After years of suburban and rural migration during the pandemic, cities in the Inland Empire, including San Bernardino and Riverside, are making a comeback. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the percentage of people moving to cities has risen to 16%. While that may not seem like a huge jump, it’s the highest level in a decade – and that’s a big deal.
Data from BrightMLS supports this trend, with 1 in 5 (20.6%) prospective buyers saying they want to live in a city. But what’s driving this shift back to urban living? Let’s break down the top three reasons why more people are choosing vibrant city life over sprawling suburban neighborhoods – and why San Bernardino and Riverside are becoming hotspots for urban homebuyers.
1. A Thriving Downtown Scene
San Bernardino and Riverside have been investing in revitalizing their downtown areas, making city living more attractive than ever. With new restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and cultural attractions like the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside or the Garcia Center for the Arts in San Bernardino, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Living in the heart of the city means you can enjoy a more walkable lifestyle, with entertainment, dining, and community events just steps away. Whether it’s a Saturday morning at the Riverside Farmers Market or an evening at a live music venue, the energy of city life is drawing people back in.
2. Shorter Commutes and Better Work-Life Balance
While remote and hybrid work remain popular, many professionals in the Inland Empire still need to commute to nearby employment hubs like Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, or even Los Angeles. Living closer to transit centers like the San Bernardino Transit Center or Riverside’s Metrolink stations makes commuting easier and more efficient.
For those working in local industries like healthcare, education, and logistics, being near major employment centers in the city can mean shorter drives and more time to enjoy life. Plus, the development of co-working spaces and business hubs in urban areas makes it easier for remote workers to stay connected and productive.
3. Convenience and Accessibility
One of the biggest draws of city living is the convenience of having everything you need within a short distance. In San Bernardino and Riverside, urban dwellers enjoy quick access to public transportation, top-rated medical facilities like Loma Linda University Medical Center, and vibrant shopping districts.
Whether it’s running errands without long drives, having more dining and entertainment options nearby, or being close to parks and recreational spaces, urban life offers a level of accessibility that’s hard to beat.
Thinking About Moving Back to the City?
If you moved to a more suburban area during the pandemic but are now craving the excitement and convenience of city life, you’re not alone. With rising home values in the suburbs, you may have built up significant equity in your home. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home values have increased by 57.4% in the past five years – meaning you could sell your current home and use that equity to invest in an urban property.
While urban homes may be smaller, many buyers find that the lifestyle trade-off is worth it. If you’re considering making the move, working with a local real estate expert can help you navigate the market and find the best opportunities.
Bottom Line
The urban revival is happening right here in the Inland Empire. Whether it’s the lively culture, shorter commutes, or the sheer convenience of city living, more people are answering the call to return to vibrant urban centers like San Bernardino and Riverside.
