A gateway city’s past, present and economic potential
San Bernardino's history, diversity and resilience unfolds at the base of some of Southern California's tallest mountain peaks. This affordable alternative to Los Angeles and Orange County has a story that begins with the indigenous Serrano people, also known as the Yuhaviatam or "People of the Pines," who had inhabited the valley since approximately 1000 B.C., and continues through to the first ever McDonald's restaurant.
Spanish priest Francisco Dumetz christened the area in 1810 after Saint Bernardino of Siena. The area's narrative then weaves through Mexican land grants, Mormon settlements, and ultimately, its incorporation as a city in 1854.
The city's legacy extends beyond its borders. In 1944, the community became a crucible for change, successfully challenging legal segregation and setting a precedent for nationwide racial desegregation a decade later. San Bernardino's nearly 227,000 residents still foster a spirit of grassroots activism and community engagement through initiatives such as the Just San Bernardino Collaborative, a group that promotes racial equity and economic mobility.
Economically, San Bernardino has faced its share of challenges. The closure of Norton Air Base in 1994 and the 2008 recession took major tolls on the city, leading to decades-long periods of bankruptcy and increased poverty rates. However, the city is showing signs of rebirth. "The abundance of undeveloped land coupled with location makes it ideal for factories to set up shop here. It's why companies like Maersk and Coca-Cola are investing heavily here,” says David Dodson, lifelong San Bernardino resident and Realtor with Keller Williams. The influx of warehouses and distribution centers has brought thousands of new jobs to the city. Amazon, now the largest private employer in the Inland Empire, operates several fulfillment centers in the area, including the KSBD Air Hub. Other major employers include Stater Bros. and the San Bernardino County Government, which employs nearly 22,000 people. Companies like the Omnitrans Department of Transportation and Optum Medical Group are based here.
Amazon Fulfillment Centers create many job opportunities for the San Bernardino area.
A major employer in the San Bernardino area is a healthcare service called Optum.
Downtown San Bernardino was once a thriving metropolitan city.
The San Bernardino Mountains is only a short drive away.
1/4
North side homes generally have a higher price tag
San Bernardino remains one of the most accessible housing markets in Southern California. The median home price stands at $511,423 as of September 2024, higher than the national median home price of $434,050 but lower than California's median home price of $673,333. The city is also experiencing a faster rate of price growth at 6.8% year-over-year compared to the national increase of 3.2%.
In general, homes prices are higher in the northern part of town above Interstate 210. These neighborhoods are closer to California State University, San Bernardino, as well as the mountains, and have a quieter, more rural feel. Other areas are more densely populated, though buyers can find single-family homes with yards in most parts of the city. There are also many condo units for less than $350,000, and investors may appreciate the duplexes, triplexes and quadruplexes available. Condos and townhomes are spread throughout the city. Most suburbs like Blair Park, Perris Hills and Carvedale are filled with older ranch-style homes from the 1950s.
In January 2024, the city received a $35 million grant to build 140 housing units with onsite health and social services for the area’s unhoused population, a watershed opportunity for San Bernardino. Other top priorities for local government include strengthening public safety and emergency responses, improving city amenities such as parks and roads and retaining and attracting businesses.
Locals enjoy evening walks throughout the Verdemont neighborhood.
An aerial view of the large California State University San Bernardino campus.
With the University neighborhood being mostly students, there are housing options like condos.
Charming ranch style homes are spread throughout the neighborhood of Perris Hills.
1/4
Concert parks and history on Highland
Glen Helen Regional Park on the city’s northside is an area draw, with lakes for fishing, a swimming complex with water slides and a motorcross racetrack. The park also hosts the Glen Helen Amphitheater, the largest outdoor music venue in the U.S.
San Bernardino National Forest offers miles of trails for diverse experience levels, with popular hikes leading to waterfalls and dramatic views of – and from – the San Bernardino Mountains. Some locals challenge themselves to summiting the highest peak in southern California, San Gorgonio Mountain. Residents are also within an hour of two regional tourist attractions: Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear. Both mountain towns offer year-round outdoor fun, such as swimming, camping and skiing.
A historic stop along Route 66, San Bernardino hosts several points of interest calling back to another time. Perhaps the most famous is the Original McDonald’s Museum, a free attraction celebrating the site of the first McDonald’s restaurant. “The items in our collection span all the way back to the 1940s. A good collection of the items brought to us are Happy Meal Toys from different donors, but we also receive uniform pieces, equipment pieces and promotional items,” says lifelong San Bernardino resident Ezra Cabral, a tour guide at the Original McDonalds Museum. “During the weekends we see up to 300 people, it’s easily one of the busiest places in the city.”
A mile and a half away is the California Theatre of the Performing Arts, an ornate 1920s theatre recalling the early Hollywood era. Locals can see live theatre, comedy performances and the San Bernardino Symphony. The city’s National Orange Show Event Center has historic origins as well: what started as a 1900s citrus exposition is now a multi-stage events venue. Most years, the center hosts the annual Beyond Wonderland electronic dance music festival, which draws crowds from across Southern California.
Residents celebrate the city’s cultural diversity at year-round public events. Each fall, the city’s parks department hosts a Dia de los Muertos celebration, where locals contribute pictures of loved ones who have passed to a community ofrenda and enjoy food, performances and a lowrider car show.
Discover the intriguing First Original McDonald's Museum right here in SBHS.
