Best Places to Live 2007: No. 5 town

We moved here from Cambridge, Massachusetts twenty-five years ago and expected to stay for no longer than five years. We’re still here. Why? Because of Claremont and what it has to offer: it is a New England-style college town but with everything that Southern California offers in the way of racial/ethnic, cultural and intellectual diversity. Claremont is the home of one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country and has easy access to world-class music and art, first-rate California, Asian, and Mexican cuisine,and the best weather in the country. What more could one want? Not surprisingly, we have decided to stay here after we retire and haunt the town long after we are gone.

Lived in Claremont from 1976-1994. Love the city, colleges, downtown and the people. The smog,cogestion, crime in the Pomona valley,earthquakes and children who needed a better lifestyle convenced us to leave. Moved to UTAH in 1994 and have never looked back.

what about the special needs education?

I believe that what some have called the “superior intellectual attitude” of Claremont residents is actually a real concern for social awareness and emphasis on education and caring for those in our city and community. This is absolutely a positive, in my opinion, and is what has brought about positive change like revitalizing the Packing House and keeping the Village safe and inviting to residents and tourists alike. I’ve been living in Claremont for 15 years and I think it’s the combination of small-town values with large-town progressive thinking that make the city as great to live in as it is.

IT IS A GREAT TOWN! THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY RICH SNOBBY PEOPLE AND WITH THE SUPERIOR INTELLECTUAL ATTITUDE…

Just a quick question. Where do the people that work in Claremont actually live? There is no way someone earning Claremont’s median income (approx $88,000) can afford a home at Claremont’s median price of $600,000+!

Our family has lived here for 13 years with our 2 daughters. We love our City! Our daughters have been in the school system since kindergarden and the education they have been receiving is unbelievable - the colleges help with that since they get involved with our kids. Our sense of community is outstanding - our concerts at the park, 4th of July parade, Pilgrim Festival, Holiday decorations and jazz at the Village - I can go on and on.

Also, because of the colleges and citizens, our City is full of thinkers which makes for a diverse, tolerant and caring community. We care for our children and our senior citizens.

It is also one of the most beautiful, little City you have ever seen (and since I travel for a living, I’ve seen many) Everyday I wake up and have my coffee outside, I feel like I’m on vacation and I can feel my stress level decrease.

It’s a safe community where children still play outside and you know your neighbors - something you don’t see very oftern now adays.

Come visit- you’ll see what we mean!!

Claremont caveat? It’s a great place to live if you can afford it.
My husband and I moved into his family home here about 7 years ago. We could not have afforded to live here on a combined engineer and teacher’s income. We therefore feel blessed to have had the opportunity to inherit our “Claremont” address. Fact is, that at my 35th high school reunion we met several of our old friends who had come here under the same circumstance… they loved home but could not afford to buy here. We agreed that we all loved the small community atmosphere and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
My husband and I feel safe to go out at night walking, or to ride our bikes which we would never have done in our old So Cal. neighborhood. We can garden year round because our home is 50+ years old and has a generous lot size. We also have raised foundations (keeps our home cooler in summer) hardwood floors, and lots of shade trees… I love living in Claremont because of it’s beauty, sense of serenity, and safety.
Which is very unlike the new homes in surrounding communities which are springing up in legion, boasting HUGE 2000-3000+ sq. footages, placed on a lot that isn’t much larger than the home itself. These have all the personality and charm of a large upended packing box, and feature an up-close and personal view of your neighbor’s bedrooms from yours.

WE MOVED TO CLAREMONT WHEN I WAS THREE YRS OLD AND LIVED THERE UNTIL I ATTENDED COLLEGE. NO CRIME, AND THE SCHOOL SYSTEMS WERE AWESOME. MY DREAM IS TO ONE DAY RETURN TO CLAREMONT, THE CITY IS AWESOME.

The best part about Claremont are the colleges. Scripps is the best.

Claremont has a beautiful views of the mountians, great restaurants, boutiques and great schools! Can’t beat that! All we are missing is the ocean!

My family moved to Claremont right before I started high school from a very small town. It was a big enough place for me to feel adventurous but small enough to feel like home right from the start! I currently live in Salt Lake city but my parents are still lucky enough to call Claremont home. Even though I moved away about 11 years ago, when I visit I feel like I have come home. My husband and I have two kids and plan to move to CA witin the next few years; you can bet that Claremont is on our list of places to live. I would agree that Claremont is one of the best kept secrets in socal…let’s hope that now the cat is out of the bag it doesn’t spoil it!

I see you have corrected the weather statistics.
In the last 5 years our average rainfall has been hoovering around 10 inches, but we do get a occasional El Nino year that boosts it up to your stated 16 inches.

If you like smog, you will like Clarmont.

Although it has its charms, much of Claremont was developed during the 70’s which is not exactly known for its attractive architecture. As a result, we have several tracts of attrocious brown homes on major streets through town.

I grew up here and am now raising a young family here. The one thing I don’t like about the town is the liberal slant accompanied with the superior intellectual attitude. I’m not even very right wing, however the influence from the colleges (as in many college towns, admittedly) is very pervasive.

