Are you looking to move somewhere with a perfect blend of suburban serenity, modern amenities, and abundant natural landscape? Prefer moving to San Bernardino, California.
San Bernardino, the primary center of citrus farming, is the 17th largest city in California. Notable history of native Americans, Spanish machineries, Mexican settlers, and Mormon expats, the city showcases its agriculture and heritage since 1911.
Incorporated in 1875 as a railroad town, today, the city is known for its cultural diversity, outdoor activities, annual music festivals, and arrowhead landmarks. It is also home to the iconic Root 66 and McDonald’s.
Filled with in-depth details, our relocation to San Bernardino, California, guides AIMS to offer you a smooth, exciting, and unforgettable transition. Keep reading!
Quick facts before moving to San Bernardino, California
Where is San Bernardino, CA, located?
San Bernardino, CA, is in the Riverside-San Bernardino metropolitan area, also known as the Inland Empire.
It serves as the county seat of San Bernardino County. The city spans 81 square miles in the San Bernardino Valley, south of the San Bernardino Mountains.
Population in San Bernardino, CA
According to the latest US Census estimates, San Bernardino, California’s population is about 223,044 residents.
The city has been experiencing continuous population growth since the 1880 census.
Since the 2020 census, San Bernardino’s population has increased by 0.57%, reaching 221,784.
Diversity in San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino, CA, is highly diverse, scoring 91 out of 100, making it more varied than many other US cities. The racial composition of the city includes:
- Hispanic- 69.1%
- White- 13.9%.
- Black-10.4%
- Asian- 3.8%
- Native American- 0.2%
- Other- 2.6%.
Cost of living in San Bernardino, CA
Riverside, CA, has a Cost of Living Index of 131.2, making it 31.2% higher than the U.S. average and 12.5% higher than the California average.
- To live comfortably in Riverside, a family should aim for a minimum annual income of $113,040, while a single person should target $65,200.
- A good salary in Riverside is considered anything over $46,000, as the median income in Riverside is $46,000. If you earn more than that, you’re making more than 50% of the people living in Riverside.
- The average salary in San Bernardino is $53,656.
- The average cost of living in San Bernardino, CA, is $1961 per month.
Here is a table summarizing the Cost of Living Index for San Bernardino, CA:
| Cost of Living Categories | San Bernardino, CA |
| Overall Cost of Living Index | 118.6 |
| Housing | 1.6% higher than the national average |
| Food | 1.5% higher than the national average |
| Transportation | 6.5% higher than the national average |
| Healthcare | 5.6% lower than the national average |
| Energy | 30.9% higher than the national average |
Housing market in San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino has a competitive Housing market, with prices and homes rising and selling faster every month. But on the other hand, the rental market in San Bernardino is about 7% lower than the US average. So, before moving to San Bernardino, CA, renting an apartment first in the city or buying a home if you can afford it is essential.
- The average house price in San Bernardino was $460K.
- The median sale price in San Bernardino is $468K as of 2023 or $350 per square foot.
- The median listing home price in San Bernardino is $472K.
- San Bernardino County had 61,680 occupied housing units with a homeownership rate of 48.9%, out of which renters occupy 51.17%.
- The average rental price for an apartment in San Bernardino is approximately $1,777.
- A studio apartment in San Bernardino, the average rent is roughly $1,225.
- A 1-bedroom apartment in San Bernardino has an average rent of around $1,501.
- If you’re looking for a 2-bedroom apartment in San Bernardino, the average rent is about $2,012.
- For those needing a 3-bedroom house in San Bernardino, the average rent is approximately $2,621.
Job market in San Bernardino, CA
Job growth in San Bernardino, CA, is expected to be strong, especially in sectors like transportation, warehousing, and utilities, outpacing state growth since the pandemic started. So, getting a job is easier after moving to San Bernardino, CA.
- The Inland Empire, including San Bernardino, anticipates job growth in healthcare, transportation, warehousing, retail trade, wholesale trade, and construction sectors over the next decade.
- The average income in San Bernardino is reported to be $27.25 per hour or $56,687 annually.
- As of December 2023, the unemployment rate in San Bernardino County is 5.20%.
- The median household income in San Bernardino is $55,372 per annum.
- The average household income in San Bernardino County is $84,508 per annum.
Top employers in San Bernardino, CA
- Amazon Fulfillment Center
- Stater Bros. Holdings Inc.
- San Bernardino City Unified School District
- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
- San Bernardino County
Most typical job titles in San Bernardino, CA
- Cashier
- Warehouse Associate
- Customer Service Representative
- Sales Associate
- Warehouse Worker
- Office Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Material Handler
- Picker
- Internship
Highest paying jobs in San Bernardino, CA
- Owner Operator
- Box Truck Owner Operator
- Construction
- Logistics Coordinator
- Deputy Public Administrator
- Mechanical Designer/Specialist
- Travel Allied Health Professional – CT Technologist
- Travel Therapy – Physical Therapist
- Travel Nurse RN – ED – Emergency Department
Is it safe is it to live in San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino, CA, has a high overall crime rate of 46 per 1,000 residents, with a one in 22 chance of being a victim of either violent or property crime.
The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in San Bernardino is one in 67, and for property crime, it’s one in 33, with a rate of 31 per 1,000 population.
Aggravated assaults are the most common violent crimes in San Bernardino, with approximately 1,766 incidents reported annually. Robberies follow with around 906 incidents, and the city reports about 140 rapes and 46 murders annually.
San Bernardino has a notably high rate of motor vehicle theft in terms of property crime, ranking among the highest in the nation.
