What is the Inland Empire? - Your Guide

Nestled in the heart of Southern California lies a bustling region known as the Inland Empire, just a stone's throw east of Los Angeles. Full of tree-lined streets and countless charming communities, this slice of the Los Angeles metropolitan area is home to many lucky residents. Whether it’s the bright lights of the big city or the tranquil desert landscapes beyond, there's something for everyone in this vibrant and diverse locale.

If SoCal is calling, consider exploring the charming Inland Empire for your ideal new abode. Let’s take a stroll through this peaceful area to give you a feel for its enchanting atmosphere. You might just find your dream home here. 

Inland Empire Counties

As Los Angeles grew into a bustling metropolis, quaint orange groves transformed into dynamic neighborhoods dotted with modern homes. The Inland Empire, covering Riverside and San Bernardino counties, is a perfect blend of historic and contemporary, with endless possibilities for exploration and adventure. There’s a good reason why the Inland Empire is an excellent Southern California getaway.

Riverside County

Riverside is the first county in the Inland Empire, and it's a nature lover's paradise. With lakes, streams, mountains, and deserts, you’ll never run out of outdoor adventures to embark on. Riverside also offers affordable housing and city amenities, making it the best of both worlds. So if you want to live in a place that lets you breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the convenience of urban living, Riverside County is where you need to be.

From the iconic city of Palm Springs to the quaint community of Menifee, there's a place for every lifestyle. Walk among the stunning scenery of Murrieta or the lively energy of Temecula. No matter where you decide to call home, you're sure to fall in love with the magic of Riverside County. If you’re thinking about planting some roots here, look no further than these charming California cities: 

• Blythe

• Corona

• Hemet

• Indian Wells

• Lake Elsinore

• Palm Desert

• Palm Springs

• Temecula

Pulte's Riverside new construction homes are some of Southern California's finest new home communities. Feast your eyes on the breathtaking communities in Eastvale, French Valley, and Menifee, each with its unique charm and allure. 

San Bernardino County

Next up is the Inland Empire’s second county, San Bernardino. This area is a melting pot of different cultures, with a climate sure to surprise you. From dry desert heat to frosty mountain snow, San Bernardino has weather to suit everyone. The one constant is the abundance of radiant, sunny skies to keep you feeling energized and revitalized.

Here’s some insider info on San Bernardino County—it's not all desolate desert. There are quite a few cities worth calling home if you're considering a move. These are some top picks to add to your list:

• Apple Valley

• Big Bear Lake

• Chino Hills

• Fontana

• Loma Linda

• Ontario

• Rancho Cucamonga

• Redlands

• San Bernardino

• Twentynine Palms

• Upland

• Yucca Valley

Imagine the thrill of a new adventure, the excitement of a fresh start, embarking on a journey of discovery with endless possibilities ahead. If you're searching for a new place to call home, consider the vibrant communities of San Bernardino. Take a look at the homes for sale in Fontana and Ontario, where you can begin a wonderful new chapter in your life.

Education in the Inland Empire

Finding the perfect school if you have little ones is an essential factor in deciding where to live, and the Inland Empire has plenty of fantastic educational options. Numerous independent education institutions here have been recognized with the prestigious Distinguished School Award from the State of California, given to acknowledge their academic excellence and achievement.

In another nod to the area’s academic distinction, a handful of schools in the Inland Empire received the coveted Distinguished Schools Program honor in 2019. These outstanding educational institutions rose to the top of the class and were recognized for their commitment to fostering a love of learning: 

• In Riverside County, four school districts earned the award.

• In San Bernardino County, twelve school districts earned the award. The standout was the Etiwanda School District, taking five of those twelve awards.

In addition, the Inland Empire community is brimming with options for higher education. From top-notch community colleges to esteemed universities, there is a place for everyone looking to pursue their academic goals in this region. Here is a highlight of just a few incredible four-year degree schools that call the Inland Empire home: 

• California State University: With 70 degree and certificate programs, this school ranks highly for quality education.

• Chapman University: This academically acclaimed university produces Fulbright scholars.

• La Sierra University: This diverse campus offers 120 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. 

• The University of California, Riverside: Ranking among the top 1% of universities worldwide, three Nobel laureates grace the staff here. 

The future is bright for those seeking higher education in the Inland Empire. With a plethora of colleges and universities scattered throughout the area, the possibilities and opportunities are endless. So whether you're seeking to advance your career or looking for the ideal educational institution for your children, you're sure to find an excellent fit in this vibrant region.

Jobs in the Inland Empire

Imagine a place where the job market expanded at a rate that surpassed the national average by over 12 percentage points. That's exactly what happened in the Inland Empire, a region that's been on fire with economic growth. According to a 2018 article in The Press-Enterprise, the job market skyrocketed by 22% over five years, making it the fastest-growing metro area in the country. It's impressive to consider how much progress was made in such a short amount of time. For anyone looking to build a career in a thriving economy, the Inland Empire seems like a smart place to start.

Thanks to e-commerce warehouse centers, internet companies, and casinos, the Inland Empire is booming, and there's no shortage of job opportunities. But the real MVPs of the economy are education and healthcare. With a plethora of schools and medical facilities, it's no wonder the Inland Empire's residents are finding stable career paths in these sectors. So if you're looking for a place to grow your career, put the Inland Empire on your radar. With continued growth comes rising wages and high demand for the cream of the crop in professional positions. This region is truly blossoming and set for even greater things.

The Inland Empire region boasts a thriving job market and affordable housing, making it an appealing place for people to flock to. The growing economy has led to a surge in businesses setting up shop here. It's no surprise that national 2018 studies show this area has earned quite a positive reputation and has a magnetism that's hard to resist. 

If you're on the hunt for a new home and a fresh start in sunny Southern California, add the Inland Empire to your list. This up-and-coming area just outside of Los Angeles has plenty to offer, including the chance to build your dream home and a new life full of possibilities. Discover stunning floor plans and explore Pulte’s new construction homes in the Inland Empire today.