Rancho Cucamonga

About Rancho Cucamonga

If you're interested in a mix of small-town life, access to the beach and the city, and a laid-back Southern California lifestyle, Rancho Cucamonga might be just the city for you. Nestled in the Inland Empire and the Pomona Valley, Rancho Cucamonga offers proximity to the culture and resources of Los Angeles, but is far enough away to provide a quieter way of life. With a booming economy based on small-batch manufacturing, distribution and steel milling, the city is gaining national attention as an ideal place to live.

The History of Rancho Cucamonga

Europeans settled the area during the Spanish missionary expeditions of the 1760s and 1770s. Like the rest of California, it became part of the larger Mexican colonial region, and eventually part of independent Mexico. After the Mexican-American War of the 1840s, much of that land became part of the United States under the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, which included both California and Rancho Cucamonga. The town originated as a set of ranch lands near Los Angeles, and over time, they developed and became large enough for incorporation in 1977.

Jobs in Rancho Cucamonga

Rancho Cucamonga offers an easy commute to Los Angeles and its active job market, but there are also plenty of jobs within city limits. Rancho Cucamonga’s location next to major interstates makes it a regional distribution and logistics hub, with goods destined for all over California and the rest of the country moving through it every day. Beyond jobs in shipping, Rancho Cucamonga also hosts a small steel mill and some manufacturing companies.

The city's top employers span several different industries including health care, education and retail. Inland Empire Health Plan, the Etiwanda School District, Chaffey College and Amphastar Pharmaceuticals provide thousands of local jobs.

Rancho Cucamonga Neighborhoods

Here's a handful of neighborhoods you'll want to explore in Rancho Cucamonga:

Alta Loma

Alta Loma translates to "high hill," a nod to its relatively high elevation compared to the rest of the city. Here, you'll have sweeping views of the San Gabriel Mountains and Cucamonga Peak, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration.

Etiwanda

Established in the 1880s, Etiwanda was the very first town planned by the Chaffey brothers, and it was something of an experiment for them. They earned national recognition for their innovative thinking and design, and the Etiwanda water system set the standard for much of Southern California.

Victoria Gardens

Unlike many other cities, Rancho Cucamonga never really developed a central downtown area. Instead, Victoria Gardens was created to serve as a hub of shopping, dining and entertainment, and it also features a city library and a cultural center.

Guasti Park

Guasti Park is family-friendly and offers plenty of amenities and cozy homes. At nearby Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including paddle-boating, fishing and swimming.

Rancho Cucamonga Schools

Several different districts manage Rancho Cucamonga's public schools. You can also enroll your child in one of the city's private schools, with options including Montessori, secular and faith-based campuses.

If you're interested in higher education, the city is home to Chaffey College, a two-year community college, and satellite campuses of several other universities.

Resources for Moving to Rancho Cucamonga

Here's a quick guide to help with your move in Rancho Cucamonga:

• Utilities: Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas are the city's central energy providers. The Cucamonga Valley Water District manages residential water services.
• Garbage and Recycling: Curbside collection is provided for trash and recyclables, while yard waste is picked up on a seasonal basis. As a resident, you can request bulky item removal up to four times a year.
• Transportation: The OmniTrans Bus and Metrolink Train facilitate public transit in the city, making it easy to get around much of the area.

Rancho Cucamonga Housing

Housing prices and rent in Rancho Cucamonga are higher than the national average, but that's to be expected in most California cities. You'll find that many of the communities include extensive amenities like sport courts, pools or private parks.