Rialto is a city in San Bernardino County, California, in the heart of the Inland Empire. It lies about 56 miles east of Los Angeles, near the Cajon Pass and at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. With a population of roughly 104,000, Rialto is a mid-sized suburban city positioned at the junction of three major freeways: Interstate 10, Interstate 15, and State Route 210. This location, along with Metrolink rail service, makes it one of the Inland Empire's more accessible residential and logistics centers. The city's origins are agricultural and rail-oriented. In 1887, the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company laid out the townsite after the Santa Fe Railroad was extended between San Bernardino and Los Angeles, and a school district followed the next year. For decades Rialto was known for its citrus groves and vineyards, and historic Route 66 ran through the city along Foothill Boulevard, leaving a legacy of early motel and roadside commercial architecture that the Rialto Historical Society and local preservation efforts still document. Modern Rialto is a diverse, family-oriented community anchored by the Rialto Unified School District and a network of parks and community facilities. The city's economy leans on warehousing, logistics, and distribution, reflecting the Inland Empire's broader role as a freight hub, with Union Pacific and BNSF rail operations nearby. Local amenities include the Rialto Historical Society and Museum, a farmers' market, seasonal festivals, Rialto City Park, and the Rialto Fitness and Aquatic Center. For households, Rialto offers a practical Inland Empire location with commuter rail to Los Angeles and San Bernardino and quick freeway access across the region. The San Bernardino Mountains provide nearby recreation, while the city's varied housing stock ranges from historic Route 66-era homes to newer foothill subdivisions. Rialto suits those seeking an established, well-connected San Bernardino County community with mountain views and a genuine sense of local history.