Indulge in San Bernardino's historic architecture at California Theatre of the Performing Arts.
San Bernardino locals can enjoy events and local fairs at the National Orange Show Event Center.
Many San Bernardino residents come to Glen Helen Park for fishing and more.
1/4
Three local options for higher education
The city is served by the San Bernardino City Unified School District, which earns an overall B-minus from Niche. There are 79 schools within the district: 53 elementary, 14 middle and 12 high schools. The district is working to physically improve its schools through summer renovation projects at over a dozen sites and encouraging staff growth with the Classified Employee Grant.
The district's Vision 2030 plan aims to boost equity and student empowerment across six key areas, including academic innovation and creating safe, attractive learning environments. Approximately 24 schools offer dual immersion programs, which promote bilingualism and biliteracy in English and Spanish. The programs support the district’s large population of English language learners, though they enrich all students. There are 10 private schools within city limits, many of which offer faith-based learning.
After graduation, students can stay close to home and attend California State University San Bernardino, a four-year public university. The school welcomes nearly 20,000 full-time and part-time students. Students can earn associate degrees at San Bernardino Valley College, a community college offering financial aid, or head to the private four-year University of Redlands,10 miles southeast of San Bernardino.
San Bernardino residents can attend University of Redlands is a private four-year school.
The main entrance of Cajon High School proudly displays its signage, welcoming students.
Students can take advantage of numerous sports opportunities at San Bernardino High School.
Students can stay close to home and attend California State University San Bernardino.
1/4
Mitigating fire risks
In the summer, temperatures often top 100 degrees Fahrenheit. San Bernardino County as a whole faces significant wildfire risks, as demonstrated by the September 2024 Line Fire that consumed over 7,100 acres. To mitigate these threats, the county enforces strict brush clearance ordinances, especially in high-risk zones. The San Bernardino National Forest actively engages in post-fire restoration and wildfire resilience projects, including fuel reduction work and forest health initiatives. These efforts, supported by partnerships with organizations like the National Forest Foundation and CALFIRE, aim to enhance wildfire safety and forest resilience across the region.
Wildwood Park sits at the foot of San Bernardino National Forest.
Take a gorgeous drive through the San Bernardino National Forest.
Cajon residents can rest easy knowing the San Bernardino County Fire Station 227 is nearby.
A short drive up the Rim of the World Hwy, Cajon locals can find Waterman Canyon Creek.
1/4
FasTrak offers some traffic relief
Due to comparative affordability, the city hosts many commuters to Riverside, Los Angeles and Orange County. Predictably, traffic is a frustration. Many commuters invest in an Express Lane transponder account like FasTrak to make the commute a bit easier.
Locals take Interstate 210 or State Route 60 to Los Angeles, or State Route 91 to jobs in Riverside or places like Anaheim or Irvine. Though most people drive, some commuters use the Metrolink, a regional rail system with stops in San Bernardino. To get around within town, OmniTrans has bus routes throughout the San Bernardino Valley. San Bernardino International Airport is located on the east side of the city, ideal for quick jaunts to San Francisco or Las Vegas.
In fall 2022, Breeze Airways became the airport’s first commercial carrier. Though the name suggests otherwise, the airport only has domestic passenger routes, though offerings continue to expand. For mainstream airlines with more destinations, Ontario International Airport is 20 miles away.
Locally owned Mexican eateries and a well-sustained mall
San Bernardino's diverse population has created a vast landscape of international cuisines, with Mexican food being a standout. Residents are loyal to their favorite neighborhood spots, especially family-owned taquerias and diners such as Mitla Café. Located in the Alessandro neighborhood, Mitla is a top choice among locals, serving up dishes like chile relleno and beef tacos. More than just a restaurant, it has been an important gathering place for the Mexican American community since the days of segregation in San Bernardino and continues to be a gathering place today.
Long-standing San Bernardino residents remember the once-thriving Carousel Mall. The mall faced challenges over the years that led to its closure in 2017 and demolition in 2023. Today, the Inland Center stands as the only enclosed, operating shopping mall in San Bernardino.
Mitla Cafe, located at the edge of the La Plaza neighborhood, serves authentic Mexican food.
A local favorite, including North Park residents, is Rosa Marias Mexican Food.
San Bernardino's recently demolished Carousel Mall is now an open site for future development.
A convenient option for shopping is the Inland Center Mall which is just 3 miles from La Plaza.
1/4
Violence Intervention and Prevention
Though violent crime has decreased at the national level, San Bernardino has consistently high rates of assaults, homicides and robberies, with 2,640 violent crimes reported in 2022, according to data from the San Bernardino Police Department. Property crimes are also above the national average, and many choose to install home security devices. In general, neighborhoods north of I-210 have lower crime rates. In fall 2022, the state awarded San Bernardino nearly $4 million to fund its Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, which forms community partnerships to support young people currently involved in or at risk of involvement in gangs.
On average, homes in San Bernardino, CA sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in San Bernardino, CA over the last 12 months is $503,750, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
With over 20 years of experience as a real estate broker, I am dedicated to ensuring that my clients have an exceptional experience throughout the sale or purchase process. My foremost goal is to represent each client with unwavering integrity and honesty. I firmly believe that open communication is essential at every step, and I am committed to being readily available to address any questions or concerns. Your satisfaction and peace of mind are my highest priorities, and I am committed to delivering results that surpass your expectations.
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.