I am a single Mom and have lived in Claremont for 4 years now. It has been a struggle to find affordable housing. The apt complexes are older, but very expensive. The last one I lived in didn’t have the 3-pronged electrical outlets that I needed for my computer and television! I have to move out of Claremont to find a safe, affordable place to live. That’s unfortunate for my child, who has attended the same school for 4 years. There just isn’t a Claremont for single parents with one income.

My wife and I moved to Claremont just after we had our son. It seems to be a great place to raise a child and well worth my 45 minute commute to work. Having lived mostly back east, Claremont has the best of both worlds, i.e. it’s a walkable college town like you have in New England, but the weather is perfect and the people much friendlier! Although people from just about everywhere else, except the SF Bay Area must think out housing prices are ridiculously high, Claremont is relatively affordable compared to the rest of LA/Orange/and San Diego Counties.

I’ve lived in Claremont for eight years and love it here. As others have noted, annual rainfall is only about half of the amount listed and the July average high of 71 degrees is completely incorrect. Most July days are in the mid-upper 90s, with a handful of 101-110 degree temps (although I’ve been unsuccessful in my attempts to fry eggs on the asphalt even at 114 degrees). But the skies are clear and full of stars at night and even on the hottest days the sunset and evening temperatures are neutral to almost chilly, with few mosquitoes and no humidity. Winters are mild with snow-capped postcard mountains, people are friendly, streets are safe, mountain biking and hiking are great, neighborhoods are tree-filled, and downtown Los Angeles, the desert and the mountains are all just short a short drive away.

Our annual rainfall is less than half of what you reported! And it doesn’t snow here at all, but if you miss or want snow just take a drive up to the ski lifts of over 10,000 foot high Mt. Baldy and you’ll be there in 15 minutes. Drive back down and enjoy an orange of your own orange tree.

I am one of many who left Claremont after growing up here and came back when I realized there were few other places to live as nice as Claremont. My husband and I are not alone.

Rather then repeat what others have said, I would like to add a few things more things that make this a special place. In addition to historic preservation of our homes and buildings we are also looking to our future. The city and its residents have been purchasing hundreds of acres of the Claremont hillsides over the last decade. All of it is preserved free of development and for the use of the residents. We have the Claremont wilderness park which is enjoyed by so many in our and surrounding cities. Horses, bikers, hikers, dogs, families, college students, virtually every walk of life take advantage of our beautiful hillsides. If you make it to the top you will find a shady sitting area with gazebo that was donated to the city by a grateful resident. Every year there are oak tree planting parties which we have participated in to reforest the land. We have huge oak trees in the hills, but we didn’t think there was enough. Many had been cut down at the turn of the century. The Claremont Botanical Garden has been germinating resident collected oak tree seeds for free every year. Last year there was no where left to put a tree! A recent purchase (voter approved) of Johnsons Pasture added a tremendous amount to our land. My daughter and friends watched fireworks of all the surrounding cities from there this fourth of July.

If wildlife, dust, mountain biking and hiking aren’t quite your thing we also have the Thompson Creek Trail which is a flat paved walkway complete with dog watering fountains and benches which runs all along the foothills. You may see deer or coyotes, quail or even tarantulas there. The city has planted beautiful flowering natives all along the path. You can’t go the length of it without saying hello multiple times to your fellow walkers.

Not an outside person at all? We have the colleges and all their myriad speakers and programs that residents frequently take advantage of. An independent film festival yearly draws many, for example.
Some other tidbits:
• We have our own city newspaper The Claremont Courier where you can read about the most recent city happenings as well as the editorial pages which are filled with citizens comments and concerns. There is always a little drama going on in Claremont.

• Teenagers on skateboards were successful in getting the city to build a skate park for them in addition to the active Youth Activity Center.

• Dog lovers were given a leash free dog park.

• Very young children enjoy the wading pools in the city parks manned by teenage red cross lifeguard volunteers.

• Senior citizens have free auditing of Claremont Colleges classes in addition to many other activities.

• Working adults can work in downtown LA and hop on the metrolink to get there or just drive a short distance to many places of employment.

In my neighborhood we have multiple ethnicities, languages, backgrounds and ages (from infants to widows), but we have out neighborhood in common. We watch out for each other.

Claremont is an hour from desert, at the base of mountains, 40 minutes from the beach and 35 minutes by metro from downtown Los Angeles. How many cities can boast that? Oh, and as far as the average July temperature? I believe it because although the daytime is between 75-95 degrees in July it is dry and you can always count on a cool breeze coming in every single evening.

THese people obviously did not go to Claremont, or bother checking weather.com for their article. It’s routinely in the 90’s andhardly gets over 10 inches of rain. Pomona College makes the town though, Sage Hens!

I just moved to Claremont a year ago. The truth is, I fell in love with this town the first time I saw and set foot on it. Oh my, when I started living here - I felt like I was reborn. I never thought this place could be one of the best in the USA, I thought it was just in California. I suggest that people come and walk by our village…and feel reborn. I promise its gonna be worth your while. Thanks.

