Named as one of the best places to live in 2012 and residents' income rank 6th highest relative to size Chino Hills makes every prospective resident's mouth water.
Let's talk about Chino Hills, California, a city located in the southwestern corner of San Bernardino County and just outside of Los Angeles County. This city of 75,655 people is about 44.7 square miles in size. If that sounds pretty big, it's because around here there is room to spread out. In the distance, the scenic San Gabriel mountains overlook fertile green valleys and gently rolling hills. Yes, this is very much the California lifestyle you hope to be living. Through the 1970s, this area was mainly a place for wild horses and cows, but over time, people moved in. Chino Hills was developed around the Vellano Country Club, a private golf course developed here to the tune of $2 million, one of the most expensive in the region at the time that it was built. So, can you land your own patch of turf in Chino Hills if you're not a millionaire? Yes, but you might have to search around a bit to find something affordable.
Renting in Chino Hills
With more than 79 percent of people owning their homes here, properties for rent tend to be a bit harder to find. About 17 percent of the households here are rented, so there is an itty-bitty bit hope. But you'll have to be willing to compete hard to bag yourself that perfect pad: only 2 percent of the households in Chino Hills are unoccupied at any given time.
Considering the high demand for rental properties, expect to part with significant amounts of your hard-earned cash to secure yourself a place. A strong credit score, reliable references, and the ability to pay three to six months' rent in advance will help you to secure the best houses for rent here. There are some affordable apartments for rent in Chino Hills, but you'll have to act fast to get them. Better get your skates on. Now.
Neighborhoods in Chino Hills
Chino Hills neighborhoods provide opportunities for individuals to live the type of lifestyle they desire. The various communities here offer something for everyone. However, much of this area remains undeveloped, making it a very nature-infused area to live. Take a look at some of the neighborhoods in the city to see which one appeals to you.
Sleepy Hollow: A moderately sized area, this region does not have many small homes in it; most of the residential properties here are larger estates. The Vellano Country Club is also located here, making it easy to get to the golf course for a round or two each morning. This area is just off Route 142, which makes for easy access, but it has plenty of open spaces for those who don't like crowds.
City Center: Though City Center is, not surprisingly, the center of the Chino Hills area, it remains mostly remote. There are some commercial areas here, but most of this region is residential with a few strip malls featuring grocery stores or banks. The Grand Avenue Park and English Springs Parks are both located here. This area is located significantly off the beaten path, but it does have access to Route 142.
Olympic View: For those people looking for homes for rent, the Olympic View area has plenty. This is one of the more densely populated areas of the city. Located just off Route 71, or Chino Valley Freeway, this is also an ideal place to live if you want to commute into or out of town easily. Mostly subdivisions with a few commercial areas, Olympic View has some high rise apartments, but it is mostly filled with single family homes for rent.
Boys Republic: Just a bit south from Olympic View is Boys Republic. This area is also a bit more densely populated than other areas. It, too, is right off Route 71, giving it good access to Los Angeles and San Bernardino. It is home to the McCoy Equestrian and Recreation Center, which makes horse lovers plenty happy. In terms of homes for rent here, you may find a few apartments and duplexes for rent, but most of this area is larger lots and homes.
Rustic Drive and Carbon Canyon Road: A larger area, but one that is significantly mature, Rustic Drive really lives up to its name. The Coral Ridge Park is located here, which is one of the largest natural areas in the region. This area is mostly residential homes on larger lots. You may find a few duplexes for rent here, but you will not likely find an all bills paid apartment for rent in Chino Hills in this neighborhood. The income range here is significantly higher than in other neighborhoods.
Euclid Avenue: On the other side of Route 71 is Euclid Avenue. This neighborhood is home to El Prado Golf Course and the Prado Reservoir. Most of the neighborhoods here are high-end homes, though some apartments for rent are located along El Prado Road and to the west of Route 71. This area is ideal for those people who want an easy commute into the city. Yet again, it is mostly remote.
Coyote Street: It is not likely that you will find any apartments for rent (or homes for rent for that matter) in Coyote Street. This neighborhood is a bit off Route 71, but it is nearly all comprised of Chino Hills State Park. The few developments here are full of high-priced homes often including new construction. The area is ideal for those who want the finer things in life, like living in the beautiful California wilderness.
Peyton Drive: A more moderately priced area is Peyton Drive. Home to Oak Ridge Park, the area is perfectly suited for family living. Single family homes by far dominate the area and are well worth the investment.
Living in Chino Hills
To find out what living in this area is like, consider a few key details about this community. About two thirds of the households here contain married couples, and about half have children, which indicates that Chino Hills is a good place to call home for the entire family. Can't you already see you and your family calling Chino Hills home? About 75 percent of the people who live here have white-collar jobs. However, due to the more remote location, many people commute into San Bernardino or Los Angeles County, with an average commute time of about 35 minutes. If you plan to rent a home in Chino Hills, you'd better make sure you leave enough space in your budget for a comfortable car to make your daily trip to work a little less of a hassle.
