Welcome to Chino Hills, CA
Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern San Bernardino County, Chino Hills offers an enviable blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. This master-planned community has become a magnet for families and professionals seeking spacious homes, top-rated schools, and a slower pace of life without sacrificing proximity to Southern California’s major employment centers. With its winding roads, scenic vistas, and strong sense of community, Chino Hills represents the California dream for those looking to plant roots in a safe, family-friendly environment.
📍 Chino Hills, CA at a Glance
- Population: 78,411
- Location: 35 miles east of Los Angeles, bordering Orange County
- Incorporated: 1991
- Known For: Master-planned communities, excellent schools, scenic hillside living
🔗 Dive Deeper into Chino Hills
💸 Cost & Budget
🏘️ Housing & Lifestyle
🚍 Utilities & Transportation
🏙️ City Comparisons
🔍 In-Depth Relocation Overview
🗳️ Politics & Civic Life
Chino Hills leans moderately conservative with a strong emphasis on family values and fiscal responsibility. The city council operates on a rotating mayor system, and residents are actively engaged in local governance through various commissions and community meetings. The city prides itself on transparent government and maintains a balanced approach to development and preservation.
🚓 Crime & Safety
Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in California, Chino Hills boasts crime rates well below state and national averages. The city’s dedicated police services, provided through a contract with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, maintain a strong presence with community policing programs. Violent crime is rare, and property crime rates remain low thanks to active neighborhood watch programs and modern security infrastructure.
🍽️ Dining & Entertainment
While Chino Hills maintains a residential focus, dining options have expanded significantly. Popular spots include Oke Poke for fresh Hawaiian cuisine, Pizzaioli for authentic Italian, and Rokka Whiskey Bar for upscale dining. The Shoppes at Chino Hills offers a variety of chain restaurants and cafes. For entertainment, residents often visit nearby Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga or head to Orange County’s attractions, just 20 minutes away.
🏛️ Local Government
The City of Chino Hills operates under a council-manager form of government with five elected council members who appoint a city manager. City Hall is known for its responsive service and community-oriented approach. The city maintains its own planning, public works, and community services departments while contracting for police and fire services to maximize efficiency.
🚍 Transportation
Chino Hills is primarily car-dependent, with State Route 71 and State Route 60 providing major arterial access. The city lacks direct public transit but is served by Omnitrans bus routes connecting to nearby cities. Many residents commute to Orange County, Los Angeles, or the Inland Empire, with typical drive times ranging from 30-60 minutes. The nearby Metrolink stations in Montclair and Corona offer rail connections to downtown LA.
🏘️ Housing & Real Estate
The housing market features predominantly single-family homes built from the 1990s onward, with prices typically ranging from $700,000 to over $1.5 million. Popular neighborhoods include Los Serranos, Vellano, and Payne Ranch. The city offers a mix of tract homes and custom estates, with lot sizes generally larger than neighboring Orange County. HOA communities are common, providing maintained common areas and amenities.
🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life
Chino Hills State Park, one of the largest state parks in Southern California, offers over 14,000 acres of rolling hills and 90 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The city maintains 44 parks and facilities, including the popular Chino Hills Community Park and the state-of-the-art Chino Hills Community Center. The English Springs Park features a lake and walking trails, while numerous neighborhood parks provide playgrounds and sports facilities.
💼 Job Market
With a median household income of $109,682, Chino Hills residents typically commute to jobs in surrounding areas. Major nearby employers include Kaiser Permanente, Amazon fulfillment centers, and various logistics companies in the Inland Empire. Many residents work in professional services, healthcare, and education. The city itself employs workers in retail, education, and local services, with the Chino Valley Unified School District being a significant employer.
🧑🏫 Education
Chino Hills is served by the highly-rated Chino Valley Unified School District, with standout schools including Ayala High School (ranked among California’s top public schools), Canyon Hills Junior High, and Country Springs Elementary. Private options include St. Paul the Apostle School and Chino Hills Christian School. The city’s commitment to education is evident in its modern facilities and strong parent involvement.
🌞 Climate & Weather
Chino Hills enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Average summer highs reach the mid-80s to low-90s, while winter temperatures rarely drop below 40°F. The area receives about 17 inches of rain annually, mostly between December and March. The hillside location provides slightly cooler temperatures and better air quality than lower-elevation areas of the Inland Empire.
💬 Community Sentiment
Residents consistently praise Chino Hills for its family-friendly atmosphere, safety, and strong schools. Common complaints include traffic congestion during peak hours, limited nightlife, and the cost of living. The community is known for being welcoming to newcomers, with active social media groups and neighborhood associations helping people connect. Many long-term residents cite the city’s small-town feel despite its proximity to major metropolitan areas as its greatest asset.
✨ Why People Are Moving to Chino Hills
Families and professionals continue to choose Chino Hills for its unbeatable combination of safety, schools, and scenic beauty. The city offers a rare opportunity to enjoy spacious homes with mountain views while maintaining easy access to job centers throughout Southern California. With its strong community spirit, abundant outdoor recreation, and commitment to maintaining high quality of life standards, Chino Hills provides the perfect backdrop for those seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle without sacrificing urban conveniences. For many, it represents the ideal compromise between city and country living in one of America’s most desirable regions.