Claremont is a nice place to live and work. Who really cares if the town is next to an area who is not as rich or wealthy. The world is a very complex place to live in.

We love Claremont! This community engenders a loyalty and passion that is envied by other towns.The level of community involvement could not be higher. The sense of belonging,being able to make a difference and knowing someone will look out for your child if needed,is all part of living in a small town.We are blessed to haved raised our children here and hopefully they will come back after college to raise their families as so many others have done over the years.

We have lived in Claremont for 29 years and decided to retire here 7 years ago.
This is a wonderful town for people of all ages and there is something for everyone.
It is a bit warmer than 71º from around June 15th to Sept 15th.
There are a lot of Swimming Pools here and the reason is because of the long Swimming Season. You do not need to heat your pool.
We even have a 9 hole executive Golf Course in the middle of our town.
We can walk nearly everywhere we want to go, or Bike ride. The amount of volunteer opportunities are numerous, and the sense of community is everywhere, from Senior Bike clubs, to volunteering at a grade School.
We have Health fairs offered at the Senior Centers. There is a very active Committee on Aging, as well as a lot of diverse Political Groups.
Access to Medical Care is abundant within 20 miles of Driving.
Yes We agree this is a Great place to live,

I love my town. I have lived here nearly all of my 29 years. I have come up through the school system starting back all the way in elementary school, and I now teach at the high school where I graduated. Claremont is a small college town, but it’s full of culture and has a strong community. I tell people all the time that I live in the best place ever, but maybe now they will believe me!

I have been a resident in Claremont for 19 years. This is all my 19yr old and 16 yr old knows. They went the entire school system since kindergarten. They love this city and know it like the back of their hand. They feel safe and secure and happy here. When my son was smaller, he would take a deep breath as we entered back into the city after being away for even a day. He’s always said he feels good when he’s in Claremont. I’ve never met anyone in this city who isn’t nice, smiles and even says hello in passing. This is an extremely community and family oriented city. I would like to think that it will be this way always.

Claremont epitomizes small town living right in the middle of metropolitan Los Angeles- it really is unlike anywhere else! The quaint neighborhoods, great schools and community programs really bring the people together as one… plus, we have great trees!

I live in Irvine, Ca (40 miles southwest)and work in Claremont. I had no idea such a quaint, unique, back east, old town community existed anywhere close to Orange or LA county. I consider Claremont as “a best kept secret”! Now you can live right in the heart of old town charm but in a new townhome community called “Village Walk” built by The Olson Company. In September, the Laemmie Theatres along with at least 25 new businesses will open up in the expansion project off of Indian Hill Blvd and 1st street. This community is all about lifestyle and the convienence of being able to walk to your favorite Bisto, Cafe, Sushi Bar or Jazz Lounge and Fondue. The friendly people of this small town charm community take pride in it by being involved in it. There are many annual events including arts and crafts fairs, festivals, parades fireworks, concerts in the parks, Summertime Movies in the parks and various holiday activities. Just to walk through Claremont is to see what a wonderful place it is to live. I am anxiously waiting for my new home to finish being built.

I have a home in Claremont. The town is special because of the colleges. I love the concerts, plays and special events that living here affords me. I feel very safe walking around my neighborhood, even late at night. The beautiful trees are an added bonus.

I also live in Claremont. I very much agree, there are great schools. Also love the small businesses. Rainfall is
way off though, so are the temps. Love all the beautiful trees!

We moved to Claremont two years ago; we live in the old village part of town near the colleges, our children walk or skateboard to school, to sports activities ,to playdates and visits to Starbucks. Soon we’ll be able to walk to the movies, too, after we take our pick of Mediterranian,Japanese, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Thai or good old American restaurants on the way. There are 4th of July parades, music in the park around the corner every Monday night in the summer, classic car days in the village every second saterdy, regular art walks and historic tours and Halloween and Christmas are events worth witnessing here every year. The high school has tutors from the colleges, and benefits from the close academic community in all manner of ways. LA central with its museums and cultural offerings are a Metro Rail trip away. We have our own Foothill Philharmonic and more art societies I can count, plus the excellent Rancho Santa Anna Botanic Gardens with regular workshops and classes. Think of all the best qualities of a small town, intimicy, community, convenience, safety without the usual small mindedness, isolation and boredom that usually accompanies small town living, plus the kind of charm, character and personality that only history can provide and that is therefore quite rare in SOCAl and you may begin to understand why we love it here. Throw in a wonderfully engaged senior community, who host international students, offer their considerable expertise in all manner of community classes and more exceptionally talented, brilliant, internatioal people than I can name that come because of the colleges and it all adds up to this charmng little bubble at the very end of LA country and the beginning of the Inland Empire. What’s not to love?

I live in Claremont and it is a great town…but you are way off with the temperature. It is hotter than 71 degrees in July…unless you are talking about the evening temperature because during the day it is WELL over 71. And I am also courious as how they messaured body mass index, nobody messaured me for it or my family!

What do you think of the No. 5 town on this year’s Best Places to Live list?

What makes it a great American town?

Is it a place where you can live a low-stress life? Tell us what you think.