Moving to Riverside / San Bernardino
Within the metro area known as the Inland Empire (or "the IE" for short) are the cities of San Bernardino and Riverside. Located in southern California, not far from the coastal Los Angeles, over 120 cities within Riverside and San Bernardino counties comprise this metro area, and they are some of the oldest in the state. It's grown much in recent years, keep local movers busy.
Economy:
Riverside is most famous for the oranges produced in the city. The navel orange was first established in 1873 and the original tree still stands today. In 1892, the California Fruit Growers Exchange began to improve marketing efforts. Today, the most common industries include aeronautics, food, plastics, metal, wood, medical, and automotive products. The Riverside and San Bernardino region has become a major shipping hub. Thanks to its close proximity to the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, and the converging of major highways and rail systems through the region, the economy benefits.
Tourism:
The IE boasts that you are within 45 minutes of either the coast or the slopes; on a given day at the right time of the year, you can ski on the mountains and swim in the ocean on the same day. Riverside's orange industry attracts people who want to see the original navel orange tree. The nearby March Air Reserve Base and the March Field Air Museum are also visited often during the year. Additionally, Riverside is home to the Mission Inn and a school for Native Americans. The downtown area features many small stores, museums, and galleries to visit. San Bernardino International Airport services the region.
History:
The region developed at the end of the 19th century alongside Los Angeles as it expanded. The area was a major hub for agriculture, including dairy, wine, and citrus. Riverside and San Bernardino were originally considered to be part of the same county (San Bernardino County), but when county lines were redefined, Riverside broke away and became the seat of its own Riverside County.