Beaumont, California, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Riverside County — and for good reason. With a population of around 60,000, a median home price near $535,000, top-rated master-planned communities for every life stage, and a cost of living roughly 61% lower than the California average, Beaumont is attracting families, retirees, and remote workers who want affordable homeownership without giving up the Southern California lifestyle. Sitting at 2,600 feet in the San Gorgonio Pass, Beaumont offers cooler temperatures than the surrounding desert, quick access to the I-10 corridor, and a small-town community feel that's increasingly hard to find in the Inland Empire. If you're wondering whether Beaumont is a good place to live — or you're actively considering a move — this guide covers everything you need to know.
Population
~60,000
Median Home Price
~$535K
Median Household Income
$107,118
Cost of Living
17% above U.S. avg
Crime Rate
32% below U.S. avg
School District
B+ (Niche)
Why people are moving to Beaumont
For decades, Beaumont was a quiet agricultural crossroads between Los Angeles and the desert. In the last 20 years, it's transformed into one of Riverside County's most dynamic communities — without losing the neighborly feel that drew people here in the first place. Here's what's driving the migration.
Significantly lower cost of living than coastal California
Beaumont's overall cost of living is about 61% lower than the California state average. Homes that would cost $1 million+ near the coast are available here for $450K–$600K in desirable master-planned communities.
Solid public schools with room to grow
Beaumont Unified earns a B+ from Niche and ranks #7 in Riverside County. Brookside Elementary and Starlight Elementary are standout performers. Beaumont Senior High ranks in the top 654 in California.
Lower crime than the national average
Beaumont's overall crime rate runs about 32% below the U.S. average — and it's been trending downward. Violent crime is notably low for a city of its size in the Inland Empire.
Mountain air and outdoor access
At 2,600 feet, Beaumont sits cooler than the surrounding low desert. Wildwood Canyon State Park, Noble Creek Regional Park, and the San Bernardino National Forest are minutes away. Joshua Tree, Big Bear, and Palm Springs are all within an hour.
Tight-knit small-town feel
Despite its growth, Beaumont retains a community-first identity. Beaumont Nights, the Lavender Festival in Cherry Valley, Stagecoach Days in Banning, and Movies in the Park draw families together throughout the year.
I-10 corridor location
Beaumont sits on the I-10 freeway between Los Angeles and the desert — about 80 miles east of downtown LA (1hr 15min drive) and 30 minutes from Riverside. The Pass Area is the crossroads of Southern California.
What does it cost to live in Beaumont?
One of the biggest reasons people move to Beaumont is the cost savings compared to coastal California. Here's how the numbers break down.
Housing
The median home price in Beaumont hovers around $535,000 — well below the California statewide median. Master-planned communities range from the low $300,000s (condos at Sun Lakes) to $700,000+ (premium homes at Solera and Four Seasons). New construction is actively available across multiple neighborhoods.
Overall Cost of Living
Beaumont's cost of living index is about 17% above the national average — but that's dramatically lower than most of California. The monthly estimated cost is roughly $2,883 for a single person and $6,349 for a family of four (per Salary.com). Groceries, utilities, and transportation track close to national norms.
Household Income
The median household income in Beaumont is approximately $107,118 (U.S. Census Bureau), reflecting the growing professional and remote-worker population. This income level supports strong purchasing power relative to the local housing market.
Transportation
Beaumont sits directly on I-10 — roughly 30 minutes from Riverside, 1 hour 15 minutes from downtown LA, and 30 minutes from Palm Springs. Gas prices track slightly below the California average. Most residents commute by car; the Walk Score is 20 (car-dependent), though downtown walkability is improving.
How Beaumont compares to nearby cities
A comparable home in Pasadena or Glendale would cost $900K–$1.2M. In Temecula, you're looking at $650K–$800K for similar square footage. Beaumont's combination of newer construction, master-planned amenities, and lower price per square foot (~$250/sq ft) makes it one of the most competitive value propositions in Southern California for buyers who don't need to be in a coastal or urban core.
How are the schools in Beaumont?
