Firstly why San-Bernardino, California?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: San-Bernardino
- State: California
- Population: 222,101 people
- San-Bernardino’s quick summary would be Known for the historic San Bernardino County Museum and its proximity to the San Bernardino National Forest.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 17,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 31,000 annually
- Net Migration: -14000 less people annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 3,000
- Number of Homeless people: 2,000
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its affordable housing appealing to families and workers
Perk #1: San-Bernardino Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 50%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
- The median income is (and growing) $59,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in San-Bernardino is $57,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-2000 in negative cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & San-Bernardino’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 115 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,186
- Property Tax %: 1.1%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,550
- Rent for an average house: $2,400
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: San Bernardino
- Top 5 Growing Areas: San-Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, Fontana, and probably could include Highland
- Avg. Age of Homes in San-Bernardino: 67 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & San-Bernardino’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in San-Bernardino are Logistics, Retail, and Manufacturing
- San-Bernardino Job Scene: limited job market mainly in logistics and retail
- The General Tech Scene: developing tech presence mainly around logistics and innovation in transportation , ,
- San-Bernardino Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in San-Bernardino: 8.75%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 120 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 14
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in San-Bernardino
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-10 and I-215 provide essential access through San Bernardino
- Commute Time: 29 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: evening delays on the I-215
- Transportation Score: 50 out of 100 described as Good Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in San-Bernardino: 120,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.5
- No. of Car Washes: 11 in and around the city
- DMV Website for San-Bernardino: dmv.ca.gov
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 58 of 100
- Local Airport: San Bernardino International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: San-Bernardino’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
- General Weather in San-Bernardino is best described as experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 100°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall
- Winter Weather in San-Bernardino i’d describe as mild with sunny spells
- Spring Weather in San-Bernardino can be described as warm with low humidity
- Summer’s in San-Bernardino are mostly very hot and dry
- Fall ( the nicest time) in San-Bernardino is usually warm with dry conditions
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 52 days in summer
- Days in a row in San-Bernardino below Freezing: 0
- Average Annual Rainfall: 16 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality mainly due to pollution
- San-Bernardino Winter Air poor air quality often due to inversion layers trapping pollutants
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: San-Bernardino Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in San-Bernardino 4
- While the number of trade schools inside San-Bernardinos’s city limits are 5
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the San Bernardino Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & San-Bernardino Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
- Registered Full-Time San-Bernardino only Doctors is about 95
- Local Hospitals here is 7
- Full-time San-Bernardino only Police Officers is about 400
- Crime Rate Index: 70/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- San-Bernardino’s Monthly utility bill average is $140
- San-Bernardino’s Monthly Gym Membership: $50
- San-Bernardino’s Water Quality Score: 62
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in San-Bernardino
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: urban community with a diverse population and rich culture
- You might enjoy events at the San Manuel Amphitheater
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), San-Bernardino features a diverse nightlife with casual dining cozy pubs and local events celebrating the city’s culture
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of San-Bernardino
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers traditional American diners and local eateries
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around San-Bernardino
- The Popular Sports Team is San Bernardino Valley College
- Top Level Political Climate in San-Bernardino can be described as politically mixed with a history of socio-economic challenges
- San-Bernardino’s Longer standing religious establishment is San Bernardino Community Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: San-Bernardino Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know San-Bernardino has 30 Parks?
- San Bernardino National Forest is San-Bernardino’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is San Bernardino Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and fishing
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: San-Bernardino Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in San-Bernardino can be described as moderate urban pace with a diverse community
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in San-Bernardino going to parks community events hiking local trails
- The Cities people commute to from San-Bernardino are Riverside 19 miles away Fontana 11 miles away Ontario 15 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about San-Bernardino or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: evening delays on the I-215. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
San-Bernardino’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If San Bernardino is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby San-Bernardino are Riverside 19 miles away Fontana 11 miles away Ontario 15 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 70 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
San-Bernardino has 0 days in a row below freezing and 52 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in San-Bernardino people have an average (positive or negative) $-2000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
2,000 homeless people living in San-Bernardino. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general politically mixed with a history of socio-economic challenges could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to San-Bernardino.
Retiree & Senior Life in San-Bernardino
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may have access to exemptions on property taxes easing financial needs
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is Silvercare Home
- San Bernardino Senior Center offers social and recreational programs for older adults
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to San-Bernardino, California?
If San-Bernardino, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around San-Bernardino, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!