Known as The Circle City, Corona is located in Riverside County in Southern California, at the upper end of the Santa Anna River Canyon. Temperatures here average 65 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and mid- to upper-90s in the summer.

Situated on about 35 square miles, Corona’s current population is about 150,000 with a median resident age of 29. As of 2009, the median household income in Corona was $74,349, up from $59,615 in 2000. Tax rates are quite affordable at around 1.1% for houses with mortgages, and about 0.6% for those with no mortgages. There are currently about 2,100 foreclosed homes for sale in Corona, from condos to single family homes, in price ranges for all potential buyers. Average estimated home values are currently $336,223. Over 83% of homes currently for sale are in short sale or are bank owned.

Families thrive in this city, with children in 61% of the households. Currently Corona boasts eight high schools, seven middle schools, and 31 elementary schools, plus nearly 400 acres of parks with amenities such as basketball courts, sports fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, two skate parks, and an outdoor pool.

Corona was founded in 1886 at the height of the southern California citrus boom. It was once known as The Lemon Capital of the World, and a museum highlights this part of the city’s history. The city’s name means “circle of light” and comes primarily from the interesting layout of its streets: a standard street grid enclosed by a circular Grand Boulevard that is one mile in diameter. This Grand Boulevard hosted several major auto races in the 1920’s.

The city has recently come to be called The Gateway to the Inland Empire (or IE), which is the area around the cities of Riverside and San Bernardino. It’s also a bedroom community for the larger cities of this area.

The city’s strong industrial base has helped Corona grow. Though the Corona-Norco Unified School District is the largest employer, many businesses call Corona home, including:

• Fender Musical Instruments Corporation – guitar manufacturer

• Hansen Natural Corporation – soft drinks manufacturer

• Watson Pharmaceuticals – fifth largest pharmaceutical company in the U.S.

• West Coast Customs – car remodeling company featured on MTV series Pimp My Ride

• Kaiser Permanente – medical insurance provider

• Corona Regional Medical Center – hospital

The median travel time from home to work is about 33 minutes, thanks in part to the Riverside Freeway.

Many employment opportunities, easy commute times, good schools, great year-round weather, and many cultural activities make Corona one of the best places to live in the country.

Hugo Balarezo is your Corona Realtor^® of choice, whether you are interested in buying, or selling, a home in our community. Although the overall economy is slowly rebounding, Hugo specializes in handling short sale transactions. If you need assistance, Hugo can help you avoid foreclosure, by smoothly maneuvering through the waters of the California short-sale process.