What to Know Before Moving to San Bernardino

History

From the era when the indigenous Tongva people inhabited the region to more recent times, San Bernardino has had a varied, sometimes violent, history. In the early 1800s, the Spanish established a settlement called Politana, and by 1851, just after California achieved statehood, a group of Morman pioneers named the settlement San Bernardino. By the 1860s, a gold rush attracted more settlers to the valley and it became a significant trading hub on the road between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, Utah. 

To clear land for additional settlers and miners, in 1866, the California state militia slaughtered the indigenous people who were living in the foothills north of town. Health seekers came to San Bernardino in the late 1880s for its healing dry climate and curative spring waters. The city prospered throughout most of the 20th century but went into decline from the recessions of 1990, 2001, and 2008. In 2012, the city filed for bankruptcy, finally emerging from default in 2017.

Climate

Tucked up against the mountains in the eastern region of Southern California, San Bernardino sees more distinct variations in temperature than many other So Cal cities. The Mediterranean climate features cold winters with frost and occasional snow flurries and very hot, dry summers. The average August high runs 96℉, cooling to 64℉ at night. January is the coolest month with average highs of 67℉ and lows of 42℉. Precipitation, in the form of rain, hail, or light snow, adds up to about 13 inches annually. The famous fire-inducing Santa Ana winds blow during late summer and into the fall. Due to prevailing winds the rest of the year, San Bernardino often has poor air quality.

Cost of Living

San Bernardino’s overall living costs are very close to the national average. Like most U.S. cities, housing is the most costly of all living expenses, and that’s true of San Bernardino as well. However, housing costs in San Bernardino are almost half that of average California costs. Health care costs are about 13% lower than the national average.

Things to Do in San Bernardino

The California Theatre, continually open since 1928, is the hub of the arts and culture district, developed as a result of downtown revitalization. The theatre hosts year-round events including Broadway productions and concerts by the San Bernardino Symphony. Glen Helen Amphitheater, the largest amphitheater in the country, hosts concerts and events. Sturges Center for the Fine Arts puts on concerts, lectures, and performances.

The Robert V Fullerton Museum of Art is located on the Cal State University, San Bernardino campus. The historic Santa Fe Depot is home to the San Bernardino Railroad and History Museum. The very first McDonald’s fast-food restaurant was founded in 1940 in San Bernardino and the location is now home to a Route 66 museum.

Parks are sprinkled throughout San Bernardino and include the Glen Helen Regional Park, Blair Park, and Perris Hill Park with its pool, hiking trails, shooting range, and on-site YMCA.

The Inland Empire 66ers is a Single A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. The team plays at downtown’s San Manuel Stadium.