Barton - San Bernardino, CA Area Guide

In 1819, Spanish missionaries from Mission San Gabriel established Rancho San Bernardino. With an aim to provide spiritual help to the Indians, the missionaries soon taught the Natives how to plant and irrigate crops and showed them how to bring water down from Mill Creek. Padre Dumetz decided on the name San Bernardino to honor Saint Bernardino of Siena, the patron saint of that time. San Bernardino later survived horse- and cattle-stealing raids and began to thrive. The city was incorporated in 1854.

The early 20th century brought an extreme cultural shift, where San Bernardino was named one of the top 100 most dangerous cities in America. Nevertheless, the region still celebrates the arts, noted by the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, which displays stunning work in its gallery.

Each February, the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead hosts the PolaRotary Bear Plunge at the Lake Arrowhead Resort.

Nearly a dozen restaurants surround the Barton neighborhood, centered along East Highland Avenue. Stop here for fast-food chicken, burgers or tacos when you crave something quick, but for the best pizza in town, head to Pisa Pizza.

Found on Highland, this popular pizzeria draws weekly diners. A favorite for being "super cheap and delicious," Pisa Pizza serves up simple pies packed with flavor. Try the pepperoni with a side of wings to add a kick. Locals cheer the restaurant's friendly staff that always provides superior customer service.

For good old-fashioned American cooking, check out D J Coffee Shop on East 40th Street. In the morning, try a Belgian waffle with bananas, or dig into a New York steak with eggs and biscuits. Lunchtime brings hearty choices such as a beef brisket sandwich and the DJ special burger. Vegetarians, don't shy away. Locals rave over the split pea soup and Mediterranean salad.

Every trip to San Bernardino should include a night spent at the Brandin' Iron Country Nightclub. If you've never ridden a mechanical bull, now's your chance. Students love college night on Wednesdays, and fans of country music love the Brandin' Iron's addictive dance vibe. Winner of the "Best Dance Club in the Inland Empire" award, this hot spot hosts live bands, concerts and a family day each Sunday afternoon. Grab your cowboy hat and dancing boots, then head to this local spitfire.

State Route 210 runs directly by the Barton neighborhood. The area also has easy access to State Route 18, which leads to Lake Arrowhead, and Interstate 215. From I-215, locals can travel south to Murrieta or north to Interstate 15 and on to Nevada.

Most Barton residents drive personal vehicles to get around. Some choose to walk, but driving appears to be safer in the urban neighborhood. Parking remains free and plentiful around town. Taxis service the neighborhood by reservation. For Uber, simply download the app, and book a pickup.

Cyclists take advantage of San Bernardino's bike lanes and the option to transport their bikes onboard public buses. Omnitrans and Mountain Transit serve the region, along with the convenient Metrolink train system. From the San Bernardino Metrolink station on West 3rd Street, locals can commute to Los Angeles, Orange County or other Southern California counties.

San Bernardino International Airport lies 4 miles south of Barton.

When you crave recreation, stop by Meadowbrook Park. Located on 2nd Street and Sierra Way, Meadowbrook provides a community recreation center and over 14 acres of land. Hit the basketball courts, or join in a game of indoor volleyball. Bring your tennis racket for a game of doubles, then challenge someone to tetherball. The park also boasts a swimming pool, 22 picnic tables and three barbecue grills. This free, family-friendly locale welcomes children, but dogs must remain leashed.

Take your pooch to Wildwood Park for a fun play date. The 24.2 acre park draws locals who want fitness and recreation coupled with leisure. Jog the trail with Fido, then head to the dog park where you find a fenced area for big and small dogs to socialize. Toss your pup a ball on the sprawling green, then let him enjoy a water break from the fountain. Wildwood provides free access and asks that you clean up after your pet.

In lieu of annual events, both parks offer year-round access to their facilities.

The Barton neighborhood falls into a lower income bracket. Compared to nearby Riverside where a one-bedroom averages $1,152, locals enjoy a significant savings. A one-bedroom in Barton runs $766 on average, which contributes to a 90 percent lower housing cost. The cost of living hovers around 24 percent higher in Riverside.

Locals pay a reasonable price for public transportation. An Omnitrans bus costs $1.75 for a trip to the city center, and riders may purchase a day pass for $5.

Drivers can expect to pay about 24 percent above the national average at the pump. A beer at a local pub runs about $4.

Grocery shopping comes easy in Barton. Locals drive to East Highland Avenue for Stater Bros. Markets and Food 4 Less. To buy farm-fresh goods, residents head to the Downtown San Bernardino Farmshare Market. Found at Court Street Square, the market runs year-round from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday. In the absence of high-end boutiques, shopaholics find everything they need at the Inland Center. Located on Inland Center Drive, this shopping complex invites you to enjoy a full day of retail therapy. Stop by Crazy 8 for trendy youthful styles. Forever 21 sells more than just fashions for women. This popular retail haunt caters to guys with a strong fashion sense by offering weathered denim, tailored jackets and more. Try on a button-down shirt with a signature vest before you hit the town.