Skyler

I'm thinking of moving to Riverside California. Was wondering what the gay community and such is like there? Also the prices of utilities, gas for a car, groceries all that good stuff. Also wondering if there is a community college near Riverside which is relatively cheap. Ive tried looking this stuff up couldn't find anything. Thanks if someone could help me out! Also if someone has a different suggestion on a city around St. Bernardino which is more cheap and has a bigger gay community and such that could help. The biggest thing is I will have a job in St. Bernardino so will have to stay close to there.

clarkgriswold

Fodors is more of a travel forum, not really a "relocation" forum. Here you go:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/san-b...side-counties/

Skyler

Thanks!

Tomsd

My wife and her college roommates used to joke about Riverside (one of them was from there): It's close to everywhere.

vjpblovesitaly

You got a lot of responses on your first thread.

rjw_lgb_ca

So you have a job in SAN Bernardino. That's great!

I can't say that I've heard of an active LGBTQ community in SAN Bernardino or surrounding communities (Colton, Redlands, etc.). However, Palm Springs is less than an hour away on the 10 freeway, and its LGBTQ bona fides are well-established (a gay mecca with world-famous circuit parties, resorts, nightclubs, etc.).

Given that there are colleges and universities all around that area, you should do OK there. Cost of living should be relatively low compared to, say, Los Angeles. Gas prices are pretty high throughout CA (state taxes and fees add up quickly, and we have a special formulation that is pumped during part of the year), so one must get used to that. Utility bills are no better or worse than other parts of the US in my limited experience, but bear in mind that SAN Bernardino is in the desert, and it gets REALLY HOT in the summer. Expect to spend a lot on A/C between late April and late October.

I was about to suggest another southern CA city with good education and a lower cost of living than the rest of LA Metro, with a huge LGBTQ community: Long Beach, my hometown. The only problem for you: Rents are well north of the $600/month target you have for a one-bedroom. Having said that, you'd be saving on A/C for much of the year (broiling-hot days aren't the rule, although during Santa Ana events it can get to over 90F on the shore-- and well over 100F inland).

But it sounds like you did the smart thing and secured employment first. VERY smart! San Bernardino should be a pretty good place to get on your feet in southern CA, get economically sound, and then figure out where you'd really like to end up.