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Everett Collins living

Life in Fontana as a young professional

Hello, I'm single, late 50s, and You can expect to pay around $1,733 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. Crime rate is something to consider — Fontana sits at 342.3 per 100K. Homes are going for about $558,500 on average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What would you do? Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
21 upvotes

3 Replies

James Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Greenfield for 11 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
construction is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
madeline_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a HR manager, 49, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Riverside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.

**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
13 upvotes
Luke Bennett
+1
0 upvotes
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