Considering a Move to the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario Metro Area? Here’s What You Should Know
The Vibe of the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario Metro Area
Known as the Inland Empire, this Southern California metro is home to over 4.5 million people and stretches across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. It’s long been seen as a more affordable alternative to Los Angeles and Orange County, but it’s increasingly developing a standalone identity, with growth in logistics, healthcare, education, and remote work-friendly housing.
You’ll find everything from historic towns and desert-adjacent suburbs to brand-new master-planned communities, plus easy access to mountains, lakes, and the coast. It’s a region built for space, families, and a car-friendly lifestyle, though investment in transit and urban cores is rising.
Economy & Cultural Landscape of the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario Area
- Fueled by growth in logistics, warehousing, health care, and higher education (especially around UCR and Loma Linda).
- Rapid expansion of e-commerce and shipping infrastructure, with Amazon, FedEx, and others operating massive regional hubs.
- Housing is still more affordable than L.A. and Orange County, drawing buyers eastward.
- Increasing cultural presence with festivals, art walks, and live music scenes in Riverside and Redlands.
- Diverse population with deep roots in Mexican-American, Filipino, Black, and veteran communities.
How the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario Metro Is Structured
The Inland Empire is large and spread out, typically divided into the following five areas:
- Western Riverside County – Suburban and fast-growing, includes Riverside, Corona, Eastvale, and Norco.
- San Bernardino Valley – Anchored by San Bernardino and Redlands, with older neighborhoods and strong civic identity.
- Ontario & Rancho Cucamonga Area – Retail and commercial hubs with master-planned communities and airport access.
- Pass Area & Desert Gateway – Includes Beaumont, Banning, and Yucaipa — more exurban but growing fast.
- High Desert – Hesperia, Victorville, Apple Valley — expansive and affordable, but a real commute from the coast.
The Main Areas of the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario Metro
Western Riverside County (Riverside, Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley)
The Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, and fast-growing with newer developments and well-rated schools.
Why It Works:
- Affordable compared to L.A./O.C.
- Lots of space
- Newer housing stock
- Great access to outdoor recreation.
Watch Out For:
- Commute traffic on the 91 and 15 is notoriously brutal
- Limited nightlife or walkability.
Good Fit For:
- Families
- Remote workers
- SoCal transplants
- Buyers looking for a lot of house for their dollar.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Western Riverside County to better understand whether this area is right for you.
San Bernardino Valley (San Bernardino, Redlands, Loma Linda, Highland, Colton)
The Vibe: Diverse, historic, and civic-minded — with pockets of revitalization and university influence.
Why It Works:
- Home to major institutions (like Loma Linda University)
- More urban than other parts of the IE
- Full of cultural diversity.
Watch Out For:
- Income disparities
- Aging infrastructure
- School quality varies widely.
Good Fit For:
- First-time buyers
- Healthcare workers
- Students
- People who want community identity over polish.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into the San Bernardino Valley to better understand whether this area is right for you.
Ontario & Rancho Cucamonga Area
The Vibe: Retail and logistics-heavy, but also full of well-kept master-planned communities and suburban conveniences.
Why It Works:
- Proximity to Ontario Airport
- Tons of shopping (Ontario Mills, Victoria Gardens)
- Relatively short L.A. access via Metrolink.
Watch Out For:
- Can feel commercial and sprawl-heavy
- Homes and traffic can feel indistinguishable from the O.C. suburbs.
Good Fit For:
- Commuters
- Families
- Renters transitioning to buyers
- Those who want big-suburb energy.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Riverside's Ontario & Rancho Cucamonga Area to better understand whether this area is right for you.
Pass Area & Desert Gateway (Beaumont, Banning, Yucaipa, Calimesa)
The Vibe: Exurban and scenic — think foothill living with a slower pace, newer homes, and access to mountains and Palm Springs.
Why It Works:
- Good value for new construction
- Less crowded
- Growing rapidly as the Inland Empire expands outward.
Watch Out For:
- Longer commutes to jobs
- Limited transit
- Still-developing infrastructure.
Good Fit For:
- Remote workers
- Retirees
- Families wanting space
- Buyers priced out of central suburbs.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Riverside's Pass Area & Desert Gateway to better understand whether this area is right for you.
High Desert (Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Adelanto)
The Vibe: Affordable and open, with desert views, wide roads, and a slower, more rural lifestyle.
Why It Works:
- Some of the most affordable housing in SoCal
- Potential upside as remote work expands.
Watch Out For:
- Long commutes
- Limited services
- Intense summer heat
- Fewer amenities.
Good Fit For:
- Budget-conscious buyers
- DIYers
- Veterans
- Anyone prioritizing land and price over polish.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Riverside's High Desert Area to better understand whether this area is right for you.
TL;DR – How to Choose Where to Live in the Inland Empire
Subregion----------------------------Best For
- Western Riverside County------------Families, commuters to O.C./L.A., remote workers, space and modern homes
- San Bernardino Valley----------------Students, healthcare workers, civic-minded buyers, seekers of community connection
- Ontario & Rancho Area---------------Suburban families, airport commuters, renters turning into buyers
- Pass Area & Desert Gateway----------Retirees, hybrid workers, new construction buyers, nature lovers
- High Desert -------------------------Budget-conscious, remote workers, prioritize land over commute
Final Thoughts: Where to Focus Your Search
If you're after more space, lower prices, and a true SoCal suburban lifestyle, the Inland Empire might be your move. Western Riverside and Rancho Cucamonga give you proximity to city jobs with modern housing. Redlands and Loma Linda offer community and culture. The Pass and High Desert provide the best value, with big skies, brand-new homes, and less density. Just be ready to trade coastal buzz for sunshine, drive time, and breathing room.