Highland sits at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, just north of Redlands across the Santa Ana River. It’s a family-friendly city of about 57,000 people with a historic citrus-era core, master-planned neighborhoods like East Highlands Ranch, and quick access to the 210 freeway and the mountain highway to Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead. Many buyers choose it for newer homes and more space for the money.
| Best for | Families, move-up buyers, and anyone who wants newer homes near Redlands |
|---|---|
| Home styles | 1980s–2000s planned communities, newer construction, older homes near the historic core, some view and hillside properties |
| Getting around | SR-210 through the city; SR-330 into the mountains; Redlands and I-10 about 10 minutes south |
| Schools | Split between Redlands Unified (east of City Creek) and San Bernardino City Unified (west of City Creek) |
| Neighborhoods | East Highlands Ranch, Amber Hills, the Historic District, West Highland |
| Median price | [UPDATE MONTHLY FROM MLS] |
Highland feels like suburban Southern California with a mountain backdrop. Streets in the eastern neighborhoods are wide and well kept, parks and trails are close, and on clear days the San Bernardino Mountains fill the view to the north. Sunny weather most of the year makes it easy to get outside.
It’s also practical. The 210 runs right through town for commutes across the Inland Empire, Redlands’ downtown and shopping are a short drive south, and the city’s community centers and the Highland Sam J. Racadio Library, a LEED Gold building with a rooftop garden and a live-animal learning center, offer programs for all ages.
Highland’s story starts with water. In 1858, Lewis Cram and Frederick Van Leuven dug a ditch from the Santa Ana River to their East Highland land, and orchards followed in the 1880s. Packing houses rose beside the rail depots, and Highland became known for its seedless navel oranges.
By 1892, the famous Kite-Shaped Track carried visitors on a figure-eight loop through the groves, advertised with the slogan “No scene, twice seen.” The groves eventually gave way to neighborhoods, and Highland incorporated as a city on November 24, 1987.
[CONFIRM DATE AND SOURCE] Here’s a recent look at homes on the market in Highland:
| Category | Homes | Avg. price | Avg. days on site |
|---|---|---|---|
| All homes | 205 | $557,714 | 86 |
| Newly built homes | 18 | $653,799 | 132 |
| Homes with a pool | 53 | $601,683 | 83 |
| Multi-million dollar homes | 14 | $1,856,285 | 129 |
| Reduced price homes | 11 | $504,480 | 127 |
Source: [MLS/IDX], [MONTH YEAR]. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Both. Neighborhoods east of City Creek, including East Highlands Ranch, are in Redlands Unified. Areas west of City Creek are in San Bernardino City Unified. Always confirm by address.
Downtown Redlands is roughly 10 minutes south of most Highland neighborhoods, across the Santa Ana River.
Many families choose Highland for its parks, newer planned communities, and access to Redlands Unified schools on the east side.
Highland incorporated on November 24, 1987, after more than a century as a citrus-growing community.
I’m Leo Dominguez, host of Smart Moves with Leonard on YouTube and a REALTOR® with Len Group Redlands at Keller Williams. I’m a former marketing consultant and I teach at the University of Redlands, so I bring Inland Empire market knowledge and real marketing strategy to every move.
Let’s have a no-pressure conversation about your goals and build a plan that fits.
Len Group Redlands – Keller Williams Redlands | 1473 Ford St #200, Redlands, CA 92373 | 909-844-8024 | DRE #02167691
Lifestyle, schools, and pricing in the City of Beautiful Homes.
Downtown, Smiley Heights, South Redlands, the University District, and more.
Bigger lots and a small-town feel on Redlands’ eastern edge.
Chapman Heights, North Bench, and the Oak Glen foothills.
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