Grand Terrace, CA
Grand Terrace is a small city in San Bernardino County, California, known as "The Blue Mountain City" for its scenic location between two mountain ridges.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The full official name of the city is the City of Grand Terrace. It is a general law city located in San Bernardino County, California, United States . It is not a county seat, which is San Bernardino. The county is part of the Inland Empire region of Southern California, known for its suburban communities, logistics and warehousing hubs, and as a more affordable alternative to Los Angeles and Orange Counties .
Date of Founding and Age
The area's roots trace back to Mexican land grants in the 1830s and 1840s, with Mormon settlers arriving in the 1850s . Originally referred to as "South Colton," the name "Grand" was added around 1898 to reflect the city's beautiful panoramic views . The city was officially incorporated on November 30, 1978, making it the 16th city in San Bernardino County . As of 2026, Grand Terrace is 47 years old.
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 34°02′02″N 117°18′49″W (34.03389, -117.31361) .
- Location: The city is uniquely situated in a valley between two mountain ridges: Blue Mountain to the east and the La Loma Hills to the west. It is located between the cities of Highgrove and Colton, along the I-215 corridor .
- Elevation: The average elevation of the city center is 1,063 feet (324 meters) above sea level .
- Geographical Type: Grand Terrace is a suburban foothill community, nestled in the San Bernardino Valley against the base of the foothills .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Grand Terrace is primarily a residential suburb and a commuter town . Its economy is closely tied to its location along the I-215 and Agua Mansa industrial corridors, providing logistics and service jobs. While it has a commercial base along Barton Road, many residents commute to larger employment centers like San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles. The city has been recognized for its high median income and low crime rates, drawing a middle-income population .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,150 .
- Population Class: Grand Terrace is a small city .
- Demographic Features: The city has a diverse population. In 2023, the median household income was estimated at $83,668, considered high for the Inland Empire region . The racial and ethnic makeup in 2020 was 44.5% White, 6.9% African American, 6.5% Asian, and 47.9% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) .
"Visiting Card" of the City (In a Nutshell)
Grand Terrace is a quiet, family-oriented suburb known as "The Blue Mountain City." Offering panoramic views and a small-town atmosphere, it is a residential haven for those seeking a safe, clean community with easy access to the major employment and transportation corridors of the Inland Empire . Its unique charm is captured in the community-funded "Red-Tailed Hawk Soaring over Blue Mountain" statue at Gwen Karger Park .
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
- Blue Mountain: This prominent ridge forms the city's eastern boundary and is the source of its official nickname, "The Blue Mountain City" . The name originates from the Blue Lupine flowers that used to blanket its slopes in the spring . The mountain provides a scenic backdrop and offers trails for hiking .
- La Loma Hills: Located to the west of the city, these hills form the other side of the valley in which Grand Terrace is situated .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Grand Terrace has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csa) , characterized by hot, arid summers and long, cool, and partly cloudy winters . It is one of the sunnier regions, with most days from spring through fall being clear.
Average Temperatures by Month
The temperature typically varies from 43°F (6°C) to 96°F (36°C) and is rarely below 36°F (2°C) or above 104°F (40°C) .
- Hottest Month: August is the hottest, with an average high of 95°F (35°C) and an average low of 65°F (18°C) .
- Coldest Month: December is the coldest, with an average high of 67°F (19°C) and an average low of 44°F (7°C) .
| Month | Average High (°F / °C) | Average Low (°F / °C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 67 / 19 | 43 / 6 |
| February | 68 / 20 | 45 / 7 |
| March | 72 / 22 | 47 / 8 |
| April | 77 / 25 | 50 / 10 |
| May | 81 / 27 | 55 / 13 |
| June | 88 / 31 | 59 / 15 |
| July | 94 / 34 | 64 / 18 |
| August | 95 / 35 | 65 / 18 |
| September | 91 / 33 | 62 / 17 |
| October | 83 / 28 | 56 / 13 |
| November | 74 / 23 | 48 / 9 |
| December | 67 / 19 | 44 / 7 |
*Source: Weather Spark *
Precipitation and Humidity
- Annual Precipitation: Grand Terrace receives an average of approximately 296 mm of rain per year . Most of this falls during the winter months.
- Wettest Month: February is the wettest month, averaging 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rainfall .
- Dry Season: From April to November, the weather is very dry, with June often seeing no measurable rainfall .
- Humidity: Humidity levels are generally low, averaging around 75%, which makes the summer heat more tolerable than in more humid climates . Muggy conditions are extremely rare .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit for warm-weather activities is from late May to mid October, when temperatures are consistently warm and the sky is typically clear .
- Summer (June-September): Weather is hot and dry with abundant sunshine. Highs are consistently above 90°F (32°C), with August being the hottest month.
- Winter (December-March): Winters are long and cool, with more cloud cover and the majority of the year's rainfall. Nights can be chilly, with lows dropping to around 44°F (7°C).
- Spring (April-May) & Fall (October-November): These shoulder seasons offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking, with warm days and cool evenings .
Landmarks
[Gwen Karger Park and the "Red-Tailed Hawk Soaring over Blue Mountain" Statue]
This is the city's signature landmark, a small "pocket park" located at the northwest corner of DeBerry Street and Mount Vernon Avenue .
- Full Name: Gwen Karger Park (Park), "Red-Tailed Hawk Soaring over Blue Mountain" (Statue) .
- Artist and Year: The statue was created by San Bernardino artist Patrick Jewitt. It was commissioned by the community and installed in the park, which opened on November 28, 2008 .
