Moving-job in San Bernardino-need advice! (Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga: house, look for a job, neighborhoods)

[taradoug82]

I am planning a move to the San Bernardino area in a few months, as my company has an office there (I google mapped it, and without getting into too much detail, it is near 'Stadium West' on map). I know it's not in a good area; I have talked to others that work in that office. But, I will be moving with boyfriend and 10 year old daughter, so school and safety are a priority. I've been doing a lot of research and have come up with these places as the 'best' to live: Redlands, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Lake Arrowhead. I REALLY think Temecula looks pretty and the housing prices are decent, but that seems like quite a commute. I'm no stranger to crazy traffic; I lived in LA for a couple of years. Lake Arrowhead also seems very pretty, and I am no stranger to that weather as I am from New England originally, but driving in crazy winter weather does freak me out and I'm not too informed yet about how bad the weather really gets there. Basically, I don't want to regularly panic about the drive down the mountain in those certain months.
In your opinion, what areas should I focus on- between safety, school, commute? I VERY much appreciate thoughtful feedback!

[RosieSD]

Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga are very nice. When moving with a child, there's something to be said for living closer to work, especially as she adjusts to a new school and location, so personally I would probably start with those two areas if they fit your budget. Obviously, your mileage may vary on that.

Have you considered Corona? It's a bit closer to San Bernardino than Temecula, but shares some similar characteristics, such as having a lot of family oriented neighborhoods, decent schools, and reasonable home prices. (There have been a lot of recent discussions about Corona on this sub-forum, so use the advanced search function to see if you can turn those up)

I assume your boyfriend will need to look for a job too, so you might take a look at where jobs for his line of work are most likely to be located and factor that into your decision making.

Since it sounds like you won't be moving for a few months, perhaps you could take a week to visit and see the different areas you're considering before your move, and try the commute to the places you like best?

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

From your list, Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga & most of Upland are good choices. Rosie's suggestion of Corona is good. I would also suggest Loma Linda. There are parts of Grand Terrace (near Colton, but not in Colton), that used to be nice; I had a friend from there, & her children attended school there...it's been awhile, though, so check for schools & crime.

I wouldn't recommend Lake Elsinore.

I have known people who commuted up & down the mountain from Arrowhead or Big Bear, but they had very flexible schedules, & during bad weather were able to not have to drive to and from work those days. But for a fixed, typical 40 hr. work week, it would be pretty brutal, especially with children in school.

[therese marie]

I have lived in Corona for 19yrs and it is a great place to live and raise a family..
Lake Arrowhead is awesome but would be scared to drive it in the winter.. If you like the idea of mountains, try Crestline.. Its great, has a lake but not that bad of a drive..
Also look at Yucaipa.. its growing too..

[JrMarin]

Temecula is way too far to commute daily. Rancho Cucamonga, North Fontana, some areas of Redlands and Highland are also nice. Yucaipa is also near by and it has some very nice areas.

[69Charger]

^ this

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Highland? No. Yucaipa, yes.

[JrMarin]

I helped a client who purchased a house in Highland. Higland has some very nice areas in the northeast side of city. Beautiful mountain views.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Originally Posted by JrMarin

I helped a client who purchased a house in Highland. Higland has some very nice areas in the northeast side of city. Beautiful mountain views.

Really? My friends' sister is a longtime homeowner in the "better" part of Highland...3 break-ins in last 2 years, one while she was home, & 3 months ago, her car was stolen from the driveway, so good luck with that!

[PROFILE CLIMB]

Bulletproof vest.