Key Takeaways
- Upland and Claremont offer a quieter, more residential environment compared to larger Inland Empire cities.
- Proximity to the Claremont Colleges creates a community with strong wellness and health-oriented infrastructure.
- Sober living homes in these cities typically range from $600 to $1,400 per month.
- Both cities have active AA and NA communities with multiple weekly meetings.
- Completing primary treatment at a JCAHO-accredited facility like Trust SoCal before transitioning to local sober living optimizes recovery outcomes.
Why Upland and Claremont for Sober Living
Upland and Claremont sit at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains along the northern edge of the Inland Empire. These tree-lined, walkable communities offer a quieter pace of life compared to the larger cities to the south and east. The residential character, mild climate, and strong sense of community make them attractive locations for individuals in early recovery seeking stability and structure.
Claremont, known as the "City of Trees and PhDs" for its college campuses and lush landscaping, has a particularly health-conscious culture with numerous yoga studios, hiking trails, and wellness-oriented businesses. This environment naturally supports the lifestyle changes that are essential to sustained recovery.
Both cities benefit from excellent public safety records, well-maintained neighborhoods, and proximity to employment centers along the I-10 corridor. For individuals transitioning from residential treatment, these factors create a supportive foundation for rebuilding daily routines and pursuing personal goals.
Sober Living Options in the Foothill Communities
Recovery residences in Upland and Claremont range from basic peer-run homes to more structured programs with clinical oversight. Most are located in residential neighborhoods, providing a home-like environment that helps residents practice independent living skills within a supportive framework.
The relatively small size of both cities means the sober living community is close-knit, with residents often attending the same recovery meetings, frequenting the same coffee shops, and building genuine connections that extend beyond the recovery house. This organic social network provides accountability and belonging.
Costs for sober living in Upland and Claremont generally range from $600 to $1,400 per month, reflecting the area's moderate cost of living. Some homes include utilities and basic amenities in the monthly rate, while others charge separately for services like laundry and internet.
- Peer-run homes with democratic governance and shared responsibilities
- Structured residences with house managers and mandatory programming
- Gender-specific options available in both cities
- Proximity to hiking trails in the San Gabriel foothills for outdoor recreation
- Easy access to employment opportunities along the I-10 corridor
Recovery Support in Upland and Claremont
Both cities host regular AA and NA meetings at churches, community centers, and dedicated recovery spaces. The Claremont area in particular has a strong recovery community, with meetings available throughout the week in multiple formats including open discussion, step study, and speaker meetings.
Beyond 12-step programs, residents can access outpatient counseling, individual therapy, and psychiatric services through providers in the broader Foothill Boulevard corridor. The Claremont Colleges' health services and the nearby university campus create an environment where wellness resources are readily accessible.
Outdoor recreation plays a significant role in recovery for residents in the foothill communities. The nearby San Gabriel Mountains offer hiking, mountain biking, and nature walks that provide healthy stress relief, physical exercise, and opportunities for mindfulness practice in natural settings.
Ask your sober living home about organized group activities like hiking, yoga, or recovery meeting carpools. These shared experiences build community and reduce the isolation that can threaten early recovery.
Transitioning from Treatment to Sober Living
The transition from residential treatment to sober living is a critical period that requires careful planning. Individuals who complete primary treatment at a comprehensive facility and transition directly to sober living, without a gap, have significantly better outcomes than those who return to unsupervised living arrangements.
Trust SoCal in Fountain Valley works with sober living operators throughout the Inland Empire, including homes in Upland and Claremont, to coordinate seamless transitions for graduating clients. This collaborative approach ensures continuity of care and helps individuals maintain the momentum built during primary treatment.
When selecting a sober living home, discuss the transition plan with your treatment team. Ideally, the clinical staff at your treatment facility and the management of the sober living home will communicate directly to ensure alignment on recovery goals, medication management, and outpatient therapy schedules.
Employment and Education in the Foothill Communities
Stable employment and educational engagement are important pillars of sustained recovery. Upland and Claremont offer access to diverse employment opportunities through the I-10 corridor, including logistics and warehousing centers in Ontario, retail positions in the Claremont Village, and healthcare positions at nearby hospitals and clinics.
The Claremont Colleges and Chaffey College provide educational opportunities for individuals in recovery who want to pursue academic goals. Several scholarship and support programs specifically serve students in recovery, recognizing the unique challenges they face in balancing academic demands with ongoing sobriety maintenance.
Most sober living homes in the area require residents to maintain employment or enrollment in an educational program within a set period after move-in. This structure supports financial independence and provides the daily routines that reinforce recovery.

Kristin Stevens, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker



