Beaumont CA, Cherry Valley: Safe and Quiet? (Riverside, San Bernardino: condos, townhomes)

[MeowMeowArfArf]

I presently live in the Phoenix area, and it has become too hot for full-time living. Having friends and family in California, I visit several times per year. I am considering buying a condo in the Palm Springs/Palm Desert area, and have noticed that summer temperatures in Beaumont/Cherry Valley are cooler than Palm Springs. Please tell me if you know what life is like there:

Are there over-55 communities with condos/townhomes?
Shopping? I cook enthusiastically, like health/specialty foods, and don't want to drive long distances for them.
Safe for walking in the daytime? After dark?
Does anyone bicycle?
How's the traffic?
Where is the nearest community college?

I'm older and not concerned about schools, don't play golf. Just interested in a healthy iifestyle.

[sacreole]

Beaumont, Banning and Cherry Valley are located in the San Gorgonio Pass or locally known as the “Pass Area.” The Pass Area lies at a higher elevation than Palm Springs and the rest of the Coachella Valley, so summer temperatures will be about 15 to 20 degrees cooler. During the winter months, the Pass will get an occasional dusting of snow.

Beaumont and Cherry Valley are the fastest growing communities in the area with an influx of families moving from the Inland Empire and other parts of So Cal for more affordable housing.There are several developments designed for adults aged 55+ such as Sun Lakes and The Lakes. The newer areas are located south of I-10. Mt. San Jacinto Community College has a campus in Banning. There’s a newer shopping complex along S. Highland Springs on the border of Banning and Beaumont with major chain stores and restaurants.

Both Banning and Beaumont provide local fixed route and Dial-a-Ride transit service in the Pass Area. Beaumont Transit operates two commuter routes to San Bernardino, Redlands and Loma Linda with connections to Metrolink commuter rail and other transit agencies. Riverside Transit Agency and SunLine Transit Agency operate commuter routes between the Pass Area and Riverside, Moreno Valley and the Coachella Valley.

[Vic Romano]

There are train tracks along the freeway through Banning and Beaumont so I wouldn't want to live near those tracks.

[Granite60]

Yes, there are several developments over 55 in Beaumont. Also a mobile home park on a golf course in Cherry Valley. One thing about this area they do get smog in the summer.

[MeowMeowArfArf]

Thanks to all for the info on 55+ communities, climate, demographics, shopping, San Jacinto Community College, commuter bus/rail, smog, train tracks, and mobile home parks. This is exactly what I need and once again the City-Data Forum community has been a wonderful resource. Best wishes to all who have responded and who will respond.