What to Know Before Moving to Ontario

Offering a cheaper cost of living and an appealing range of conveniences, Ontario has become a popular choice for those looking to live the SoCal lifestyle minus the heavy cost.

Attractions and Amenities

Ontario offers a lot for less, and the three main things are outdoor recreation, shopping, and cultural opportunities. The Mediterranean style weather allows locals to enjoy year-round fun in the sun, from long hikes at the North Etiwanda Preserve to golfing at a number of popular courses in and around Ontario. There are also open-air shopping centers, farm tours, and wineries throughout the area. Enjoy museums? The city is home to the likes of the Ontario Museum of History & Art, as well as the Chaffey Community Museum of Art (which houses works from nationally acclaimed and local artists). And for sports fans, there’s the Toyota Arena, home to the Ontario Reign hockey team.

Lifestyle

For many, Ontario offers easier homeownership as opposed to many parts of Southern California that are prohibitively expensive. Whether coming from the coast, the Los Angeles metro area, or from out of state, new residents soak up the sunshine and much more. Being more inland, the city has a feel that contrasts many of the beach communities that are within convenient driving distance. From master-planned communities to golf courses and other outdoor activities, Ontario is a comfortable place to call home. Far from glitzy, like its neighbor to the west, the community is more humble, accessible, and still developing. This affords residents the opportunity to get in, purchase a home, and experience SoCal living with ease.

Job Opportunities and Employers

As for work, Ontario is known for its distribution centers and warehouses. It’s also home to a major airport, Ontario International Airport, which employs a good number of locals. Some notable companies here include Niagara Bottling, The Icee Company, and Famous Stars and Straps (founded by Blink-182 drummer, Travis Barker). Of course, with Los Angeles less than an hour to the west, commuting is definitely an option to take advantage of all the opportunities in the City of Angels while enjoying a quieter, more homely lifestyle of Ontario.

Walkscore Info

Coming from an urban area with dismal walkability? Want to be able to get around your new community on foot? Some parts of Ontario are highly walkable! Depending on where you’re landing in the city, you’ll be able to stroll around, shop, and work without a car. The best neighborhoods for pedestrians are Downtown, Downtown West, and Parkside. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about public transit. If you need to travel around Ontario and surrounding communities, access to a vehicle is virtually required. As for bikeability, it’s somewhat convenient to get around on your bike. Just keep in mind that you’ll still probably need a car to fully capitalize on all the attractions and opportunities in this part of SoCal.

Cost of Living

This can be a major point of attraction for newcomers to Ontario. Yes, the cost of living is still higher than the national average. But relative to the exorbitant cost of many parts of Southern California, this city offers some super surprising affordability. For comparison, the cost of living can be more than 25% cheaper here than in Los Angeles. That’s a ton of savings. As for the median home value, homeownership is no longer a distant dream. So, any idea how much the difference is between Ontario and LA? In some cases, buying a home can be nearly 60% cheaper here!