Feel like picking up and moving your family? Fontana may just be the place for you.
Founded in 1913, the California community, located in San Bernardino County, has not only become a state stop for fun over the generations, but is now noted for being a great place to reside.
Between work and play, provincial residents live better than fine in the area all year through. If you want a piece of the good life in Fontana, browse through this guide and see if you like what the area has to offer.
Fontana Climate
With very hot summers that see several days reaching over 100 degrees, the California community can become a little uncomfortable during the season unless you are in an air-conditioned area.
With both July and August averaging 95 degrees daily and September seeing 91 degree days, locals look forward to the following season when fall brings in cooler temperatures that average anywhere between 80 to 50 degrees.
Like fall, spring typically sees temperatures within the same range for a few months and winter always welcomes in the coolest time of the year. December, the coldest month, sees temperatures drop down to 44 degrees, however also has 69 degree days at its highest. Of course there is no snow in the California community, but locals do see almost 15 inches of annual rain.
Fontana Neighborhoods
With almost two dozen subdivisions and numerous neighborhoods centers, Fontana has a family-friendly feel up and down every city street. Inevitably there is more schools and retail in some regions since some districts are more dense than others. However, from Bellgrove, 191 residents, to California Landings, 2,683 residents, there is a always a scenic sidewalk to stroll.
The neighborhood centers located throughout Fontana offer so many services to both the youth and adults. While you can take karate or kick box at the Cypress Neighborhood Center, you can learn gymnastics or mixed martial arts at the Don Day Neighborhood Center. With both a teen and senior center in the city, young residents and aged citizens keep their calendars full as they constantly make new friends with neighbors.
Like most city centers, downtown is dense and concentrated with commerce and residential properties. With restaurants, retail and recreational activities so close, the region is perfect for locals who like a little more going on outside their front door. Whether downtown or tucked away in any one of the quiet Fontana neighborhoods, locals enjoy living in all areas of town.
Registering Your Car
The California Division of Motor Vehicles mandates new residents have 10 days to retain a state license. According to the division, you are officially a citizen if you pay school tuition, register to vote or file property taxes. Once you fit the bill, you must provide proof of name, address, birth date and a social security card to obtain a Golden State permit.
After providing the necessary application, passing a vision test and paying a $39 fee, you will receive a license. Registering your vehicle and getting California license plates is easily done by filling out the necessary paperwork and proving your vehicle is insured. Vehicle registration fees begin at $46 dollars and there are additional license plates costs.
Fontana Schools
While some neighboring school systems train children in the region, the Fontana Unified School District has 45 schools that serve most area students. With 29 elementary, 7 middle, 7 high schools and an adult school site, students are spread equally throughout the district as they develop among their peers.
No matter what educational site your child winds up entering, helping your child adjust to the new school is key to their success.
When it is time to seek a higher education, Fontana students step outside the city and commute only 10 miles to California State University San Bernardino for their bachelors, or the same distance to Riverside Community College for their associates. Getting a good education in Fontana is easy to find and fun to experience for students in the area.
Fontana Employment
With an 11.3 percent unemployment rate, 3.4 percent higher than the national average, finding employment in the municipality may not be easy. However, with a little faith, excellent resume and perseverance you can find a job in Fontana. With a strong trucking industry, home to several truck dealerships, and industrial equipment sales centers, Fontana's economy thrives off of both large and small manufacturers.
Some top employers in the area include Kaiser Permanente, Target, American Security Products and Auto Club Speedway. Though not directly located in town, the nearby raceway employs many locals as it also boosts business in the area with visitors dining and lodging at Fontana facilities.
Living Costs in the City
Though the cost of living is 14.9 percent less than the state of California, it still remains 11.7 percent greater than the national average. Coupled with a higher unemployment rate than the national norm, the area can prove to be bit pricey unless you budget wisely before you move. According to CNN Money, $61,443 is the average median family income new residents can expect to sustain.
The financial periodical also reports a $218,654 median home price. Depending on the landscape and luxury of the location you choose, Fontana apartments are affordable with a one-bedroom unit between $700 and $800. Add the cost of moving a one-bedroom apartment with both the security deposit and first month's rent, and you are looking at more than $2,500 to settle in the city.
Fontana Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Fontana, whether you’re moving from out of state or from another county in California. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Fontana Transportation
Three major freeways in Fontana make it easy to get around. The San Bernardino, Interstate 10, Foothill, Interstate 210, and Ontario, Interstate15, are the most traveled freeways motorists take. However, if you choose to use public transportation, the Omnitrans bus service is the best way to find your way around Fontana.
If you would rather ride on the rail, the Metrolink out of Los Angeles runs directly through town, making it convenient for locals to get around the community. Of course if you do not have to travel too far, you could always ride a bike or walk, keeping it green while you get some exercise. And when it is time to fly into or out of Fontana, the Ontario International Airport is the local landing strip to take off from or drop down in.
Culture & Contemporary Life
With so much to do in the district, locals are never left with too much free time. Weekly, neighbors gather together at the Steelworker's Auditorium and are entertained by all sorts of feature acts on Performance Tuesdays. And when they are not getting some mid-week entertainment, residents can be found together on the weekend at any one of the area parks. Between Bill Martin, Catawba and Hunter's Ridge Parks, there is always a spot to spread a picnic blanket or play some ball.
The Center State Theater is the top spot residents go to see a show and the Mary Vagle Museum and Nature Center is where locals gather for a more down to earth time. The Jack Bulik Teen Center caters to the area youth, keeping young adults busy all year through with free to low-cost fun.
So many regional restaurants quench the taste buds, offering all types of cuisine in the community. If you are in the mood for Mexican, hit El Ranchero at Falcon Ridge, if you are hankering for seafood, go to Charlie's Tastee Shop and if you just want a slice of pie, take a seat at the Round Table. Finding restaurants and other hot spots in the region could be some of the best times you have in town. As you make new memories, you and your family can become really familiar with all Fontana has to offer.
Fontana Relocation Tips
- Visit Fontana, CA and feel out the city to see if you want to settle there. There is no better way to get to know a place then by spending a few days in the area.
- Research area education and business opportunities over the Internet and see if the schools and commerce are a right fit for you and your family.
- If you do decide to relocate, contact regional volunteer organizations and clubs in the community. Making friends while making a difference is a great way to feel good and have fun at the same time in Fontana.