Bordering the large city of San Bernardino, the suburb of Colton is a growing community that welcomes residents looking for a town on its upswing. The city is working to grow its economy and its permanent residents while maintaining the charm that has kept generations of families living in Colton. The city’s economic development manager, Tom Welch, says, “We have third and fourth-generation people living in the home they grew up in. People who are born here stay here.”
Colton is a growing community that welcomes residents looking an upswinging city.
Colton is working to grow its permanent residents while maintaining the charm.
1/2
Highways, city buses and nearby airport
Welch described the area as a bedroom community. Many residents work in San Bernardino or in surrounding towns. Interstates 10 and 215 intersect in the city’s center, making it easy for residents to commute through town and to neighboring cities. San Bernardino, a little over 3 miles from Colton’s city center, can be reached in 10 minutes by car. The OmniTransit bus system circulates through the city and connects riders to San Bernardino, Riverside and Rialto.
For those traveling further away, the San Bernardino International Airport is over 6 miles from the city and can be reached in as few as15 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Growing housing market
Welch says Colton’s biggest appeals are its location and its affordability. “We’re very close to the mountains, so you can go snow skiing, and we’re close to the ocean so you can go to the beach. You can afford to live in California and still have access to these great amenities.”
Homes in Colton sell for a median price of $470,000. Single-family homes in neighboring San Bernardino sell for a median of $480,000 and for $575,000 in neighboring Rialto. While the housing in the area is mainly made up of older homes, from postwar bungalows to 1990s tract houses, there have been newer developments, and the city is drawing up plans to make more land available for housing. But be warned that Colton's affordability and amenities are attracting buyers and investors. Welch says that a small development of less than 30 homes reached full occupancy in a matter of months.
Large estates like this Tudor influenced home can be found in the hills of Colton.
Modern Contemporary flat-roof homes with custom finishings reside in the hills of Colton.
1/2
Colton County Unified School District
Although homes on the edge of town might be zoned for school districts of neighboring cities, most children in Colton will attend school through the Colton Joint Unified School District. Niche gives the school district a B-minus rating. The district’s largest high school, Colton High School, is rated B-minus on Niche. Most schools in the Colton Joint Unified School District have a 21-1 ratio of students and teachers, but Colton is slightly smaller, with a 20-1 student and teacher ratio.
Parents who would prefer to enroll their children in a private school have options in neighboring San Bernardino. A popular choice is the A-plus-rated Aquinas High School, ranked the second-best private high school in San Bernardino County.
Colton's Alice Birney Elementary School is home to the Bears.
The California University of Science and Medicine is a private medical school nearby Colton.
1/2
Hiking, biking and local parks
The Santa Ana winds across the city, although it runs shallow most of the year. The river is best admired from the Santa Ana River Trail, a hiking and biking trail that follows the river's path. Hikers will also enjoy the trail at Prado Park.
The city’s dozen parks cover nearly 50 acres of the city’s land. Some parks are only small plots of green space, while others have community centers and picnic areas. Cesar Chavez Park, one of the city's largest and most popular, accommodates any activity, offering a pool, skate park, sports courts and green space.
The Santa Ana River Trail in Colton connects the Inland Empire to the beach.
Skaters can practice tricks and work on their craft at Cesar Chavez Park in Colton.
1/2
Citizens enjoy community events
Residents turn out for city-wide events, from summer concerts and movie series to holiday festivals. The city’s tree lighting is one of the year’s highlights. Citizens come together to enjoy hot chocolate provided by the Parks and Recreation Department and wait for it to get dark and the lights to come on. Welch described the scene as like “being in Mayberry" as hundreds of Colton residents gathered together to celebrate.
Explore your green thumb at the Arrowhead Regional Farmers Market in Colton.
Local Colton employees enjoy a break at the Arrowhead Regional Farmers Market.
1/2
Growing retail market
The city works hard to bring in larger retailers and build small businesses. They live up to their unofficial motto "Colton means business," by actively scouting large chains and providing resources to help businesses relocate and expand. They are negotiating with several major chains and are finalizing plans to bring new shopping and dining options to the city. They have already experienced recent successes, bringing in brands like Starbucks and Smart & Final Extra. Currently, most residents do their shopping at Stater Bros. Markets, with locations on either side of the river.
The Interstate 10 corridor is abundant with local restaurants. Mexican food is well-loved in the city, with over a dozen different restaurants to choose from, but many other cuisines are available. Vietnamese, classic American and some chain dining options can be found along the busy thoroughfare.
P&G Burgers' kitschy aesthetic is one of the appeals to this restaurant in Colton.
Shopping is a breeze in Colton with a large number of stores to choose from.
1/2
Crime in Colton
As a smaller suburb, Colton experiences comparatively much fewer crimes than San Bernardino. The Colton Police Department reported 216 violent crimes and 1250 property crimes in 2022. However, Colton experiences more crime than other neighboring suburbs. Loma Linda—five miles away—reported 71 violent crimes and 554 property crimes in 2022. Six miles to the South, Grand Terrace reported 72 violent crimes and 268 property crimes.
David Mayes has been an active Real Estate Agent in Southern California for the last 20 years. Living in Orange County has allowed him to become an area real estate specialist, helping buyers and sellers maximize their investment values.
David has acquired a GREEN designation from the National Association of Realtors. This special, additional certification now qualifies him to provide assistance in finding the ideal GREEN home for Buyers, and to give guidance by pointing the Sellers in the right direction towards converting their residence into a GREEN home.
A GREEN home is safe (no toxic fumes), comfortable (no fluctuations in temperatures) and profitable as it reduces the monthly expense incurred for utilities. These immediate benefits will result in improved health and the enjoyment of the home.
With a Master's Degree in Business Administration, a Short Sale Specialist designation, and a GREEN designation, David brings a rare combination of investment savvy and seasoned experience to every real estate transaction.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
