story home that was built in 1958. We love it. We have trees that are 30-50 years old, which creates an amazing tranquil setting.



We really enjoy it.

[Ransomed]

Originally Posted by SoCal Bottom Rider

'There are a lot of gangs (everywhere - even Rancho) and illegals. I don't go to the park closest to my park b/c of this illegal problem where the men have taken over and beer cans are strewn all over the place.'

You think we have a gang problem? try visiting McArthur park area in LA sometime. What park are you hanging out? Dowtown Pomona? Sheesh.

I know Rancho Cuc. does. My kid attends high school there so I do know what I'm talking about - may I mention the BEST high school there and there have been issues. Perhaps you don't have kids in the school system and aren't aware of the "problems?" No, it cannot compare to LA BUT it will only get worse with the LA transplants and housing crisis that will allow just about anyone eventually to be able to afford a home there again. Pay a visit Taco Bell off Millikan around 3ish or even Victoria Gardens where there's been some "issues."

[MaltnHopsrGood]

Originally Posted by Ransomed

I know Rancho Cuc. does. My kid attends high school there so I do know what I'm talking about - may I mention the BEST high school there and there have been issues. Perhaps you don't have kids in the school system and aren't aware of the "problems?" No, it cannot compare to LA BUT it will only get worse with the LA transplants and housing crisis that will allow just about anyone eventually to be able to afford a home there again. Pay a visit Taco Bell off Millikan around 3ish or even Victoria Gardens where there's been some "issues."

It doesn't matter where you live, there will be gangs. I lived all over OC for 27 years, and there were gangs there too. I lived in Corona for 3 years and while I never saw any gang activity, I'd have to say that in the last year the amount of graffiti did increase. I now live in South Chino. I haven't seen any graffiti or sign of gangs yet, but I've only lived there for a week so far. Mind you, I said SOUTH CHINO. I know that North Chino doesn't have the greatest of neighborhoods.

Bored kids with nothing to do = kids getting into trouble/gangs. If parents would take a more active role in their children's lives this wouldn't be a problem.

[SoCal Bottom Rider]

South Chino is awfully close to Eastvale, the new 'old chino' of the IE thanks to all the foreclosure activity. Matter of time. I guess you refer to the old downtown part of Chino. The eastern part of Chino is very nice and very family oriented.

[SurekRZA]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

Actually, McArthur Park has improved a lot in 2008. Last year when I drove through 6th street going towards downtown the street was full of immigrants. Literally, it looked like an outdoor swapmeet at night. Now, its completely different...and actually cleaner. Broadway is going through some major gentrification as well..cant wait 'til the final project is finally finished.

Originally Posted by SoCal Bottom Rider

You think we have a gang problem? try visiting McArthur park area in LA sometime. What park are you hanging out? Dowtown Pomona? Sheesh.

[jasmine22]

how do you like the preserve at chino??? my husband and me are considering a move there from south orange county...