Living in the Inland Empire (IE): A Guide for Newcomers

What Is the Inland Empire?

The Inland Empire, or IE, refers to a large inland region east of Los Angeles that includes Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and cities like Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and Redlands. It’s geographically huge, growing fast, and known for its affordability and space compared to coastal counties.
For many Angelenos, the IE has become the go-to option for buying a home, raising a family or getting more bang for your buck. While it's more suburban and car-dependent, it's also rapidly urbanizing and evolving.

The Vibe
The Inland Empire is where suburbia meets open space. It has a "newer" feel than LA proper — lots of planned developments, shopping centers, and wide roads. But there's also a strong sense of regional pride and a growing arts, food, and culture scene.
You’ll find everything from rural horse properties to newly built townhomes to mid-sized cities with historic downtowns. The pace of life is slower, and people move here looking for space, affordability, and a bit of breathing room.

Key Cities in the IE

Riverside – The region’s cultural and historic hub. It has a walkable downtown, the Mission Inn, and a growing food and arts scene. Home to UC Riverside.
San Bernardino – A sprawling city still in recovery mode. It has potential and affordability, but uneven development and infrastructure.
Ontario – A logistics and business hub with its own airport. Lots of newer housing and planned communities.
Rancho Cucamonga – One of the most desirable IE suburbs. Clean, family-friendly, with mountain views and solid schools.
Redlands – A historic, charming college town with a walkable downtown and more character than your average suburb.
Fontana – Rapidly growing, with many master-planned communities. Good for buyers looking for newer homes and big lots.

Who Lives Here?

First-time homebuyers priced out of LA and OC
Remote workers and hybrid commuters
Growing families needing more space
Healthcare, logistics, education, and retail workers
Longtime locals and newcomers seeking affordability

Housing Snapshot
The IE is known for affordability, and it remains one of the few places in Southern California where you can still buy a single-family home under $600K. Many communities are newer, with larger homes, yards, and garages.

Rent: $1,600–$2,800 for 1-3BR apartments or homes
Buy: Entry-level homes can still be found from the mid-$400Ks to $700Ks depending on city and neighborhood
Expect more space for your dollar, though bidding wars are increasingly common.

Commute & Transit

Driving: The IE is car-dependent. Major freeways include the 10, 15, 60, and 91 — all of which get jammed during rush hour.
Transit: Metrolink trains connect several IE cities to Downtown LA. Bus systems exist but are limited.
Best case: Remote work, or jobs in the IE. Commuting to LA or OC is possible but time-consuming.

Things to Do

Outdoors: Hiking in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Joshua Tree day trips
Shopping: Victoria Gardens, Ontario Mills, outlet malls
Food: Local favorites, international food halls, and growing breweries/wineries scene
Events: Air shows, county fairs, live music at amphitheaters
Family activities: Parks, sports leagues, drive-in theaters, zoos

Pros & Cons
Pros:

More affordable housing than LA or OC
Newer construction and larger lots
Mountain and desert access
Strong community feel in many cities
Still growing, with room for long-term investment

Cons:

Long commutes if you work in LA or OC
Summer heat can be intense
Fewer cultural institutions and amenities
Less walkability and more car dependency
Air quality can be an issue in some areas

Is the Inland Empire Right for You?
If you want more space, lower housing costs, and don’t mind driving or working remotely, the Inland Empire could be the perfect fit. It’s great for families, first-time buyers, and anyone ready to trade city density for comfort and calm.