Ontario Apartments and Rentals

Situated in the heart of Southern California’s San Bernardino Valley, with dramatic views of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and highways running into the desert alongside the Santa Ana Mountains to the south, Ontario epitomizes the contrasts of Southern California’s Inland Empire. Ontario is home to the LA/Ontario International Airport and crisscrossed by Interstates 10 and 15, making it a regional transportation hub and a convenient access point for visitors to Los Angeles.

With its prime location in one of California’s most appealing regions, as well as its options for shopping and entertainment, people looking for Ontario apartments for rent will find many reasons to make the city their own landing spot.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Ontario was named after the Canadian home of its founder George Chaffey, who bought the land and water rights of the area to form a “Model Colony” in 1881, making the city one of California’s oldest planned communities. Chaffey oversaw the layout of Ontario’s signature boulevard, Euclid Avenue, as well as the development of its agricultural foundation. For many years, Ontario’s economy was driven by the cultivation of oranges, peaches, walnuts, lemons and grapes, which thrive in the warm Southern California climate. The city is still home to some agriculture, including the Graber Olive House, founded in 1894, but today Ontario is better known as the home to the LA/Ontario International Airport, which sees millions of passengers every year.

The city is home to 164,924 people, according to the 2010 Census, many of whom are drawn in by Ontario’s proximity to Los Angeles, as well as to nearby natural attractions such as the San Gabriel Mountains, Mount Baldy, Joshua Tree National Park and famous beaches like Huntington and Laguna Beach. People looking for Ontario apartments may also find it convenient to live near the airport.

With access to planes, trains and automobiles, Ontario is a freight hub for the region, and distribution and warehousing jobs are the city’s largest areas of employment. UPS is a major employer, as is grocery distributor Pro & Sons, but the largest source of jobs is the airport itself.

Ontario is also home to Mag Instrument, which manufactures the popular Maglite flashlight line. Production of parts for Toyota cars also helps make up the city’s substantial manufacturing sector.

Regional campuses of Brandman University and National University, both private institutions, are also located in Ontario.

The high cost of living is a given in Southern California, but people looking to live in Ontario may find it to be more affordable than some of its neighbors. According to City-Data.com, the median price of a rental was $1,202 as of 2009. Additional research shows that one bedroom apartments in Ontario range from around $700 to $1,400 per month.

Although Ontario offers easy access to the rich entertainment options of the entire region, there are plenty of reasons to stay in the city itself. As the largest outlet shopping mall in Southern California, Ontario Mills is a landmark for area shoppers, as well as an entertainment destination for movie and arcade goers.

Ontario is also home to Citizens Business Bank Arena, which hosts the Ontario Reign ECHL ice hockey team, as well as a range of concerts and other visiting attractions.

The city of Ontario enjoys the natural benefits of a great location, and, in addition to a great climate, the nearby Angeles and San Bernadino National Forests provide great getaways.

To find an Ontario apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.