Montclair, CA Area Guide

Long before citrus groves defined the Inland Empire, the Serrano people maintained a village along Arroyo de los Alisos, the waterway that now flows along Mills Avenue at the city's western edge. Their presence along that corridor represents the earliest known chapter of Montclair's story.

By 1897, a township called Marquette had formed within the city's present boundaries, followed by a surveyed tract named Monte Vista in 1900 and a small settlement called Narod to its south in 1907. Through the first half of the twentieth century, citriculture drove local life and commerce, tying Montclair's fortunes to the orange groves that once blanketed this valley.

Mexican cuisine has a spot in Montclair's dining scene. Taquerias, panaderias, and family-run spots line Holt Boulevard and Central Avenue, serving everything from birria to freshly baked conchas. Most lean casual and flavorful rather than formal, with options ranging from counter service to sit-down.

Montclair Place adds variety with sit-down chains and fast-casual options under one roof -- a practical stop for a quick meal or a longer evening out.

Most trips in Montclair start with a car. The I-10 San Bernardino Freeway runs through the northern part of the city, providing direct access east toward San Bernardino and west toward Los Angeles. Holt Boulevard serves as the main commercial artery, and the flat street grid makes cycling a realistic choice for shorter trips.

The Montclair Metrolink Station connects commuters to the San Bernardino Line, with service into downtown Los Angeles and stops throughout the region. Ontario International Airport is about 12 minutes away by car, and Omnitrans bus service covers local routes throughout San Bernardino County for those who prefer to leave the car behind.

Alma Hofman Park is the city's most complete outdoor space, with wide grassy fields, athletic courts, a splash pad, playsets, and a well-regarded skate park that draws visitors from neighboring towns. It handles everything from weekend pickup games to weekday afternoon hangouts without feeling overrun.

Sunrise Park offers a quieter alternative: picnic areas, playsets, and open lawn space suited to relaxed afternoons. The Waterwise Community Center, operated by the Chino Basin Water Conservation District, takes a different angle -- multi-use trails, native plant displays, and educational exhibits on low-water gardening woven into its green grounds. For more expansive recreation, Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park is about 14 minutes away and offers boating, fishing, and hiking across a large reservoir setting.

Rental rates in Montclair run slightly above the California statewide average. One-bedroom apartments average higher here than in nearby Pomona and Upland. The median household income sits at $72,770.

Montclair Place is the city's retail centerpiece -- a major regional mall with a movie theater, national retailers, and a broad mix of dining options gathered in one walkable stretch. It works equally well for a full shopping trip or a casual evening out.

Beyond the mall, Montclair Town Center carries brand-name stores and service vendors, while Orchard Plaza and several shopping centers along Holt Boulevard fill in the everyday gaps. Stater Bros. Markets, a well-established regional grocery chain, serves as a neighborhood staple for weekly grocery runs.

Few Inland Empire cities pack this much into 7 square miles as Montclair. Montclair Place draws shoppers from across the region and the Metrolink station makes Los Angeles commutes manageable without the coastal price tag. Add Alma Hofman Park, a cycling-friendly layout, and several universities just minutes away, and Montclair covers a wide range of daily needs with room to spare.