Safest neighborhoods in San Bernardino, CA
- Amber Hills
- Rosena Ranch / Devore
- Devore Heights
- Northeast Sterling
- Verdemont East
- Cajon
- Rancho Southwest
- Verdemont
How fast can you commute in San Bernardino, CA?
The average commute time in San Bernardino, C, A varies slightly, with reports indicating 31.9 minutes to 32.4 minutes.
About 79.9% of commuters Most residents in San Bernardino commute by driving alone to their destination, followed by Carpooling, with only 10.1% of commuters.
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) encourages various commuting options, including ridesharing, bus, vanpool, train, carpooling/vanpooling, telecommuting, biking, or walking to work.
List available public transportation in San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino, CA, has public transportation options, including Metrolink for commuter rail service connecting to other parts of Southern California.
- Omnitrans: the leading bus agency, provides local and express bus routes throughout San Bernardino and nearby communities.
- Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA): offers bus services connecting San Bernardino to High Desert communities like Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto, and Apple Valley.
- Mountain Transit: Connects the San Bernardino Mountains to the city and other parts of the Inland Empire through bus services.
- Arrow: a commuter rail service by Metrolink, operates between San Bernardino and Redlands.
How is the weather in San Bernardino, CA?
San Bernardino, CA, has a subtropical climate with hot, dry summers and cool, partly cloudy winters.
- The city experiences four distinct seasons, with a hot season lasting about 3.1 months, from June 19 to September 22, featuring average daily highs above 90°F.
- August is the hottest month, reaching an average high of 96°F.
- The winter season spans about 3.9 months, from November 22 to March 17, with average daily highs below 72°F.
- December is the coldest month, with an average low of 43°F and a high of 66°F.
- San Bernardino receives an average annual rainfall of around 16 inches, with the wettest month being February.
- Snowfall is infrequent in the city and usually occurs in the surrounding mountains rather than the valley.
- San Bernardino enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year. The most apparent period starts around April 25 and lasts 6.4 months, with the sky being clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 89% of the time.
Education system in San Bernardino, CA
Education in Riverside, CA, includes public and private schools, with the Riverside Unified School District having over 50 schools and serving 39,443 students.
The student-teacher ratio in the Riverside Unified School District is 24:1, higher than the state average of 22:1.
Riverside has diverse schools with varying rankings, such as Riverside STEM Academy, ranked 10th in California.
The cost of education in Riverside varies by level and type of institution, with Riverside City College charging $46 per unit for California residents, totaling $1,380 for 30 units in a year.
Public schools in Riverside spend an average of $13,730 per student annually.
Best middle schools in San Bernardino, CA
- Richardson Prep Hi
- Colonel Joseph C. Rodriguez Prep Academy
- Cesar E. Chavez Middle School
- Curtis Middle School
- Shandin Hills Middle School
Best elementary schools in San Bernardino, CA
- Hillside Elementary
- Manuel A. Salinas Creative Arts Elementary
- North Verdemont Elementary
- Thompson Elementary
- Kimbark Elementary
- Paakuma K-8
- Ramona-Alessandro Elementary
Best High Schools in San Bernardino, CA
- Cajon High School
- Arroyo Valley High School
- San Bernardino High School
- Middle College High School
- San Gorgonio High School
Best universities and colleges in San Bernardino, CA
- California State University – San Bernardino (CSUSB)
- San Bernardino Valley College
- Stanbridge University
- University of Redlands
- Loma Linda University
What are the best things to do in San Bernardino, CA
The famous attractions and things to see in San Bernardino, CA, are:
- Explore the diverse landscapes of San Bernardino National Forest, featuring arid deserts and alpine mountains, with numerous hiking trails and backcountry camping options.
- Step back at the Original McDonald’s Site and Museum on Route 66, showcasing the fast-food chain’s legacy through thousands of McDonald’s memorabilia.
- Enjoy breathtaking views along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, a highway offering stunning vistas of the surrounding area.
- Dive into local California history and culture at the San Bernardino County Museum, featuring exhibits on the region’s rich heritage.
- Experience outdoor fun at Glen Helen Regional Park, offering hiking, fishing, and picnicking activities.
- Head to Big Bear Lake for a range of activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking in this popular destination.
- Catch a game at San Manuel Stadium, home to the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino, providing a lively atmosphere for baseball enthusiasts.
- Take advantage of the outdoor opportunities along the Santa Ana River Trail, suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
- Discover the scenic beauty of Lake Arrowhead, a mountain lake offering water activities like boating and fishing, along with picturesque hiking trails.
- Explore the San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum, delving into the city’s past and the pivotal role of the railroad in its development.
Best neighborhoods in San Bernardino, CA
The best places to live in San Bernardino, CA, are
- Kendall
- Rancho West
- Verdemont
- Northpark
- Riverview
- South Pointe,
- Thompson.
Pros and cons of living in San Bernardino, CA
Before moving to San Bernardino, CA, you need to know the pros and cons of the city. This will help you better understand the area and make a more informed decision about whether or not it’s the right place for you. So, here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of living in San Bernardino, CA :
| Pros of Living in San Bernardino | Cons of Living in San Bernardino |
| Low cost of living | High crime rate |
| Affordable housing | High poverty level |
| Recreational activities | Public schools |
| Great weather | Low median income |
| Homelessness and social issues | |
| Air quality concerns |
Conclusion
With so much to offer, there is no doubt why so many people are drawn to the beautiful city of San Bernardino if you are deliberating a move to California. With affordable living expenses and housing costs, San Bernardino benefits you in having a property in California at lower costs, thereby sidelining the higher crime rate. When it’s time to move, consider hiring a moving company for an easy and hassle-free location.
Photo Credit: Adrian Michael, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons