Redlands

Tucked against the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, Redlands has a way of surprising people. It’s a city with genuine historic charm — Victorian mansions, citrus heritage, and a walkable downtown — yet it’s modern enough to attract well-paying employers and young professionals. With a population hovering around 73,000, it’s large enough to offer real amenities but small enough that you actually get to know your neighborhood. If you’re weighing a move to the Inland Empire, Redlands deserves a serious look.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

One of Redlands’ biggest strengths is its range. The historic Prospect Park neighborhood draws buyers who love craftsman bungalows and tree-lined streets with a century of character. Families gravitating toward newer construction tend to look toward the south side developments near Alabama Street, where larger lots and newer schools are the draw. The University of Redlands anchors a lively area near downtown that keeps the city feeling intellectually engaged and relatively young — the median age of 35.6 reflects a community that’s settled but far from stagnant. Downtown along State Street offers independent restaurants, coffee shops, the historic Fox Theater, and a farmers market that locals genuinely use rather than just Instagram.

Cost of Living and Housing

Be clear-eyed about housing costs here. The median home price in Redlands sits at around $583,000, which is a significant investment — though it remains more attainable than comparable communities in Los Angeles or Orange County. For that price, you’re typically getting real square footage, a yard, and a neighborhood with mature landscaping rather than a starter condo with street parking. The rental market offers more entry-level flexibility, with a solid inventory of older single-family rentals and apartment complexes near the university. The median household income of roughly $99,000 suggests most residents are managing the cost of living reasonably well, but you’ll want to run the numbers carefully if you’re coming from a lower cost-of-living area. Groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses track closely with broader Southern California averages.

Employment and Economy

Redlands punches above its weight economically, largely thanks to Esri — the global geographic information system software company headquartered here. Esri is one of the most significant private tech employers in the entire Inland Empire and brings a professional, educated workforce to the city. The University of Redlands is another major employer, offering positions in education and administration. Many residents also commute west toward San Bernardino, Ontario, or even Los Angeles, a reality you should factor in. The 10 Freeway runs directly through town, giving reasonable access to the broader region, though peak-hour traffic toward LA can be genuinely brutal. The nearby Amazon fulfillment infrastructure and logistics industry along the I-10 corridor also provides substantial employment at various skill levels.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Outdoor access here is exceptional. Big Bear Mountain is roughly an hour away, making weekend skiing or hiking a legitimate routine rather than a rare expedition. Closer to home, the Redlands Bicycle Classic route winds through the city’s hills, and Prospect Mountain offers trail access minutes from downtown. The San Bernardino National Forest is practically in your backyard. For urban culture, the Inland Empire is increasingly self-sufficient — the Ontario Museum of History and Art, the Fox Theater in Redlands, and proximity to the Coachella Valley round out the options. The restaurant scene on State Street has matured considerably, with quality independent spots that residents are rightly proud of.

The Bottom Line

Redlands is a strong choice if you want Southern California living without the chaos of a major metro, value historic character alongside modern convenience, and can handle housing costs that demand a solid income. It rewards people who engage with it — the downtown, the trails, the community events. Do your commute math honestly before signing a lease, but if the numbers work, you’re likely to find Redlands is a place people stay far longer than they originally planned.