Living in Diamond Bar: More Than Just a Zip Code
Diamond Bar is more than hills and cul-de-sacs. It’s a community at the crossroads, of freeways, cultures, commerce, and nature. Here’s what someone considering a home here should know.
Utilities & Infrastructure: Reliable Essentials, Local Service
Electricity
Power in Diamond Bar is supplied by Southern California Edison (SCE) — the same provider that serves much of Los Angeles County. The average residential rate runs high relative to national averages (in mid-2025, rates hovered around 32–33 cents per kWh, roughly 80–90% above the U.S. average). That said, SCE has a robust infrastructure and participates in energy efficiency, outage alerts, and community programs.
Natural Gas / Heating
Gas service is covered by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). Usage costs vary, but in summertime, households tend to spend more on cooling than heating in Diamond Bar’s warm climate.
Water & Sewer
The city is served by local municipal water providers and districts. One local provider, Valley Vista Services, handles trash and recycling, while water is managed under regional water district jurisdictions. Given Southern California’s sensitivity to drought, many homes incorporate drought-tolerant landscaping, “smart” irrigation, and water conservation measures.
Trash / Recycling / Waste Services
Valley Vista Services handles residential trash, recycling, and green waste collection in Diamond Bar.
Telecom / Internet / TV
Big names dominate the scene. Spectrum and Frontier provide reliable service options, covering fiber, DSL, coaxial cable, and bundled plans. In many neighborhoods, you can expect speeds from 200 Mbps to over 1 Gbps, depending on the provider and plan.
Air Quality & Environmental Measures
Diamond Bar sits within the South Coast Air Basin, under governance of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The city supports programs like GO ZERO, which provides rebates for all-electric heating and water systems, and INVEST CLEAN, promoting zero-emission fleets. Expect occasional “no-burn” alerts or air quality advisories, especially during wildfire season.
Education: Top-Tier Public Schools, Dual Districts & Choice
Education is a standout reason many people move to Diamond Bar.
School Districts
Diamond Bar is split between two districts:
Notable Schools
Diamond Bar High School(DBHS) is a flagship public high school in the area, offering Advanced Placement, IB/Pathways programs, and strong academic performance.
Golden Springs Elementary School, in the PUSD zone, is one of the city’s well-rated elementary schools.
Other excellent schools include Castle Rock, Evergreen, Maple Hill, Quail Summit, and Diamond Ranch High School.
District Quality & Options
WVUSD consistently receives higher marks for academics, teacher quality, and college preparation. Some families explore inter-district transfers or “District of Choice” opportunities for flexibility.
Higher Education Nearby
For college, Diamond Bar residents enjoy close proximity to Cal Poly Pomona and California State University, Fullerton, both just a short drive away.
Shopping, Dining & Retail: From Strip Malls to Walkable Town Center
Diamond Bar is evolving into more than just a bedroom suburb, its retail scene is growing, and the community is investing in a walkable “downtown” feel.
Diamond Bar Town Center
One of the city’s major retail complexes, Diamond Bar Town Center, spans around 100,000 square feet and is anchored by Walmart Neighborhood Market and Crunch Fitness. The city is also moving forward with the Town Center Specific Plan, envisioning a denser, pedestrian-first boulevard with shops, dining, cultural spaces, and mixed-use housing. Under this plan, about 45 acres along Diamond Bar Boulevard are slated for redevelopment to create a more walkable “main street” environment.
Neighborhood & Strip Centers
The city is home to several shopping centers and plazas, including Diamond Hills Plaza, Diamond Bar Towne Center, Diamond Creek Village Center, Peppertree Plaza, Plaza Diamond Bar, and Golden Springs Plaza. Each offers a mix of shops, restaurants, and local services that reflect the city’s diverse population. For example, Diamond Bar Shopping Center is anchored by CVS and Smart & Final Extra, surrounded by a variety of dining and retail options.
Regional Malls & Big Retail
Nearby destinations like Brea Mall, The Shoppes at Chino Hills, and The Marketplace offer premium shopping, dining, and entertainment. Diamond Hills Plaza is anchored by Super H Mart, a large Asian supermarket that has become a local favorite.
Cultural / Ethnic Retail & Dining
Diamond Bar’s cultural diversity is reflected in its dining and retail scene. Many shopping plazas feature Vietnamese, Korean, Indian, and Chinese groceries, bakeries, cafés, and restaurants. The nearby Valley Boulevard corridor is also known for its variety of Asian markets and eateries, giving residents endless dining choices just minutes away.
Transportation & Commute
Diamond Bar is intersected by State Route 60 and State Route 57, offering direct access to central Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and Orange County. Public transit is available via Foothill Transitbuses, which run along Diamond Bar Boulevard and connect residents to nearby cities and major transportation hubs.
The closest commercial airport is Ontario International Airport, approximately 15 miles away, while Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is within an hour’s drive. Despite being a suburban city, Diamond Bar’s convenient freeway access allows for relatively smooth commuting to major job centers, though peak hours can still bring moderate traffic near freeway ramps.
Quality of Life, Nature & Community
Scenic & Outdoor Options
Trails, parks, and open space are part of what makes Diamond Bar so attractive. Summitridge Parkoffers hiking trails with panoramic valley views, while neighborhood parks and green corridors are perfect for jogging, picnics, and community events.
Demographics & Community
Diamond Bar is known for its cultural diversity and strong sense of community. Over half of local households speak a language other than English at home. The median household income is relatively high, home ownership is strong, and educational attainment exceeds regional averages. The city continues to invest in its future through ongoing redevelopment, improved walkability, and retail revitalization projects.
Healthcare & Services
Nearby hospitals include Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center , Queen of the Valley, and Chino Valley Medical Center, along with Kaiser Permanente’s local medical offices that offer comprehensive outpatient care.
A City That Truly Shines
Diamond Bar offers the perfect balance of suburban comfort, cultural richness, and modern convenience. From its high-performing schools and family-friendly parks to its growing retail centers and strong community pride, it’s a city that continues to shine.
For those looking to buy or sell a home here, Jack Ma Real Estate is your trusted local expert, ready to help you find the perfect place in one of Southern California’s most desirable communities.
