Considering a Move to the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario Metro Area? Here’s What You Should Know (2025)
Economy & Cultural Landscape of the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario Area
The Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario metro, better known as the Inland Empire, is home to more than 4.5 million people across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Once viewed mostly as an affordable alternative to Los Angeles and Orange County, the region is increasingly a standalone hub. Growth in logistics, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and e‑commerce has reshaped the local economy.
- Logistics & Warehousing: Amazon, FedEx, and UPS operate massive distribution hubs here.
- Healthcare & Education: Anchored by Loma Linda University, UC Riverside, and regional medical centers.
- Manufacturing & Aerospace: Expanding in San Bernardino County with supportive industrial zoning.
- Cultural Diversity: Strong Mexican-American, Filipino, Black, and veteran communities shape the cultural fabric.
- Lifestyle: Mountains, lakes, and desert parks within driving distance, plus rising local arts and festival scenes in cities like Riverside and Redlands.
Inland Empire Geography 101: How It’s Structured
The metro covers a vast area and is usually divided into five main subregions:
- Western Riverside County – Suburban and family-focused, includes Riverside, Corona, Eastvale, Norco, Jurupa Valley.
- San Bernardino Valley – Historic urban core, universities, and cultural anchors like Redlands and Loma Linda.
- Ontario & Rancho Cucamonga Area – Commercial and retail hub with Ontario International Airport and large master-planned communities.
- Pass Area & Desert Gateway – Beaumont, Banning, Yucaipa: exurban foothill towns growing fast.
- High Desert – Hesperia, Victorville, Apple Valley: most affordable housing in the metro, wide-open landscapes.
Dive into each subregion below to see what fits, or take the LookyLOO quiz to get matched.
The Main Subregions 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.
-> Explore the Deep Dive into Western Riverside County
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.
-> Explore the Deep Dive into the San Bernardino Valley
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.
Explore the Deep Dive into Riverside's Ontario & Rancho Cucamonga Area
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.
-> Explore the Deep Dive into Riverside's Pass Area & Desert Gateway
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.
-> Explore the Deep Dive into Riverside's High Desert Area
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
We highly recommend you dive into the sub-areas linked to each section here or take the LookyLOO quiz to get matched with the city that matches you best. Good luck!
FAQ – Moving to the Inland Empire
Q: Is the Inland Empire just a commuter region for Los Angeles?
A: No. While many residents work in L.A. or Orange County, the region’s logistics, healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors have created strong local job markets.
Q: How much cheaper is housing compared to L.A. or Orange County?
A: Median home prices can be 20–40% lower, especially in the High Desert and Pass Area. Western Riverside and Rancho Cucamonga are pricier but still generally below coastal equivalents.
Q: What’s the traffic like?
A: The 91, 15, and 10 freeways are known for heavy congestion during peak hours. Many residents plan their schedules to avoid the worst commutes.
Q: How hot does it get?
A: Summers are hot and dry, often hitting triple digits. Higher-elevation areas like Yucaipa and the High Desert tend to be cooler at night.
Q: Is the Inland Empire good for families?
A: Yes. Many communities offer large homes, parks, and newer schools, especially in Western Riverside County and the Eastvale/Corona corridor.
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.
Still searching?
Save your favorite cities and neighborhoods in a Movebook, or take the LookyLOO quiz to see which areas match your lifestyle best.