1. The I.E. Is Enormous–Where Exactly Does It End, Again?
Does it start at the San Jose Hills and extend to Cherry Valley? Or maybe it goes all the way to Palm Springs. Even the county governments have a hard time making up their minds. All that really means is that you’ll be living in a vast playground with a wide variety of people to call friends.
2. The Greatest Music Festival Ever Is Here–Or Nearby, Depending Upon Who You Ask
Can the I.E. really claim this one? Well, a lot of the people who live here do. Coachella is one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the world and brings in performers and partiers from all over the globe. You’ve got to try it at least once in your life.
3. Folks Around Here Are A Little More Country Than Rock And Roll
It’s definitely not uncommon to see a cowboy roaming through the Inland Empire. You can even slip on your spurs and head to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Rodeo or take a trip a littler further east to the Palm Springs WestFest to wrangle a bull or two yourself.
4. Everyone In I.E. Knows They've Got The Best Mexican Food Outside Of, Well, Mexico
Cuca and her kids turn out some of the best homemade tamales in the region at Cuca’s Mexican food, which can be found all over the Inland Empire. If that doesn’t hit the spot, head over to Loco Burrito in Moreno Valley and try some of their cheesy tacos. Their famous tacos are loaded with jack cheese, cilantro guacamole, onions, the meat of your choice and topped off with some amazing hot sauce. Also, Fisherman’s Market & Grill serves up some great fish tacos in Palm Springs.
5. The Fruit Is Sweeter Than Anything You’ve Ever Tasted
The Inland Empire was previously known as the Orange Empire because of the vast amount of oranges and other succulent fruits that grow here. Apricots, peaches and passion fruit will become a staple of your diet. Check out the Riverside Farmer’s Market if you’re not in the mood to grow your own–it’s routinely rated #1 in the I.E..
6. And People From I.E. Celebrate The Fruits Of Their Labor—Literally
They’re really, really proud of their fruity origins. The Citrus Harvest Festival, where everyone gets together to celebrate the fruit harvest with live music, games, car shows and, of course, tons of terrific citrus-filled goodies.
7. People From The I.E. Are Swimming In Some Of The Best Wine In The Country
Forget Napa Valley–it’s all about Temecula Valley Wine Country down here. With over a hundred different award-winning wines, you’ll never be thirsty on a Friday night again. You might never be sober again, either.
8. The I.E. Is Home To The Largest And Greatest Outdoor Amphitheater In America
With all of the abundant sunshine, you’ll be wanting to spend as much time outdoors as possible. That’s why they built the San Manuel Amphitheater, which holds 65,000 people in a huge outdoor pavilion. There’s a lot of big-name country acts that come through here (I.E.ers love their country) but you can catch acts from just about every genre throughout the summer.
9. Living In This Part Of California Doesn’t Mean Sacrificing Fun For Affordability
From Covina all the way to Hemet, the I.E. is full of what’s known as bedroom communities–which is basically just code for affordable housing. The Inland Empire is the best place to enjoy all of the perks of SoCal without the ridiculous prices the state is known for.
10. The Mountains Are A Hiker’s Dream
If you’re looking to explore your inner mountain man, head up on to Big Bear Lake. You’ll be surrounded by wooded hills and all of the hiking your heart desires. Don’t worry, the chance of being attacked by an actual bear is pretty slim.
11. The I.E. Is So Awesome That It Has A Movie Named After It
How many places can claim that? “Inland Empire” is a thriller by David Lynch set in the I.E., and starring that chick from Jurassic Park and the dude that’s engaged to Jennifer Aniston–otherwise known as Not!Brad Pitt. Fun Fact: not a single shot of the film was actually shot in the I.E..
12. It May Not Have Beaches, But Its Lakes Are Absolutely Amazing
I’m talking about Lake Arrowhead, in particular. It’s surrounded by the San Bernardino Mountains and is home to some of the best views in the state, maybe even the country. If you can’t relax here, you can’t relax anywhere.
13. There’s No Gloom In June Here
At the beginning of every summer in SoCal the coastal cities are treated to something known as “June Gloom.” It’s basically the only few weeks in the year where the weather isn’t ridiculously beautiful all day long. The I.E. is too far inland to really experience this, so let the good times (and sunshine) roll!
14. I.E. Ski Resorts Are Pretty Epic–By Desert Standards, Anyway
You might be shocked to find that portions of SoCal are absolutely enveloped in snow during the winter months. Take Mt. Baldy, for instance. It’s one of the best ski resorts around. I mean, it’s no Rocky Mountains but, come on, you’re in Southern California.
15. You Might Feel Like You’re In Arizona If You Head Too Far East
If you’re looking for more of a desert feel, head closer to Yucca Valley. It’s the home of Joshua Tree National Park—a popular tourist spot due to its abundance of unique formations like Giant Rock and beautiful cacti, plus it was the inspiration for U2’s famous mega-hit album.
16. People In I.E. Know Marijuana Should Be Legal–It’s The Compassionate Thing To Do
DJ Host Lanny Swerdlow from “Marijuana, Compassion and Common Sense” has been working hard to get marijuana legalized for years. You can hear him talk about it every day on your drive to work. If marijuana ain’t your thing, then you’re probably familiar KCAL Rocks. They’re pretty crazy, but they’ll have you rolling on the floor laughing every morning.