Beaumont Unified School District earns a B+ overall grade from Niche, ranks #7 in Riverside County, and #218 statewide among California school districts. The district has been steadily improving its statewide ranking — climbing 130 places in recent assessments — and several individual schools stand out as top performers.
Brookside Elementary
4-star#1,466 in CA (SchoolDigger)
Top performer in the district with 57% ELA and 54% math proficiency
Starlight Elementary
4.5/5#2,244 in CA (U.S. News)
Consistently strong test scores and parent satisfaction
Sundance Elementary
Top performer#1,563 in CA (U.S. News)
One of the district's highest-ranked elementary schools
San Gorgonio Middle School
3/5B- (Niche)
Serves the core Beaumont middle school population
Beaumont Senior High School
3.71/5#654 in CA (U.S. News)
Offers AP coursework; ranked #863 Best Public High Schools in CA by Niche
Beyond public schools: Beaumont is also within reach of private and charter school options. The Pass Area is home to several faith-based schools, and nearby Yucaipa and Redlands offer additional private school choices. For higher education, Cal Baptist University (Riverside), UC Riverside, and Mt. San Antonio College are all within commuting distance.
Is Beaumont safe?
Safety is one of the first questions anyone asks about a new city — and Beaumont's numbers are encouraging. The city's overall crime rate sits about 32% below the national average, with violent crime rates notably low for a city of its size in the Inland Empire. Crime has been trending downward in recent years, with reports of a 28% drop from 2023 to 2024.
Violent Crime
Estimated at 2.9 per 1,000 residents — well below the Inland Empire average and comparable to many suburban communities in more affluent parts of Southern California.
Property Crime
About 10 per 1,000 residents — lower than the national average and comparable to established suburban cities. Master-planned communities like Four Seasons, Solera, and Sun Lakes add gated access and private security.
The Beaumont Police Department serves the city with a community policing model, and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department provides supplemental coverage. Most master-planned communities in the area are gated with controlled access — adding an extra layer of security for residents in developments like Four Seasons, Solera at Oak Valley Greens, and Sun Lakes Country Club.
Master-planned communities in Beaumont
One of Beaumont's biggest draws is its collection of master-planned communities — resort-style neighborhoods with clubhouses, golf courses, fitness centers, and social programming that feel more like a lifestyle destination than a subdivision. Here are the four major communities.
Four Seasons at Beaumont
55+ Active AdultK. Hovnanian · Single-family & attached · 2–4 BR · 1,340–2,792 sq ft · Gated
The Lodge — 25,000 sq ft clubhouse with grand ballroom, movie theater, library, and hobby studios
The Summit — second recreation center
State-of-the-art fitness center, aerobics studio, and spa
Tennis, pickleball, basketball, and bocce courts
Hiking and nature trails with mountain views
Homes built 2005–2019
Solera at Oak Valley Greens
55+ Active AdultDel Webb · Single-family detached · 1,290 homes · Gated
Oakmont Clubhouse — 18,000 sq ft with fitness center, aerobics studio, and indoor walking track
Oak Valley Greens Golf Course — 18-hole, 7,003-yard par-72 championship course
Outdoor pool, spa, tennis courts, and bocce
Arts & crafts, ceramics, and sewing studios
Jogging paths and trails throughout the community
Sun Lakes Country Club
55+ Country Club CommunityMultiple builders · Single-family & condos · 3,300+ homes · Gated
Two private 18-hole golf courses — Championship and Executive
Three clubhouses with restaurant, grill, and grand ballroom
Temperature-controlled indoor pool
Tennis courts, pickleball, bocce, and fire pits
Card room, billiards, art studios, and wine groups
Located just south of I-10 in Banning, adjacent to Beaumont
Tournament Hills & Sundance Trails
All-Ages Master-PlannedVarious · Single-family homes · Varies by section · Gated
Family-oriented communities with parks, playgrounds, and trails
Close to Beaumont's top-rated schools (Brookside Elementary, Sundance Elementary)
Swimming pools, sports courts, and community spaces
More affordable entry point than 55+ resort communities
Popular with young families and commuters
A note on 55+ communities
Three of Beaumont's four major master-planned communities are age-restricted (55+) — Sun Lakes, Solera, and Four Seasons. These are among the most popular retirement destinations in the Inland Empire, offering resort-level amenities at price points well below comparable communities in Scottsdale, Palm Desert, or coastal Orange County. If you're under 55, Tournament Hills, Sundance Trails, and the new-build neighborhoods near downtown Beaumont offer excellent family-oriented living.
