Loma Linda, CA

Loma Linda's history dates back to the 1800s when it was a railroad hotel development known as Mound City. The center point, Mound City Hotel, was transformed into a health resort in the 1890s before the Seventh-day Adventist Church purchased the property in 1905. The church turned the resort into a school of medicine that opened its doors in 1909, soon drawing a large community of church members, students and health care workers. The school later became Loma Linda University, and the city incorporated in 1970.

Explore the area's history in the collection of museums in nearby Redlands, a historic citrus community. Check out the San Bernardino County Museum, or tour the Asistencia dating back to the Mission of San Gabriel. Don't miss community events such as the Parade of Lights and the Loma Linda Community Parade.

Loma Linda may be a small city, but its rich selection of upscale \ bistros, sandwich shops and authentic Italian restaurants keeps even the pickiest connoisseurs satisfied. Many local restaurants feature an array of healthy, vegetable-based dishes that never sacrifice flavor.

Red Hot Kitchen is what you get when you cross Korean cuisine with Mexican favorites, a creative idea with satisfying results. Imagine Korean BBQ tacos and kimchi quesadillas alongside the restaurant's specialty short rib chimichangas. Also try the boba teas and horchata milk smoothie for a sweet end to your meal. If you go to the university, don't forget to show your student ID for a small discount.

On your lunch break, stop by Angelo's for a selection of fresh sandwiches. Try the pastrami on rye or the turkey and avocado on squaw bread, and make use of the free veggie bar to pile your sandwich with pickles, cucumbers and beets. Be sure to order a few garlic rolls and macaroni salad for a guilty pleasure.

When you crave a good pad Thai, head over to Thai Bowl Cafe for some great lunch specials. Try the drunken noodles tossed with beef, or go the healthy route with a bowl of yen ta fo, a mildly spiced soup made with tofu. For dessert, you can't go wrong with a plate of crispy fried bananas.

Thanks to Loma Linda's convenient location along Interstate 10 near the 215 interchange, residents enjoy an easy commute to San Bernardino and Riverside. When stopping for a bite to eat after work, enjoy plenty of free street parking throughout the city. Just be prepared for paid lots and congested parking near the university and medical center. If you need a ride to the airport, call a rideshare service such as Uber or a local cab service such as Empire Taxi.

Hop on the Omnitrans bus from one of the city's frequent stops to navigate the neighborhood or take a quick trip to a nearby city. Loma Linda also sits just 6 miles from the Metrolink station in San Bernardino for an easy commute to Orange County or downtown Los Angeles. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, many residents commute to work or school by bike, enjoying dedicated lanes along major streets such as Barton, Mountain View and Anderson. If you prefer to walk, enjoy ample sidewalks and plenty of amenities within easy walking distance of your doorstep.

In addition to beautiful landscaping and tree-lined streets, Loma Linda transports residents to a suburban paradise with more than half a dozen public parks. Kick back at Hulda Crooks Park, a community favorite where you can play a game of basketball, volleyball or tennis. Take your kids to the playground, or roast some veggie dogs on the BBQ pits. When you want to go for a morning jog or power walk, head to the Edison Easemont Trail to enjoy periodic drinking fountains and benches for a short rest. If you have a dog, head to the local dog park to let your pooch run around in the off-leash area.

Thanks to its high-demand locale and upscale housing, Loma Linda maintains an above-average cost of living for the San Bernardino area. If you're hunting for an apartment, expect rental rates of about $909 for a one-bedroom dwelling.

Taking the bus to San Bernardino costs you $1.75 for a one-way trip, and gas prices generally stay 10 percent above the national average. If you grab a beer at one of the local restaurants, look forward to paying around $4 to $5.

Take a drive down Redlands Boulevard or explore the shopping plazas on Barton to discover Loma Linda's convenient retail scene. Grocery stores, pharmacies and automotive shops let you run your errands without breaking a sweat, and a collection of discount stores, thrift shops and pawn shops provide endless browsing opportunities for avid treasure hunters. For high-end fashion shops and creative boutiques, take a short drive to the downtown area of neighboring Redlands. Stop into Choice Beauty Supply & Salon to find everything from wigs and hair extensions to nail polish and clippers. Be sure to check out the hair care section for products from top brands such as Enjoy. If you need tips on which hair dye to use to bring out your best color, the knowledgeable staff always love to help. Stop by Re:Live Thrift Store run by the local Seventh-day Adventist church to find hidden treasures for the home while giving back to your community. Find piles of gently used dresses, tops, skirts and children's clothing, most costing $3 or less. Also find stacks of books, CDs, toys and kitchen appliances. Keep an eye out for special discount days such as the $1 furniture sale or the $2 fill-a-bag day on the first of every month. Grab a few bags of healthy groceries at Clark's Nutrition and Natural Foods Market, or head to the Loma Linda Oriental Market for herbs, teas and authentic noodles. Don't miss the local Loma Linda Tuesday Farmers Market in downtown Loma Linda.