- Dedication: The statue commemorates a real red-tailed hawk that was accidentally poisoned near Blue Mountain in 2007, nursed back to health by wildlife rehabilitators, and released back into the wild . The park itself is dedicated as a community open space.
- Location: The park is on the northwest corner of DeBerry Street and Mount Vernon Avenue .
- Artistic Features: The centerpiece is a 6-foot tall bronze statue of a red-tailed hawk atop a black granite base. The park also features three murals celebrating the city's citrus and honey heritage, including a reproduction of the "Blue Mountain" label from local orange crates, the city's official flower (Blue Lupine), and a honey skep .
- Interesting Facts: The park land was donated by Jason Karger in honor of his mother, Gwen Karger . A time capsule was placed under the statue at the park's opening in 2008 and is scheduled to be opened in 2028 . The community raised $10,000 to fund the statue's creation .
[Historical Plaque and Veterans Wall of Freedom]
Located in the city, these elements honor the city's past and its veterans .
- Full Name: Historical Plaque and Veterans Wall of Freedom.
- Location: These are notable features within the city, commemorating its history and residents who served in the military.
- Significance: They serve as focal points for civic pride and remembrance, connecting the modern community to its past and its values.
Transport
Major Highways and Freeways
- Interstate 215 (I-215): This is the primary freeway serving Grand Terrace, running along the city's western edge. It connects Grand Terrace to San Bernardino to the north and Riverside to the south, and is a vital corridor for commuters and freight .
- Barton Road: This is the city's main arterial road, running east-west and providing access to local businesses and services.
Public Transportation
- Bus Service: The city is served by Omnitrans, the public transport agency for the San Bernardino Valley. Route 215 provides bus service connecting Grand Terrace to neighboring Colton, Highgrove, and Riverside .
Nearest Airports
While Grand Terrace does not have its own airport, several major airports are within driving distance:
- Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the closest major commercial airport, located approximately 20 miles southwest.
- San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) is located about 10 miles north, primarily serving cargo and general aviation, with some commercial service.
- Longer drives are required for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, or San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Nearest Train Stations
- San Bernardino – Depot: Served by Metrolink (San Bernardino Line) for commuter rail to Los Angeles, and by Amtrak.
- Riverside – Downtown: Served by Metrolink (91/Perris Valley Line and Riverside Line) and Amtrak.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
While the city of Grand Terrace itself hosts several specialized health centers, its residents have access to a wide array of full-service hospitals and medical complexes in the neighboring communities. These nearby institutions provide comprehensive emergency, specialized, and routine care.
[Arrowhead Regional Medical Center]
Located just adjacent to Grand Terrace in Colton, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) is a renowned public teaching hospital and a level II trauma center . It is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced technology and staffed by highly skilled healthcare professionals . ARMC offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, and maternity care . It serves as a critical healthcare hub for the entire region.
- Contact Information:
- Address: 400 N Pepper Ave, Colton, CA 92324
- Phone: (909) 580-1000
- Website: https://www.arrowheadregional.org/
[Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center]
A short drive from Grand Terrace, the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility serving the community . As part of the Kaiser Permanente network, it offers a wide array of services under one roof, including primary and specialty care, pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology services . This integrated model ensures coordinated care for its members.
- Contact Information:
- Address: 9961 Sierra Ave, Fontana, CA 92335
- Phone: (909) 427-5000
- Website: Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center
[Riverside Community Hospital]
Riverside Community Hospital is a well-established, full-service healthcare facility serving the broader region, including Grand Terrace . Known for its commitment to patient care, it provides a wide spectrum of medical services, with key departments including emergency care, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and maternity care .
- Contact Information:
- Address: 4445 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
- Phone: (951) 788-3000
- Website: https://riversidecommunityhospital.com/
[Redlands Community Hospital]
Redlands Community Hospital is a trusted, independent, non-profit healthcare institution serving the Grand Terrace community . It is known for its patient-centered approach and has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the area. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, and maternity care .
- Contact Information:
- Address: 350 Terracina Blvd, Redlands, CA 92373
- Phone: (909) 335-5500
- Website: https://www.redlandshospital.org/
[Grand Terrace Health Care Center]
Within the city itself, the Grand Terrace Health Care Center, affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, operates as a skilled nursing facility . This center provides long-term care services, specifically for Medi-Cal members .
- Address: 12000 Mount Vernon Ave, Grand Terrace, CA 92313
- Services: Affiliated Skilled Nursing Facility
[San Manuel Indian Health Clinic (RSBCIH)]
Also located within Grand Terrace, the San Manuel Indian Health Clinic (RSBCIH) is a vital community health center offering comprehensive, low-cost, or free medical, dental, and vision care . The clinic serves a wide range of patients, including the uninsured, underinsured, and those with Medicare or Medicaid, who reside in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and are eligible Indian patients . Services provided are extensive and include primary care, pediatrics, women's health, diabetes management, immunizations, substance abuse counseling, and mental health services .
- Address: 11980 Mount Vernon AVE, Grand Terrace, CA 92313
- Phone: 909-864-1097
Other Hospitals in the Region
The region surrounding Grand Terrace is home to numerous other highly regarded hospitals that have received national recognition for their specialized services. For example, within a 40-mile radius, one can find hospitals recognized for excellence in joint replacement, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac care, and prostate surgery . These include facilities like the University of California Irvine Medical Center in Orange, recognized for cranial neurosurgery, and Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, which has received the America's 250 Best Hospitals Award .