Thinking about moving to San Bernardino? Located in SoCal’s Inland Empire region, San Berdoo is an affordable Los Angeles suburb with year-round outdoor recreation, a low cost of living, and fun things to do for every lifestyle. Check out these 10 things to know about living in San Bernardino!
An Affordable SoCal Suburb
Photo via @kbhomeinlandempire
San Bernardino is a budget-friendly option for people who want to live in SoCal without the hefty price tag of larger California cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Since San Berdoo is just one hour east of Los Angeles, this SoCal city provides residents with many similar amenities at a significantly lower cost of living—especially in transportation, food, groceries, and housing. In fact, San Bernardino county has the lowest house prices in SoCal! Renters can find affordable housing options in San Berdoo, too. The rental rate for a one-bedroom in Downtown San Bernardino is about 75% lower than in Downtown Los Angeles.
Work Your Way in San Berdoo
Photo via @aviationsocal
With opportunities across a variety of industries, the San Bernardino job market is great for all kinds of professionals. Healthcare employees can find work at major San Bernardino employers like SAC Health and San Bernardino Medical Group. Residents working in higher education can find jobs at California State University San Bernardino or career opportunities with San Bernardino Valley College. If you’re not a medical professional or educator, there are still many other San Bernardino employers in your field, including government jobs—which are some of the most common in the area. Or you can use public transit options in San Berdoo like Metrolink to get to work in Los Angeles, since San Bernardino is a popular commuter suburb. And if your job requires frequent travel to farther locations, you can board flights from the San Bernardino International Airport to get wherever you need to go.
Get Your Degree in San Bernardino
Photo via @csusb
Enroll in one of the many colleges and universities in San Bernardino to advance your career. Pursue a bachelor’s in biology at the College of Natural Sciences or get a degree in administration from the Jack H. Brown College of Business & Public Administration at California State University San Bernardino, one of the most affordable higher education institutions in the West. Learn a trade like welding or try your hand in one of the 203 programs available at San Bernardino Valley College. Seek a healthcare degree in pathology, pharmacology, and other fields at the nearby, faith-based Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Or take classes at American Sports University, the only four-year university in the U.S. that’s dedicated to the sporting industry.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66
Photo via @townofspectre
The city of San Bernardino is located on the historic Route 66, a road lined with a variety of unique things to do. View a collection of Happy Meal toys and other iconic memorabilia at the original McDonald’s restaurant-turned-museum. Spend the night in a tent at a classic San Bernardino attraction, WigWam Motel. Drive out to the Arrowhead, a natural landmark that has served as a guiding feature for travelers through San Berdoo for centuries. Or attend the Rendezvous Back to Route 66—a one-day annual car show and festival in Downtown San Bernardino.
Root for San Berdoo Sports Teams
Photo via @66ersbaseballphotography
Families in San Bernardino can find plenty of all-ages activities to enjoy. Play laser tag, go roller skating, or make a splash on the water slides at Fiesta Village Family Fun Park. Race around the indoor go-karting track at SB Raceway. Solve puzzles as a family in Downtown San Bernardino at Hall of Shadows Escape Games. Attend family-friendly San Bernardino events like concerts, the National Orange Show Fair, and more at the National Orange Show Event Center. Or bring younger children to storytime and crafts at the San Bernardino Public Library.
Spend Time in the Great Outdoors
Photo via @tanjareneart
Want to enjoy the sunny SoCal weather? While living in San Bernardino, you’ll have endless opportunities to get outdoors! There are 38 public parks in San Bernardino and many nearby lakes like Big Bear Lake or Silverwood Lake. Let your dog run off-leash in the fenced-in green space at Wildwood Dog Park. Play horseshoes or practice your tennis swing on one of the multiple courts at Perris Hill Park. Shoot hoops with friends in a game of pick-up basketball, have a picnic with the family, or let your kids explore the playground at Anne Shirrells Park. Head just outside the city to San Bernardino National Forest to fish, hike, or camp beneath the stars. Take Bailey Forest Road to Sawpit Canyon for a scenic hike or an off-roading adventure. Grab your paddles and go kayaking at Lake Gregory Regional Park. Or take in the sights of the San Bernardino Mountains with a trek up San Gorgonio Mountain or a trip to the Black Mountain Fire Lookout.
Find Fun for the Whole Family
Photo via @fiesta_village
Families in San Bernardino can find plenty of all-ages activities to enjoy. Play laser tag, go roller skating, or make a splash on the water slides at Fiesta Village Family Fun Park. Race around the indoor go-karting track at SB Raceway. Solve puzzles as a family in Downtown San Bernardino at Hall of Shadows Escape Games. Attend family-friendly San Bernardino events like concerts, the National Orange Show Fair, and more at the National Orange Show Event Center. Or bring younger children to storytime and crafts at the San Bernardino Public Library.
Check Out Local Arts & Entertainment
Photo via @alyssamariemuna
Buy tickets for performances like the Blue Man Group or musicals like Beauty and the Beast at the California Theatre of Performing Arts. Dance the night away during an outdoor concert at Glen Helen Amphitheater, the largest outdoor music venue in the country. Explore Asian ceramic works, African art, the Ancient Egyptian exhibit, and other historical artifacts at the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art. See Contemporary pieces from artists around the country, including mixed-media exhibitions like Heath Rossler’s Existential Ideation or Jackie Bell Johnson’s The Pillow Lounge at The Little Gallery of San Bernardino. Or listen to orchestral arrangements performed live by the San Bernardino Symphony.
Savor Big Tastes in a Small City
Photo via @hilltopcollection
San Bernardino restaurants span a variety of cuisines—from Mexican eats to savory sushi. Wake up right with the San Berdoo’s Special Breakfast, a Hobo Omelette, or Waffle Combo at Molly’s Cafe. Order mouthwatering entrees like Chiles Rellenos, Carne Asada, or Steak Ranchero from Mitla Cafe, a family-owned San Bernardino favorite since 1937. Split an Alfredo’s “White Pizza” with friends or order an Eggplant Parmigiana Submarine Sandwich for yourself from Alfredo’s Pizza & Pasta. Try authentic German sausages in plates like the Wurst Burger, Stuffed Knockwurst, or Pork Bratwurst at Gazzolo’s Sausages. Make reservations for a fine-dining experience with dishes like Hilltop Seafood Pasta, Rib Eye Steak, or Lobster Tail at The Hilltop Collection. Or pick and choose from a selection of sushi rolls like the Volcano, Philly Crunch, or Heart Attack from Meiga Sushi.
Explore San Bernardino Nightlife
Photo via @shycarterofficial
San Bernardino’s nightlife ranges from high-energy karaoke bars to low-key dives. Put on your cowboy boots and two-step to live country music at Brandin’ Iron Nightclub. Sip on “Presidential” cocktails like the J.F.K. Cosmopolitan or Teddy Roosevelt Martini in Lulu’s Hideout dive bar. Throw darts with friends, shoot some pool, sing karaoke, and order beer on tap from The Red Fox. Hit up Very Happy Hour on Sundays and Mondays or $5 Pint Night every Wednesday at The Study Pub and Grill. Or play pinball, watch football with friends, and grab a Bloody Mary at Trevor’s Rustic Inn.
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