What is there to do in Beaumont?
Beaumont and the surrounding San Gorgonio Pass offer a surprising amount of things to do for a community of its size — from local festivals and outdoor recreation to world-class day trips just an hour away.
Community Events
Beaumont Nights (Thursday market nights), the Lavender Festival at 123 Farm in Cherry Valley, Summer Concerts in the Park at Stewart Park (free live music Saturdays at 7 PM), Stagecoach Days in Banning, Friday Food Roundup in Calimesa, and Movies in the Park at Noble Creek and Beaumont Sports Park. There's almost always something happening.
Outdoor Recreation
Wildwood Canyon State Park (hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding), Noble Creek Regional Park (390 acres with sports, trails, and dog park), Bogart Park (camping and fishing), and Big Morongo Canyon Preserve (world-class birding with 250+ species).
Day Trip Destinations
Palm Springs (30 min east) for resorts and dining. Joshua Tree National Park (55 mi) for desert landscapes. Big Bear Lake (60 mi) for mountain recreation. Idyllwild (55 mi) for pine forests. Redlands (20 min west) for the historic Redlands Bowl concerts.
Dining & Downtown
Downtown Beaumont's revival has brought new restaurants along the 2nd Street corridor — from Beaumont Cafe Country Kitchen and Cornerstone BBQ to Kasama's Filipino cuisine and Cafe Agape. The Beaumont Food District opened in early 2026 with a rotating food court concept.
Things to consider before moving to Beaumont
No city is perfect, and it's worth understanding the trade-offs before making a move. Here's what to keep in mind.
Summer heat
Average summer highs reach the mid-90s°F, though that's noticeably cooler than the 110°F+ desert east of the pass. Morning and evening hours stay comfortable, and the elevation helps.
Car-dependent layout
Beaumont has a Walk Score of 20 — you'll need a car for daily errands. The city is investing in walkability downtown, but suburban living is the reality across most of the Pass Area.
Rapid growth
Beaumont has been one of the fastest-growing cities in Riverside County. That brings new construction, new amenities, and rising home values — but also growing pains like traffic on the I-10 and new development in previously open areas.
Bottom line: The trade-offs are largely the same ones you'd accept in any Inland Empire suburb — you're trading coastal proximity and urban walkability for affordability, space, and community. For most families and retirees making the move, those are trades they're happy to make.
The Beaumont real estate market in 2026
Beaumont's housing market remains active and competitive in 2026, driven by continued population growth, new construction, and demand from buyers priced out of coastal and metro Los Angeles markets.
Median Price: ~$535,000
Homes in Beaumont's master-planned communities range from the low $300,000s (condos at Sun Lakes) to $700K+ (premium four-bedroom homes at Solera or Four Seasons). New construction continues across multiple developments, and the average price per square foot is approximately $250.
New Construction Pipeline
Beaumont continues to attract national homebuilders. New single-family communities are active throughout the city, with homes ranging from 1,500 to 3,500+ square feet. HOA fees vary by community, typically between $100 and $300 per month for all-age developments.
Competitive for Buyers
Beaumont remains a seller-friendly market in desirable communities, with well-priced homes moving quickly. Buyers who are pre-approved and ready to act have an advantage — especially in the 55+ communities where inventory can be limited.
Service Area Context
Beaumont sits in the heart of the San Gorgonio Pass, surrounded by Cherry Valley, Calimesa, Banning, and Yucaipa. Each area offers its own character and price points — from Cherry Valley's rural-equestrian lifestyle to Calimesa's hillside homes. The broader Riverside County market continues to see demand from relocating buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaumont, California a good place to live?