17. Some Pretty Famous Bands Got Their Start Here
The I.E. is the home of “desert rock.” You can catch quite a few famous acts strolling through the local bars on any given weekend around here. Frank Zappa lived here, and recent Grammy winner Ben Harper also calls it home. Alien Ant Farm and Amy Lee from Evanescence got their starts here, as well.
18. You’ll Be Salsa Dancing Circles Around Everyone Else In No Time
The I.E. has a large Hispanic population and they love to celebrate it. Each year Rancho Cucamonga puts on the Cinco De Mayo Celebration. The town turns into one giant fair with live entertainment, great Hispanic foods and culture and the annual salsa contest.
19. The Inland Empire Has An Obsession With Drag
RuPaul must be holding casting calls in the Inland Empire, because some of the fiercest contestants on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” have come from the region. Morgan McMichaels, and season one runner-up and “RPDR” favorite Raven both reside in the I.E. You can catch Raven performing most Thursdays at The Menagerie in Riverside.
20. Ontario Will Really Get Your Engines Revving
The Inland Empire can get a little flashy on occasion–it is right next to L.A., after all. The flashiest things they own are their cars, as evidenced by the annual Cruisin' Reunion, one of the largest classical street fairs and classic car shows in the U.S. It draws over half a million people from around the world each year. Gentlemen, start your engines!
21. The Inland Empire Soars High Above All Others
Temecula is primarily known for its wines that are second to none, but it also has a pretty amazing balloon festival, too. Just try not to get too tipsy when you’re floating a couple of hundred feet in the air. I promise that won’t end well.
22. The Inns Here Are The Most Elegant You’ll Ever Step Foot In
Riverside is home to one of the grandest, most elegant inns in the country. Aside from being enormous (it’s the size of a city block), the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is incredibly gorgeous. This Spanish-Revival style building is a favorite place to take the kids each Christmas for the winter wonderland known as the Festival of Lights.
23. I.E.ers Have A Need—A Need For Speed
Do you like to watch people drive around in circles? Well, you can hop on an L.A. freeway for that. But if you like to watch professionals speeding down a track at upwards of 200 mph you’ll want to check out the Auto Club Speedway. It’s one of the biggest races in the NASCAR circuit.
24. The Burgers Are Served With A Slice Of Bacon
Mostly referred to as just “the pig,” The Salted Pig is the best fancy little gastropub around. Anyone looking for a little upscale dining with their burger should stop by here.
25. Forget The Beach, You’ll Be Too Busy Playing Ball To Play In The Sand
If you’re a ball fan, San Bernardino is home to the best baseball team in the I.E., The Inland Empire 66ers. What? The High Desert Mavericks? Who dat?
26. Soccer Is Becoming A Way Of Life
The Inland Empire is also one of the places in America that absolutely loves soccer. They have multiple leagues throughout the I.E. and Ontario houses the Citizens Business Bank Arena, home of the Ontario Fury. They’re working on spitting out the next Cristiano Ronaldo as we speak.
27. You Shouldn’t Throw Rocks At Glass Houses, But Nobody Ever Said Anything About Rock And Roll
L.A. doesn’t hold the title for the best concerts around—that goes to The Glass House in Pomona. They manage to pack this place tight with some pretty energetic crowds each weekend by bringing in the hottest bands around.
28. You’ll Be Teeing Off With Our Nation’s Greatest Leaders
If you enjoy spending time on the green you’ll want to check out the city of Murrieta’s Bear Creek Golf & Country Club. It was designed by, arguably, the greatest gold legend in history, Jack Niklaus, and is a popular stomping ground for former Presidents—Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford were both known to frequent the course. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, Palm Springs is regularly noted as one of the best golf destinations in the country.
29. It’s Home To The Best Breakfast Joints In America
Have you ever wondered what Denny’s would be like if the food were actually good? Then try Corky’s Kitchen & Bakery. The same monstrous portions that will leave you waddling to your car after you stuff your face with more pancakes than a person ever should, but twice the flavor of that other breakfast joint. You’ll find this one at locations all over the region.
30. The College Towns Never Sleep
Downtown Riverside has probably the largest collections of bars, taverns and pubs in a 50 miles radius. If you’re looking to live it up like you did in your college days there’s plenty to choose from for a good time, whether you prefer your nightlife with a little style at The Presidential Lounge or you just want to get sloppy at The Vibe Bar and Grill.
31. People Here Know Not To Gamble Your Life Savings Away
Las Vegas might claim the title of casino heaven, but a long drive around the Inland Empire might make you think they’re giving Sin City a run for is money. The I.E. is littered with Native American tribal casinos peaking out of every corner of the landscape. If you fancy a little gambling, stop by Morongo Casino Resort & Spa.
32. The I.E. Is Home To Some Of The Most Gorgeous Scenery Around
From the waters of Big Bear Lake to the desert mountains to the east the I.E. is a vast, variable landscape and there’s always something amazing to capture your attention. There’s a reason the region is filled with so many families going back generations, and could you really blame them for not wanting to leave. The Inland Empire is one of the best places to live.
What do you love in about living in the Inland Empire? Tell us in the comments below! 
