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Michael Y.
best-worst
Best neighborhoods in San Bernardino
Longtime lurker here, Average temperature is around 63°F, so the weather is mode
3 upvotes
46 Replies
Ezra
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Ezra A.
I've lived in West for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The safety scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The safety scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
fresnonative2025
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Hannah M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I've been here 14 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Hazel Long
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in education. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in education. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Ruby Morales
facts
35 upvotes
Nora Torres
great question, following
35 upvotes
Gianna James
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Serenity Reed
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Melanie Taylor
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The food scene is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Nora Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 15 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are improving. 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. Winters are long and cold. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Uptown for 15 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are improving. 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. Winters are long and cold. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Mackenzie Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 44, moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Fairview and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Phoenix, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 44, moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Fairview and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Phoenix, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
32 upvotes
Carson White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 4 years. Moved from Dallas for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Midtown schools are better than expected. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Midtown for 4 years. Moved from Dallas for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Midtown schools are better than expected. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Kinsley W.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
Amelia
couldn't agree more
28 upvotes
Scarlett Gonzalez
hmm interesting perspective
27 upvotes
Skylar Rivera
thanks for sharing
25 upvotes
Emmett Lee
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
25 upvotes
Maria W.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
25 upvotes
Stephanie M.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much affordable but now it's improving.
25 upvotes
Luca R.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Valentina H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in East. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in East. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Emily
Totally agree!
20 upvotes
Willie D.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to San Francisco it's tough.
20 upvotes
Cheryl S.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The traffic is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Connor A.
great question, following
19 upvotes
Kathryn S.
same here
18 upvotes
Vivian Lopez
lol so true
16 upvotes
Hunter Ruiz
preach
16 upvotes
Cooper Lewis
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Andrew King
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The school system is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
15 upvotes
jonathan_mind
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The job market is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Camila
100%
14 upvotes
desert_jose87
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to San Francisco it's excellent.
12 upvotes
Xavier Watson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 15 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are average. 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. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Riverside for 15 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are average. 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. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Zoe W.
Came here for work and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The school system is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Grayson Rodriguez
I've lived in East for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The traffic scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The traffic scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Christian Morales
This.
10 upvotes
Thomas R.
facts
10 upvotes
Waylon Johnson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Elena Ruiz
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
9 upvotes
Everett G.
same here
9 upvotes
William Hill
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
7 upvotes
Brooks Moore
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
2 upvotes
Serenity S.
yeah no that's not right
1 upvotes
Henry
hmm interesting perspective
0 upvotes