San Dimas sits to the north of Pomona and has a denser residential area. There are quite a few restaurants, parks, and other places to go to in this area. Lots of young families and retirees tend to live in this area.

La Verne is a small, laid back suburban area with many families living in it. It has many cafes and is a nice area to live near to the university. It is a calm and safe place to live which many students enjoy.

Walnut is well regarded as one of the best places to live in California. It sports a more urban feel than some of the other suburbs and is still close to the university and to Los Angeles. Like the other neighbourhoods, you can expect to find some cafes and small restaurants in this area. There is also a bus route that will take you into nearby areas.

Additionally, some luxury apartments near Cal Poly Pomona include complexes like Eaves Phillips Ranch, which boasts many amenities like laundry facilities, pool, courtyard, and fitness center. Another nearby complex is Olive Ridge Resort in Pomona, which is pet-friendly and has a pool, fitness center, and tennis court.

Dining

The best restaurants Pomona has to offer can be found in the downtown area. These include everything from Irish pubs to sports bars to Mexican restaurants.

Students looking for a bite to eat near campus will find fast food favourites, like Carl's Jr. and Subway, alongside other options. Some choices nearby include Innovation Brew Works and Pizza, Curry Up, and California Sushi and Teriyaki. For those looking for something a little fancier, they might head over to the Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch.

Transportation

When it comes to getting around California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, students have a variety of choices. One thing that the university recommends is carpooling. The university has a dedicated Rideshare office that can help you arrange a carpooling partner. Once you have, you can drive in the special carpool lane, earn Bronco Bucks, and even get preferred parking.

To get around campus, students can take advantage of the Bronco Express shuttle which stops at various places across campus and is free for students.

Additionally, the city hosts other public transportation services like the train, the Metrolink shuttle, and the bus. Students who ride the train (called the Metrolink), and who are part of the Rideshare service can get reimbursed up to $100 a month for taking the train to campus. Students are also encouraged to take the shuttle from the Pomona North Metrolink Station to the Cal Poly Campus. This shuttle is free to all university students.

The bus is another way to commute to campus. Students who participate in the Rideshare program and ride the bus can get up to $80 reimbursed per month. Bus stops are located on the South end of campus and have easy connections to the Bronco Express shuttle.

Parking

Many students who live off-campus choose to drive to campus. If you are planning on doing this, be aware that you will need to have a parking permit to park on campus at any time. Students may buy semester-long permits or can purchase daily permits from kiosks around campus. These must always be displayed, or you may have to pay a fine.

Safety

All students should be aware of their safety while on and off the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona campus. While on campus, the university has a special escort system hosted by the university police to make sure students are safe. You can call them, and they will escort you from your class or building to another university location, like your parked car, residence hall, or the University Village. This is available Monday through Thursday after 6 p.m.

The campus also has Code Blue phones which are located throughout and will alert and signal help to come.

Shopping

Students looking to grocery shop near campus can choose from Stater Bros, Vons, and Cardenas Market. Students may also enjoy stopping by the Farm Store at Kellogg Ranch, where they can purchase produce grown on campus.

Downtown Pomona is home to the Arts Colony which is a collection of art galleries and shops.

The city has been revitalized by “Pomona Night Out” which happens Downtown one Saturday each month with live music, entertainment, and plenty of food and art to look at.

For a day out at the mall, head to sites like Montclair Plaza, Ontario Mills Shopping Center, Victoria Gardens at Rancho Cucamonga, and Plaza West Covina.