Northeast Sterling - San Bernardino, CA Area Guide

The city of San Bernardino is one of the oldest communities in the Southland. Its sheltered location under beautiful mountains and near fresh water springs made it a highly desirable spot for agriculture. When the railway to the Los Angeles was built in the 1880s and went right through San Bernardino, the city was on the map as a landmark.

Since then, San Bernardino has experienced waves of immigration as different industries have risen in the city: first the railroad, then aeronautics and then the major casino that has opened in the foothills of the mountains on the southern edge of the San Manuel Reservation.

Today Northeast Sterling boasts a diverse population. Residents enjoy plenty of culture locally, including theater and concerts through the UC Riverside, through San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino, and at local concert halls.

While the Northeast Sterling neighborhood is primarily residential, residents have their choice of local entertainment and nightlife within a few blocks of their homes.

Head over to Tartan for live entertainment, cheap drinks and friendly locals. Depending on this night, you might find a DJ spinning tunes, a live band or Tartan's own dedicated karaoke fans.

Drop in for diner-style fare at Pepper Steak Restaurant. Dig into generous portions, like the California omelet in the morning or the namesake pepper steak in the evening.

And of course, there's always the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino. Only a mile away, the casino is a one-stop shop for high-end dining, lounges and live entertainment — worth battling the crowds of tourists in the from the city for special occasions and big-ticket performing artists.

As with much of Southern California, many residents rely on their own personal cars to get around town. As Northeast Sterling consists mostly of single family homes with their own driveways, parking on the streets is plentiful and free, and nearly every local shopping center has its own parking lot.

San Bernardino also provides several public transportation options too. Save yourself the stress of driving and take light rail all the way into Los Angeles on the Metrolink. The San Bernardino station lies just 7 miles away — you can park and ride or take one of the Omnitrans buses that run right through Northeast Sterling. Walking a few blocks over to the bus stop is pretty safe on the wide sidewalks, but bikes are pretty much reserved for kids and a few enthusiasts rather than commuters trying to get downtown. Most major thoroughfares don't have dedicated bike lanes.

Need a lift in a hurry? You'll find both traditional taxi services and new ride sharing options like Uber and Lyft thick on the ground — particularly near the airport and the casino.

Northeast Sterling boasts three beautiful parks within its boundaries — and more beautiful open spaces within a few miles.

In the heart of Northeast Sterling is Del Vallejo Park, where you'll find several sports fields in use by local students and by the community at large. Relax and refresh under the shady trees of Sterling Park, or spend a few hours volunteering under the fruit trees at the San Bernardino Community Gardens.

Or head downtown for exciting events and festivals. Get your kicks at the annual Rendevous Route 66 celebration that draws travelers and classic car collectors from across the nation. Or bring the family for games and fun at the National Orange Show, which has been run in San Bernardino every spring for more than a century.

Northeast Sterling is particularly noted for its affordability. With one-bedroom apartments running for $659, it's one of the least-expensive upper-middle-class neighborhoods in all of Southern California.

The trade-off, of course, is the distance from the center of Los Angeles metropolitan area. Gas prices run about 15 percent higher than the national average, and a ride on the Metrolink into L.A.'s Union Station from San Bernardino takes an hour and a half and costs $13.25. That said, if you live and work in San Bernardino, a home here is still a great deal.

Within town, you'll find pretty decent pricing on groceries as San Bernardino boasts a strong agricultural community. A beer inside the casino may cost you $7 or $8, but the same beer in a dive bar in the neighborhood will cost $4 or $5.

Northeast Sterling provides you with easy access to a decent selection of shopping for all your household needs and for fun and exciting gifts. Pick up a quart of milk or an after-school snack at one of the many convenience stores, or grab your groceries at Stater Bros or the Walmart Neighborhood Store, both only a few blocks south.

Several chain shops on that same southern stretch sell everything from shoes to electronics to vacuum cleaner parts and used merchandise.

Locals shop for used clothing and treasures from the past at Eco Thrift on E Street. This place has tons of retro items and accessories, including jewelry and handbags. Unlike other thrift stores, Eco Thrift has a dressing room for you to try on duds to ensure an excellent fit.

Find the perfect shoe for any foot or particular need at Brill's Shoes, which brings an old-fashioned cobbler approach to serving the needs of its customers. This shop also sells medical shoes and comfort footwear.