5 Cities, 5 Lifestyles | Living in the Inland Empire, Part 2

The Inland Empire is such a big area. And every city is just a different type of community and lifestyle. And this is the second video in a series that is discovering the different lifestyles that come within the Inland Empire. Today, we're driving along the 10 Freeway. You could pass seven different cities, think you're pretty much looking at the same place, but get off the freeway, drop into the neighborhoods, walk around, and you'll discover something completely different. One city gives you coffee shops, college campuses, and a village expanding opportunities to explore. Another gives you historic homes and streets with character. Another gives you shopping, restaurants, trails, and mountain views. And the price of buying a home in these cities completely varies depending on which community you are in. Okay, before we start, the prices I'm sharing in each community are recent citywide medium sold prices. They include different property types such as condos, detached homes, and larger foothill properties. They can fall in definitely different price ranges. Think of these numbers as a way to compare the cities. Once you know which lifestyle interests you, you can narrow it down to the actual neighborhood and home. Let's start with Claremont. If your idea of a good Saturday includes getting coffee, walking through downtown village, browsing a few shops, and taking your time over lunch, Claremont gives you a strong version of this lifestyle. The village and the college surroundings give you a city with a very distinct personality. There's an emphasis on culture, local businesses, and places you can experience on foot. And you also have the foothills. Claremont Hills Wilderness Park gives you another way to spend the day out on the trails instead of inside. Now, that doesn't mean that every house in Claremont is walking distance to the village. Your experience changes depending on where you buy. A home near the village and a home farther north can offer two different daily routines. The recent citywide median was approximately $1,040,000, making Claremont the highest priced city in this comparison. The question here is, how much do you value the village atmosphere, the setting, and the active amenities? Are those things that you actually care for? If they are, Claremont deserves a closer look.

Next is Montclair. Montclair gives us a different conversation, convenience, location, and a lower citywide price point than Claremont or Upland. You have Montclair place for shopping, dining, and a movie, along with a Metrolink station that may be useful depending on where you work and what your schedule looks like. You're also close to neighborhood cities, which matters because your lifestyle doesn't stop at the city boundary. You might live in Montclair and spend part of your weekend in Claremont or Upland. The recent citywide median here was about $645,000. That is a substantial difference between Claremont and or Upland. Of course, that doesn't mean you're comparing the same house size, condition, location, and property type, but still, this matters.

But if you want to stay towards the western end of the corridor, Montclair is worth including in your search. I would frame it this way. What you can budget buy here, and how conveniently does this location connect you to the places where you want to go every week? Claremont or Upland. Then we have Upland. Upland's story is character. Historic downtown and the Euclid Avenue corridor gives you a recognizable place to explore, and the city's historic neighborhoods create opportunities to show architecture that feels different from a newer subdivision. Because when people say they want a home with character, this is the kind of thing they're often talking about. But Upland also has different housing options, And buying near downtown and buying farther north won't necessarily give you the same home, lot, or price. The recent citywide median is about $825,000. Keep that in mind because Rancho Cucamonga comes in very close to this. This gives you an interesting comparison. Two neighboring cities, similar citywide medians, but different reasons someone might choose each of them. If established neighborhood character and a historic downtown are high on your list, take a drive through Upland. Next, we're on to Ontario, which I think gives us the strong strongest contrast within a single city. Start with downtown Ontario and the historic Euclid Avenue corridor. You have the city's older identity, town square, and established surroundings. Then head into Ontario Ranch if you're looking at a different kind of community and a different housing search. Someone interested in an older home with individual character may be looking something completely different from someone who wants a newer layout on any planned neighborhood. But both buyers could end up in Ontario. The recent citywide median was about $658,000.

But remember, this number contains a variety of properties. It doesn't tell you what a particular detached home in Ontario Ranch will cost. And when you compare homes, compare the full monthly expense. Look at the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and HOA dues, and special assessments that apply to newer properties. Two houses with similar purchase prices can carry completely different monthly costs. Ontario is a city where I'd first ask which version of lifestyle you're looking for. Then we can focus on that search.

And last, we have Rancho Cucamonga, city where I actually grew up. This gives you several lifestyles within one city. For some people, the draw of Victoria Gardens and the surrounding community, shopping, restaurants, somewhere to spend an evening. For others, it's the park, trails, and access to the foothills. And we start looking at neighborhoods, the conversation changes again. A condo near shopping and established neighborhood in Alta Loma and a larger foothill property are different purchases. That's why I wouldn't describe Rancho with just one type of house and or price.

The recent citywide median was approximately 850,000, almost the same as Upland. So, this is a good example of why you shouldn't choose to save from that price chart alone. Go experience both. Walk in downtown Upland, spend some time at Victoria Gardens, drive through the neighborhoods you can actually afford. Then ask yourself, "Where would I enjoy my regular Tuesday evening?" Because that tells you more of where you're going to enjoy visiting once a year versus actually living.

Before you decide, do three things. Drive your actual commute at the time you normally would take it. Spend a Saturday in the neighborhood and compare the full monthly ownership cost of your homes you're considering. You're going to live with this decision every day. Take the time to experience the place.

Which of these cities would you like me to explore next? Leave it in the comments, and if you're comparing areas, tell me your budget and two or three things you want most in your next home. I'm Parker the Realtor. Subscribe for more living in the Inland Empire, and let's find a place that fits the way you live. Next, we will be exploring Fontana, Rialto, Colton, San Bernardino, Grand Terrace, and Moreno Valley.