Living in San Dimas

Where San Dimas Sits in the Foothills

San Dimas is a city in eastern Los Angeles County, set against the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. It shares borders with La Verne to the east, Glendora to the north and west, Covina to the west and Pomona to the south.

The city has a smaller footprint than many of its neighbors. Its layout runs from hillside streets near the national forest boundary down through older neighborhoods around the downtown core, then south toward Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park and Puddingstone Reservoir.

Many people know the name from the 1989 film Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, which was set in San Dimas. Day to day, the city is defined more by its open space, its western themed downtown and its position at the junction of two freeways.

San Dimas Neighborhoods and Housing Types

San Dimas does not have sharply marked districts, but housing changes noticeably as you move from north to south. Here is a general overview.

North San Dimas and the Foothills

North of Foothill Boulevard, streets climb toward San Dimas Canyon. Lots tend to be larger, and some homes have canyon or valley views. This part of the city sits close to San Dimas Canyon Park and the trails that lead into the mountains.

Central San Dimas and Downtown

The neighborhoods around Bonita Avenue include some of the city’s older homes on established streets with mature trees. Downtown shops, restaurants and city facilities are within a short drive or walk.

Via Verde and South San Dimas

The Via Verde area in the southern part of the city is built around rolling terrain and a private country club. Homes here are close to Bonelli Park and to the 57 and 210 freeways.

Equestrian Properties

Parts of San Dimas allow horse keeping, and the city maintains riding trails that connect to regional trail systems. Buyers looking for land with room for animals should confirm zoning on any specific parcel before making an offer.

Across the city, the housing stock is mostly single family homes, with condominiums, townhomes and mobile home communities making up a smaller share. Lot size, view and proximity to the hills are among the biggest drivers of price differences from one street to the next.

Things to Do in San Dimas

Outdoor space is the main draw for recreation in San Dimas. A few of the places that shape weekends here:

• Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park. A large county park surrounding Puddingstone Reservoir, with boating, fishing, picnic areas, hiking and mountain biking trails.
• Raging Waters Los Angeles. A seasonal water park located inside Bonelli Park.
• San Dimas Canyon Park and Nature Center. A canyon park at the north end of town with trails, picnic areas and a nature center that houses native wildlife.
• San Dimas Canyon Golf Course. A public course set in the foothills near the canyon.
• Downtown San Dimas. Bonita Avenue has western style storefronts and covered walkways, with restaurants, shops and community events through the year.

The surrounding area adds more options. The Fairplex in Pomona hosts the Los Angeles County Fair and other large events. The Claremont Colleges and Cal Poly Pomona are a short drive away and offer public lectures, performances and gardens. The Angeles National Forest is reachable through the canyons to the north.

Getting Around and Commuting

San Dimas has strong freeway access for a foothill city. The 210 Foothill Freeway runs through the city, and the 57 Orange Freeway begins at the 210 interchange on the city’s edge. Interstate 10 is a short drive south.

• Toward Pasadena and Los Angeles: the 210 heads west through the San Gabriel Valley. Interstate 10 offers an alternate route toward downtown.
• Toward Orange County: the 57 runs south through Diamond Bar toward Anaheim and connects to other Orange County freeways.
• Toward the Inland Empire: the 210 and Interstate 10 both continue east.

For rail, the Metro A Line extension through the foothill cities includes a station in San Dimas, connecting the city by light rail to Pasadena and Los Angeles. Metrolink service is available at nearby stations in Pomona and Claremont.

Ontario International Airport is the closest commercial airport and is generally easier to reach from San Dimas than LAX.

Commute times vary a great deal with time of day, so test the drive at your actual work hours before deciding on a location.

Cost of Living in San Dimas CA

Housing is the largest factor in the cost of living in San Dimas, as it is across Los Angeles County. Prices vary widely by neighborhood, lot size, view and the age and condition of the home.

A few points shape what buyers and owners pay over time:

• Property taxes. California property taxes are based largely on the purchase price, so a new buyer’s tax bill can differ significantly from a long time owner’s bill on a similar home. Some areas also carry special assessments.
• HOA dues. Many single family homes have no homeowners association. Condominiums, townhomes and some planned communities do, and dues vary by community.
• Utilities. Summer cooling is a real expense in the inland foothills, and larger lots can mean higher water use for landscaping.
• Insurance. Homes near the foothills and canyons may face higher fire insurance costs or more limited coverage options. Get insurance quotes early in any purchase.

If you already own a home in the area and want to understand where it stands today, a home value estimate is a useful starting point.

Schools and Local Services

Most of San Dimas is served by Bonita Unified School District, which also serves La Verne. San Dimas High School is located within the city. Some addresses near the city edges may fall under a different district, so confirm the assigned schools for any specific property.

The city provides parks and recreation programs, a senior center and a public library branch operated by the LA County Library. Fire protection is provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and law enforcement is provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department through a contract with the city.

Major shopping, medical facilities and additional dining are spread across San Dimas and neighboring cities, including Glendora, La Verne and Pomona.

Comparing San Dimas With Nearby Cities

Many people who look at San Dimas also look at its neighbors. La Verne shares the same school district and a similar foothill setting, with its own historic downtown and a university campus. Glendora sits just west and north, with a longer stretch of foothill neighborhoods and its own village district.

If you are comparing options, you can browse La Verne homes for sale and Glendora homes for sale alongside San Dimas listings. Looking at specific homes across the three cities is the clearest way to see how price, lot size and location trade off.

Nick Abbadessa has worked full time in real estate for 22 years, with more than $1.3 billion in closed sales. He is a Certified Real Estate Negotiator and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. For questions about a move to or from San Dimas, you can contact Nick directly.