Yes — Beaumont consistently ranks as one of the more affordable and family-friendly cities in Riverside County. With a cost of living roughly 61% lower than the California average, crime rates 32% below the national average, and schools that earn a B+ from Niche, it's a strong choice for families, retirees, and commuters who want a small-town feel within reach of the Inland Empire and greater Los Angeles.
How much does it cost to live in Beaumont, CA?
The median household income in Beaumont is about $107,000. The cost of living is roughly 17% higher than the national average but about 61% lower than the California state average. Median home prices hover around $535,000 — significantly below coastal California markets. A single person's estimated monthly cost of living is around $2,883, while a family of four averages around $6,349.
What are the best neighborhoods in Beaumont?
Beaumont's most desirable communities include master-planned developments like Four Seasons at Beaumont (55+ active adult, from ~$310K), Solera at Oak Valley Greens (55+ Del Webb community, from ~$475K), Sun Lakes Country Club (55+ resort-style, from the low $300Ks), and all-age communities like Tournament Hills and Sundance Trails. Downtown Beaumont is also revitalizing with new restaurants and shops along the 2nd Street corridor.
How are the schools in Beaumont, California?
Beaumont Unified School District earns a B+ overall grade from Niche and ranks #7 in Riverside County. Top-rated elementary schools include Brookside (#1,466 in CA), Starlight (#2,244 in CA), and Sundance (#1,563 in CA). Beaumont Senior High School ranks #654 in California according to U.S. News and offers AP coursework. The district has been steadily improving its statewide ranking.
Is Beaumont safe?
Beaumont's overall crime rate is about 32% lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are notably low for a city of its size in the Inland Empire. Crime has been trending downward in recent years, with reports of a 28% drop from 2023 to 2024. Many of the master-planned communities, including Four Seasons, Solera, and Sun Lakes, are also gated with private security.
What is there to do in Beaumont, CA?
Beaumont offers year-round community events like Beaumont Nights (Thursday market nights), the Lavender Festival in nearby Cherry Valley, Summer Concerts in the Park at Stewart Park (free live music Saturdays at 7 PM), and Stagecoach Days in Banning. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Wildwood Canyon State Park, Noble Creek Regional Park, Bogart Park, and Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. Day trips to Palm Springs (30 min), Joshua Tree (55 mi), and Big Bear Lake (60 mi) are all easy from the Pass Area.
Is Beaumont a good place to retire?
Beaumont is one of the top retirement destinations in the Inland Empire, with three major 55+ communities: Four Seasons at Beaumont, Solera at Oak Valley Greens, and Sun Lakes Country Club. These communities offer resort-style amenities including golf courses, fitness centers, clubhouses, and social activities — at a fraction of the cost of comparable communities in coastal or desert resort areas.
What is the commute like from Beaumont?
Beaumont sits on the I-10 corridor — about 30 minutes from Riverside, 1 hour 15 minutes from downtown Los Angeles (with moderate traffic), and 30 minutes from Palm Springs. The average local commute is about 32–35 minutes. Many residents commute to Riverside, San Bernardino, or the eastern LA suburbs for work while enjoying Beaumont's lower cost of living and small-town atmosphere.
From Sam Silver
I help people find their place in the Pass Area
I've been a REALTOR in this community for 22 years, and I've watched Beaumont grow from a quiet highway stop into one of the most livable cities in Riverside County. I've helped families buy their first homes in Tournament Hills, retirees find their forever home at Four Seasons and Solera, and young professionals set up in the new-build neighborhoods near downtown.
Whether you're relocating from LA, moving back to be closer to family, or simply looking for more home for the money — Beaumont has options that most people don't realize exist until they see them. I'd love to show you what's available and help you figure out if the Pass Area is the right fit for your life.
No pressure. No pitch. Just an honest conversation about the market, the neighborhoods, and what's possible. That's what I do — service before self.
Related resources on Beaumont Life
This is not intended as a solicitation if you are currently working with another real estate broker. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. For real estate services, visit samsilverhomes.com.