Living in the University District, Redlands
The University District surrounds the University of Redlands campus, just east of downtown along Colton Avenue. It mixes older homes and mid-century houses on tree-lined streets with the energy of a college town: lectures, concerts, games, and the Arrow train’s final stop at the edge of campus. It suits faculty and staff, commuters, and buyers who want to be close to both the university and downtown.
College Town Feel
Community Centric
Bulldog Loyalty
University District at a glance
| Best for | University faculty and staff, rail commuters, and buyers who like a college-town feel |
|---|---|
| Home styles | Older bungalows, mid-century homes, and some small multifamily properties |
| Getting around | Arrow train at Redlands–University station; downtown about a mile west |
| Anchors | University of Redlands campus, Colton Avenue, the Redlands “R” on the foothills |
| Median price | [UPDATE MONTHLY FROM MLS] |
| Average days on market | [UPDATE MONTHLY FROM MLS] |
What it's like to live near the University of Redlands
Life here follows the academic calendar. Fall brings move-in, games, and evening events; summer is noticeably quieter. The campus is open and green, and many neighbors walk or bike through it. Public lectures, performances, and athletic events give the neighborhood more going on than a typical residential area.
It’s also a practical location. Downtown Redlands is a short bike ride west, the Arrow train starts and ends at the edge of campus, and I-10 is close by for drives to San Bernardino, Loma Linda, or Los Angeles.
A neighborhood that grew up with the university
Redlands won the competition to host a new Baptist college in 1907, beating out Azusa, Pasadena, and Riverside. The campus was built on what had been the Stillman Ranch along East Colton Avenue, and the university opened its doors in January 1910.
The neighborhood grew alongside it, as faculty, staff, and families settled on the surrounding streets. The university’s most visible landmark is the big “R” on the foothills above campus, first cleared by students as a prank in 1913 and kept up as a tradition ever since. Today the residential campus covers about 160 acres near downtown.
Homes in the University District
You’ll find a mix of older single-story bungalows, mid-century homes, and some duplexes and small apartment buildings on the blocks closest to campus. Prices here are often more approachable than in South Redlands, which makes the area popular with first-time buyers and with investors.
What buyers should know near campus
- Visit at different times. A street can feel very different on a fall Friday night than on a summer morning. Walk the block during the school year before you commit.
- Know who the rental market really is. Most University of Redlands undergraduates live on campus, so rental demand comes more from graduate students, faculty, staff, and commuters than from undergrads.
- Check parking and permit rules. Streets near campus can fill up during events. Ask about street parking and any permit areas.
- Older homes need a careful look. As with any older home, plan for a thorough inspection of the roof, plumbing, electrical, and sewer line.
Getting around: the Arrow's last stop
The Redlands–University station opened in October 2022 as the eastern end of the Arrow line. It sits on East Park Avenue at North University Street, on the southwest corner of campus, with about 100 park-and-ride spaces.
Arrow runs daily to Redlands–Downtown, Redlands–Esri, and the San Bernardino Transit Center, where you can connect to Metrolink trains toward Los Angeles. For anyone who works at Esri or commutes west, living within walking distance of the station is a real advantage.
University District real estate market
[ADD 2–3 SENTENCES MONTHLY: median sale price, price per square foot, days on market, and homes sold near the University of Redlands, with the month and source. If you track it, note the share of sales that were investor purchases.]
A strong fit if you want
To work at the university or Esri, ride the train, live near downtown at a lower price point, or own a property with steady rental demand.
Think it through if you need
A very quiet street year-round, plenty of guaranteed street parking, or a neighborhood without event traffic.
Why buy or sell near campus with Leo
I’m Leo Dominguez, a Redlands REALTOR® with Len Group Redlands at Keller Williams, and I teach at the University of Redlands. I know this neighborhood from both sides: as a faculty member who works here and as an agent who helps people buy and sell here. I can tell you which streets stay quiet, what the academic calendar does to the market, and how to market a home to faculty, staff, and investors.
University District FAQ
Where is the University District in Redlands?
It’s the area around the University of Redlands campus at 1200 East Colton Avenue, just east of downtown Redlands.
Is there a train near the University of Redlands?
Yes. The Arrow train’s Redlands–University station is on East Park Avenue at North University Street, with daily service to downtown Redlands, Esri, and San Bernardino, where you can connect to Metrolink.
Is the University District a good place for a rental property?
It can be. Most undergraduates live on campus, so tenants are more often graduate students, faculty, staff, and commuters. Check the City of Redlands’ current rental rules before you buy.
Is it noisy living near campus?
It varies by street and season. Blocks closest to campus are busier during the school year and on event nights; a few blocks out, streets are typically quiet.
Thinking about the University District?
Whether you’re joining the university, buying your first home, or selling a property near campus, let’s talk about the right move for you.
Len Group Redlands – Keller Williams Redlands | DRE #02167691 | [PHONE]
Get started today.
STEP 1
CHOOSE TO BUY OR SELL A HOME.
During our phone call, we’ll introduce you to our customized real estate buying and selling process, crafted to alleviate your concerns and streamline your experience
STEP 2
GET A CUSTOM BUY OR SELL PLAN.
We will create a tailored plan for your home buying or selling journey, ensuring you make a well-informed financial decision that aligns with your family’s needs and timeline.
STEP 3
ENJOY PEACE OF MIND.
Our specialized and personal approach is aimed at reducing your worry and stress, enabling you to relax and genuinely enjoy the process of buying or selling your home, free from feeling overwhelmed.